How to manage dog shedding
We all love our furry four-legged friends but one of the biggest nuisances faced by pet owners is unwanted hair in their homes. Dogs naturally lose old or damaged hair by shedding. Although shedding is a normal process for dogs, the amount and frequency of hair that is shed often depends upon their health and breed type.
What makes a dog shed excessively?
Animals shed to get rid of old, damaged or extra hair. Animals grow a heavy coat in the winter to help insulate themselves and then shed the extra hair in the summer. What seems like excessive shedding can be normal for some dogs, but it can also be the result of stress, poor nutrition or medical problems. Your veterinarian can best determine if there is an underlying problem related to your dog’s hair loss or whether it is just part of the normal shedding process.
You can also find the best ways to take care of your dog and other related topics on your dog’s health at our one-on-one dog obedience training sessions.
Control the shedding
While you cannot stop a healthy dog from normal shedding, you can reduce the amount of hair in your home by brushing your dog regularly. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and will shed in higher quantities, but virtually all dogs and cats will shed hair. Your veterinarian or groomer should be able to recommend a specific type of brush or comb that will work best for your dog’s hair type. Here are some tips on keeping your furry friend’s skin and hair healthy:
- Shaving is not a good idea:
Your dog’s coat works not only to keep her warm in cold weather, but also to protect her from the effects of too much sun. it is best to keep your dog in her natural coat, if it is maintained in good condition.
- Brush your pet:
Regular, weekly brushing is the best thing you can do to keep your pet’s coat softer, cleaner and less likely to shed.
- Feed the right pet food:
Quality pet-food manufacturers work hard to include the right number of nutrients so that supplements are not needed. However, pets with allergies and/or sensitivities may still need to experiment with different brands and formulations to discover which food works best for them. An animal’s coat also protects against sunburn and skin cancer. Dogs with thin coats, or white or light-colored coats are especially vulnerable to sun damage.
- Cover your furniture and car seats:
Removing pet hair from furniture or car seats can be a tedious task. If you allow pets on your furniture or bed, invest in a few furniture throws. These will keep your furniture looking (and smelling) better and make your home more inviting to guests. Car seat covers are also an excellent investment. If the couch is a no-no for your pet, we highly recommended obedience training via our Obedience Training Chicago courses.
Dog grooming for the health and happiness of your best friend:
How do you tell your best friend that they’re starting to look a little scruffy? Our expert dog groomers present dog grooming 101, a plan to get you and your ‘scruffy’ friend on the right track.
Dog grooming for the health and happiness of your best friend:- Monthly – Bathing:
Bathing your furry friend regularly will help remove dirt and dandruff and keep them smelling pleasant
- Every three months – ‘Haircut’:
Get those scissors out when your dog’s hair gets too long or has lost its shape.
Contact us to find out more about dog grooming in Chicago today.
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