It may not feel like it every day here in the Midwest, but Spring is approaching! That
means warmer weather, more sun, and more time outside. This is a great time to be a
dog parent, but it also means that our furry friends are getting ready to shed that winter
coat. So, with that being said, it’s time to get ahead of the game!
Why do dogs shed in spring?
Dogs will shed their fur all year round to get rid of old, dead hair and keep their coats
clean. However, in the springtime, days become longer, warmer and the sun is out
longer, which triggers our dog’s bodies to start getting rid of that thicker winter coat. Not
every dog will shed the same, but the result is loose fur that comes off with brushing
and playtime that can get all over your house. Plus, more walks come with the
springtime as weather improves, more movement, exposure to the elements and even
using a harness can cause hair to loosen and begin to shed even during normal activity-
Not just brushing!
How to help
Of course, an easy way to control the shed is with a good brush. Whether their hair is
short or long, curly or fluffy, daily brushing is a must for every dog. Not only will this
remove excess fur and keep your dog at a regular temperature during warmer times, it
also helps to prevent tangled and matted fur clumps. It’s best to have a long-tooth brush
such as a JW shedding comb or slicker brush. The long, thin teeth of the brush will help
penetrate deep into their fur and pull out shed, making for an easy brush. If your pup
becomes overstimulated easily or just wont put up with a brush for long, even a little bit
of de-shedding at a time is better than nothing! Reward your dog with treats and
playtime afterward to make brushing a positive experience and make sure to be gentle if
you notice any matting or tangled hair.
For dogs with shorter hair, a de-shedding loop may be best. It may look more intense,
but the loop is great at getting hair out of short hair coats because of its shape! Short
hair dogs generally don’t have as dense a coat, and so a slicker brush won’t have the
same grip on their fur as it otherwise would. With more surface area, the de-shedding
loop pulls out fur more effectively on these breeds- Just make sure to brush with a
normal pin brush afterwards as a finish!
Couple brushing with skin-healthy food options like salmon or other fish will help keep
our pet’s skin and coat healthy! A healthy skin and coat means less overall shed,
meaning less work for us and a happier dog. Of course, if your dog is shedding in
patches or you notice any redness and inflammation, make sure to take your pup to the
vet.
Finally, a trip to one of our groomers can do wonders! Groomers will know just how to
keep a dog clean and happy, while also providing a nail trim and making sure no
matting or other unhealthy fur patterns are present. Each dog is unique, and seeing a
groomer can give insight into your dog’s coat that might not be possible otherwise as
they are able to spend quality time with each animal!
What does it all mean?
While shed fur may seem like a constant uphill battle, it becomes much easier if we
keep up with diligently grooming our pets! Not only does this help keep our house clean,
but it’s a great way to show our pets how much we care. Grooming is a natural behavior
in many species, strengthening the bond that many species have with each other and is
just one of the many ways we can show our dogs affection! That and special treats from
your friends at Raw Rations, of course.
