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Shedding is a normal and
beneficial process in the life of a dog. It is through
shedding that your dog replaces his winter coat when the
days grow longer in the spring. Months later, he’ll go
through another major shedding period to replace his
cooler summer coat in the fall. Some breeds shed more
than others, but virtually all dogs shed. Although the
volume of shedding peaks in the spring and fall, it
takes place to a lesser degree at other times of the
year as well.
Most pet owners accept
normal levels of shedding as part of the “price to pay”
for having a specific breed of dog. Typically, it’s the
excessive shedding that results from broken/damaged hair
or irritated/dry skin that causes concern. If an animal
is shedding excessively, you should take the dog to a
veterinarian to eliminate any underlying medical cause.
Brush your pet daily to keep the coat healthy and remove
dead skin and hair. In most cases a slicker brush and
grooming mitt will do the job fine when it comes to
brushing, but different breeds may require different
brushes. (Consult the Brush
Guide)
Before you start a daily
brushing routine, remove built up extra hair by using a
shedding blade on your pets. Shedding blades should also
be used on heavy shedding dogs. Regular baths with an
anti-shedding shampoo are another way to reduce excess
shedding. Diet can also play a role in controlling the
amount of hair a dog sheds. A dog that is fed a high
quality food is less likely to have broken or damaged
hair. Consider giving your pet a fatty acid supplement,
since this contributes to a healthier coat.
Peak
shedding periods are stimulated by changes in lighting,
not temperature, that take place in the spring and fall.
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