If you can’t stand pet hair in unwanted places, don’t get a dog. All dogs that have hair shed.
No matter how much you groom your canine friend, residual hairs will get away. The hair will cling to the furniture, the drapes, your clothing, your friends’ clothing and everything else that you don’t want it to. That’s rule number one of dog ownership.
However, there is good news. Proper grooming techniques will rid your dog of a lot of loose hair. That means the flower pattern on your sofa will remain bright and colorful instead of becoming fur-covered.
The breed of dog has a lot to do with how much hair a dog will shed. Some breeds shed more than others. Research the breed before you buy it!
The climate you live in affects how much your dog sheds. In climates with seasonal changes, most dogs will shed their hair twice a year. They shed excess hair to get ready for warmer spring and summer temperatures. They shed again in the fall as they grow their winter coat.
There are a few things you can do to get ready for shedding season. First, buy a good vacuum cleaner that is designed to remove pet hair. You will be using it!
Arm yourself with a good brush that you can use to remove loose hair while stimulating the dog’s skin. This will help to enhance the shine of the coat. There are several types of brushes, but a wire brush works well as long as the dog does not have overly sensitive skin. Use the brush frequently during shedding season. Longhaired dogs benefit from a daily brushing. Frequent brushing means less hair flying around the house.
Undercoat rakes are good tools for dog with long hair. They are designed to remove loose hair from the dog’s shedding undercoat. Gently rake through the dog’s coat starting at the head and working towards the tail.
Longhaired dogs such as collies can benefit from a shedding tool, which resembles a rake. Raking the serrated edges of the tool over the dog’s coat will remove excess hair from the surface of the dog’s coat. Rake in the direction the fur grows.
Dogs that have sensitive skin and those that have short hair may be happier if you use a brush with soft nylon bristles. Soft brushes are good for removing surface hair, but they do not benefit the skin and coat. You may get away with brushing shorthaired dogs once a week.
Shorthaired dogs can benefit from a currycomb that has rounded nubs, which massage the skin while removing unwanted hair. When using a currycomb, rub in a circular motion.
When brushing out tangles and mats, start at the surface of the hair and gently work deeper as you go. Use the same technique you would use on your own hair. You don’t want to hurt the dog that will remember that grooming is not a fun thing to participate in.
Bathing can help loosen hair, so don’t overlook the obvious when your dog begins to shed. Use a good shampoo that includes lanolin or aloe to help restore moisture to the dog’s skin and coat. Buy shampoos that are designed for dogs. Do not use those made for humans.
Related posts:
- Getting Your Dog Ready For Spring
- Different Brushes to Use for Different Coats
- Keep Your Dog Safe During Hunting Season
- Hypoallergenic Puppy Breeds and Information
- Hair Loss – Common Causes and Solutions
