Many dog breeds have heavy shedding patterns such as the Pyrenees, Siberian Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers. On the flip side, there are dog breeds that are close to having no shedding at all such as Pinschers, Terriers, and Poodles. Regardless, all dogs have some degree of shedding. Some dog breed’s shedding is a lot more routine and noticeable than others. As a dog owner, how do you manage this and ensure that their coat maintains its overall health? Our experts in South Jersey dog boarding provide some tips to help out with the upcoming shedding season in early spring.
Shedding Patterns
For dog breeds that do shed, they shed in a regular or irregular pattern. Dog breeds that tend to have thinner coats shed in a regular pattern, usually. A dog may have a thicker coat as the cold weather comes that will shed and thin out once the warm weather comes about. This pattern allows you to notice and prepare for when heavy shedding will occur. Other dog breeds that shed may have thick coats and naturally shed year-round. No matter the shedding pattern, it is important to brush and groom your dogs regularly.
The Right Brush For Your Dog
Alongside professional grooming, it is important to brush out your dog’s coat. Your dog’s coat dictates how often you brush, what brush to use, and how to use the brush. For dog breeds that have shorter coats, you should utilize a natural bristle brush or a bristled glove. You want to brush the coat in the opposite direction of hair growth to pull out dead hair. You repeat this a few times, then brush in the direction of hair growth to remove it. You want to repeat this process a few times during heavy shedding periods to remove excess dead hair and spread natural oils throughout the coat. For dog breeds with longer coats, you need a brush that is slicker and designed to get deep into the dog’s coat to pull out the dead hair. You want to use this tool outside of heavy shedding periods. For heavy shedding periods, you want to use a coat rake or shedding tool. You want to use these tools carefully because some shedding tools have blades. If you come across intense tangles or matting, you want to utilize a mat splitter or steel comb to un-matt your dog.
As always, be mindful of your dog and what is natural for them. As mentioned, certain dog breeds have different shedding habits. If your dog has a noticeable change in their shedding habits or volume, it is a good idea to have them checked out by a licensed veterinarian. Hormonal issues and skin diseases can cause excess shedding, so it is important to know your breed’s natural characteristics from the symptoms of a medical problem.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding grooming your dog, reach out to Halo House Animal Resort at 856-694-0980!