How to Deal with Dog Shedding

Shedding is a completely natural part of a dog’s life, and he can even shed more as the weather gets warmer. However, having your clothes, your couch and your bed covered in dog hair is less than ideal. There are steps that you can take to manage and minimize your dog’s shedding. Read on to learn how to deal with dog shedding so that you can put down the lint roller and vacuum and spend more time cuddling your furry friend.

Establish a Grooming Routine

The amount of grooming you do for your dog depends on the length of your dog’s coat:

• Shorthaired breeds – groom two to three times a week.
• Longhaired breeds – require daily grooming. If your dog’s coat requires complicated grooming, you may want to visit a professional groomer.

When establishing a grooming routine, it’s best that you plan out times when you can give your dog your full attention. Pick a spot that is convenient for you, has good lighting and is free of distraction. Prepare your grooming equipment before starting the session, and make sure all of your tools are within reach. As a general rule, make sure not to handle your dog immediately after he has eaten to avoid any discomfort.

Remember, not all dogs enjoy the grooming experience. Start slowly with short sessions, be patient and be careful when grooming sensitive areas of the body. Make sure to reward good behaviour with a treat and lots of praise.

Brushing

Regular brushing ensures that your dog’s coat is clean and it works to remove excess hair and dirt, which helps prevent matting and spreads natural oils throughout the coat. Use a brush with the correct bristle length – short for medium and shorthaired dogs and long for longhaired dogs. Another option for medium and longhaired breeds is a brush with fine bent-wire teeth that helps remove loose hair. For shorthaired breeds, a grooming mitt with short bristles on one side is a great option.

How to brush your dog properly:

1. Gently groom down his back and towards the tail. Be careful not to harm his eyes or ears.
2. Smooth your dog’s neck, brushing downwards.
3. If your dog has long hair on the back of his legs (feathering), comb it out.
4. Brush gently on the soft underbelly to remove any remaining loose hair.

Longhaired dogs, in particular, should be groomed daily. If they are not groomed daily, knots and tangles can be a serious issue. If you have any issues brushing out any knots, use your fingers to work your way through the knot and then brush the hair out. For stubborn mats, you may need to use a special mat-removing tool. If you find that no combing is working to get the mats out, they may need to be cut off. Gently pull the mat away from your dog’s body, and gently cut the hair between the mat and skin.

We hope that you’re now ready to deal with dog shedding. Remember, establishing a grooming routine is key to ensuring that your dog’s shedding is under control. Make sure to ease your way into a grooming routine and start in short sessions. Happy grooming!