How to Cure & Control Your Dog's Shedding

How to Cure & Control Your Dog's Shedding Written by Johan Malasasia 1 of 12

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Cure Your Dog's Shedding Introduction: About Your Dog's Skin The skin is the largest organ of the dog's body and a frequent source of problems. The job of the skin is to protect the inner organs and tissues from invasions by foreign substances, changing temperature and dehydration. The skin also works to synthesize essential vitamins for the rest of the body and performs the indispensable job of processing information about the external world through sensation. Normal canine skin is smooth and flexible. Colors range from pale pink to brown to bluish black. Spotted skin is normal in any dog, even those whose coats are uniform in color. Lumps, bumps, scabs, scales, patches of hair loss or parasites shouldn't be visible anywhere on a healthy dog's body. Dogs have seasonal shedding cycles, which don't always behave according to strict schedule. There are so many different kinds of canine hair that it's difficult to draw a typical picture. Obviously the hair of a Miniature Schnauzer shouldn't grow in like that of a Golden Retriever! Perhaps it's best to concentrate on what hair shouldn't 3 of 12

be. It shouldn't break or pull out easily, or seem excessively dry or oily. In a smooth-coated dog, the coat should not appear dull or weak. Any sudden or significant change in the hair's appearance should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. Is it Actually Possible to Stop / Prevent a Dog From Shedding? Dog shedding is a real problem in my home. Having a black dog and a light furred dog, I experience a seasonal shedding problem that, for alternate weeks, sees my carpet covered in light dog hairs and then dark dog hairs. Further, my clothing gets the full brunt of this shedding problem. I go out and notice hairs sticking to shirts, jackets even the seats and footwells of my car. The dogs get brushed regularly with a supposedly non shedding dog brush, but it has little effect. So what is the solution to the perennial problem of how to stop a dog shedding? In all likelihood, stopping a dog from shedding its fur as the seasons change is probably best tackled from a management point of view rather than from the assumption that shedding can be completely stopped, particularly in long haired dog breeds. Stop a dog shedding - low shedding dog breed. However, a shedding dog really can cause untold extra work around the home so let s examine some of the tips to reduce the volume of fur shed as well as some management tips on dealing with shed fur on furniture, clothes etc. 4 of 12

13 Ways To Keep Yourself Free Of Dog Shedding Misery Do you arrive at the office looking like you rolled over with your dog? Do your dinner guests politely pick dog hair from their food before eating it? Nothing says I have a dog more than hair clinging to our clothing, hair wafting through the air in our homes, or hair burrowing into the butter. Frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to cut down on hair buildup, but if you don t always have time to drag out the vacuum cleaner, try some of these quick and dirty suggestions for cleaning up the piles of pet hair. 1. To sweep up loose dog hair from hardwood or vinyl floors, use a dampened mop. 2. Wall-to-wall carpeting holds down the hair more than hard-wood or vinyl floors, so adding a carpet to a room may help keep dog hair from wafting through your house. 3. To pick up loose dog hair that is attached to upholstered furniture, wear a dampened rubber glove or use a damp sponge. 4. Use a sticky roller to lift dog hair from fabrics and upholstery. Washable sticky rollers enable you to recycle instead of dispose of the product. 5. Purchase a washable Furniture Magnet Pet Hair Remover to help you wipe off the dog hair from clothing, furniture, or pillows. Place it under your furniture cushions for easy access. 6. To pick up dog hair from your carpet, use a window squeegee. 7. Choose furniture made from smooth fabrics such as leather, faux 5 of 12

leather, or other fabric to which loose hair won t stick as readily. 8. Place a washable towel or blanket over your dog s favorite sleeping spot to keep hair from clinging to cushions. 9. Use washable window coverings if your dog likes to watch the world go by from the floor in front of a picture window or patio doors. 10. Draperies made of smooth fabrics won t attract as much hair as heavy textured ones, so if you re in the market for some new window furnishings, purchase ones that are less likely to become filled with your dog s hair. 11. Keep a lint brush near your favorite easy chair. Then, after your dog sits on your lap, you can roll off the hair before you get up. 12. Use a feather duster or device to clean between slats of miniblinds to remove deposited hair. 13. Change the furnace and air conditioner filters more often during shedding season to prevent blockage. What About Non Shedding Dog Breeds? The following breeds of dogs are often referred to as hypoallergenic dog breeds. Sadly, the hypoallergenic dog is a myth. However, these breeds are certainly more compatible for people who want a dog that sheds less than, say, an Old English Sheepdog. * Irish Water Spaniel 6 of 12

* Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier * Bedlington Terrier. For those looking for a low shedding dog breed that is larger than these breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel may be the dog for you. These dogs have very short, almost human-like hair that will shed less and therefore doesn t leave as many allergens around the home (allergies tend to come from the skin cells, so the less hair shed, the less an dog allergy sufferer will be exposed but don t assume ANY breed is completely free of allergy.) The coats of these dogs must be maintained through grooming every few months. The Irish Water Spaniel is a friendly dog that likes to exercise and swim during the warmer months of the year. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is available in four varieties, the Traditional Irish, Heavy Irish, English, and American. The main difference is the size of the dog. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a short coat that does not shed much during the day. The dogs will need to be groomed as often as other shorthaired breeds in order to prevent clumping or rashes on their skin. The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is characterised as being friendly and will always welcome strangers. They enjoy getting their exercise and want to be around people as much as possible. These dogs should not be kept in an apartment. Having a backyard is a must as this dog loves to run and bark. Bedlington Terriers are smaller than the Irish Water Spaniel and Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, but they have short coats which need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangling. They will also need to be groomed every three or four months in order to maintain a healthy coat. These dogs are energetic and enjoy exercise. For those who are interested in low shedding dog breeds 7 of 12

and who live in apartment buildings or smaller homes, this dog is perfect. A Question About Dog Shedding Question: My dog is shedding too much hair, it s a problem. What can I do? I have always taken great pains with the care and grooming of my Siberian Husky, making sure that he is immaculate at all times. But when I brushed him today though, I got two full buckets of hair. I know dogs are supposed to shed, but never have I seen anything like this. He actually looks bald! Can you tell me why? Answer: As they say in life, you can overdo any good thing. If you keep him immaculate at all times then I would assume that his diet is also the very best, probably supplemented with vitamins and minerals that his system really doesn t need. This happens all too often. Owners who have nothing but good intentions run out and try to do everything possible to make sure their dogs and puppies are in good health. They buy all of the supplements, they attempt dog training from every angle possible, and they just plain go overboard on care often mentally or emotionally debilitating the animal is some way. But I digress about the shedding issue, these types of haircoat problems can usually be traced to one of the following three causes: 1) Parasites 2) Dietary deficiencies 8 of 12

3) Hormonal imbalances Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose which of these three things may be causing your dog s problem. Schedule an appointment immediately and be sure to write a detailed list of all supplements and food intake that your dog has had over the last several months. The importance of diet in relation to shedding problems in dogs can t be overstated. In fact, ensuring your dog is being fed the correct diet has a bearing on everything from their weight, general health and vitality and even the way they behave. Conclusion: Can I Stop a Dog Shedding? No, it s not possible to totally stop a dog shedding. But you can certainly take action steps to reduce shedding in dogs, to manage the shed hairs around the home and on clothing and, if you are looking to acquire a dog, you can certainly choose low shedding dog breeds rather than pick a dog that is likely to shed significant amounts of hair even if you take all of the above action steps. Bonus Chapter: Brushes & Combs: What Is The Best Type Of Grooming Brush To Use On Your Dog? There are specific brushes and combs to use on dogs, all based according to what you need to accomplish. It's not too different than when people need a round brush for curling with a blow dryer versus a natural bristle brush for normal dry brushing, etc. If you do not plan on showing your dog then there is no need to get lost in too many details on the perfect brush. For example you might use: a pin brush or slicker brush for the same purpose or - a curry comb instead of a hound glove. 9 of 12

To better help you make the best choice as to what brush or comb you need to get your dog properly groomed and looking nice, below is a quick-starter guide on all types of brushes and what hair type is best to use them with. All you have to do is choose the right tools that match the individual breed type and hair texture of your dog. Bristle Brush This brush has soft and gentle bristles, and are usually made of allnatural material. It is a lot like natural bristled brushes that are sold for people. They result in less electricity in your dog's hair, whereas nylon will let the static electricity build up within the coat. These brushes distribute natural oil though the hair and smooth out the hair. They are an all purpose type of brush, perfect for any dog, especially the long-haired types. Slicker Brush This brush is made up of teeth type bristles that can be very harsh, but they are very close together and are essential for some dog's coats. The brush readily removes all dead hair from the fur and can remove mats when used properly. These brushes are best for curly haired dogs and long-haired dogs. Conversely, this is great for a dog that sheds a lot in the house as you can remove lots of hair with the very little effort. Curry Brush Rubber Types This is usually an oval-type of brush. It simply puts a polish on the dog's coat and gets rid of dead hair which will result in far less shedding. At the same time, it does not harm the skin since it has rounded rubber type bristles. This brush is perfect for sensitive skin 10 of 12

and smooth-coated dog breeds. Pin Brush These brushes are best used on really long and fine-haired breeds, or heavy-coated dogs that have double coats. The purpose of the brush is to remove tangles in the long-haired dog and with wiry coats that are tough, as it helps to give them a good brush out before stripping the hair by hand. Combs: Fine, Medium & Wide-Toothed Dogs with silky, soft hair or with fine-to-medium texture needs a fine-to-medium comb. The comb will remove the final remains of tangles and can often help remove flea dirt as well as the fleas themselves. You should use a wide-toothed comb on a coat that is dense and very thick. The purpose is the same - to finally remove all the tangles. Coat Rake, Mat Comb, or Mat splitter When you are dealing with mats and tangles use a spray detangler along with one of these tools. This is best used on curly and longcoated dogs. Hound Glove As the name suggests, this is a glove that you slip on and use the side covered with natural bristles to brush your dog. Smooth-coated dogs benefit from this as it helps to remove dead hair in an efficient manner, while adding a shine to the coat. 11 of 12

VALUABLE RESOURCES: So, now you've read what you need to do to have a happy, obedient, well behaved companion. Here are some of our most highly recommended suppliers who can enhance and make the experience even easier for you: Dog grooming equipment from Amazon 12 of 12