How to live with dog hairs everywhere
It’s Tuesday night and you’ve got friends coming over for dinner. The 9-5 has been long and you’ve missed your precious pup – who, incidentally, had free rein of the house all day while you were out.
You get home half an hour before your guests are set to arrive, only to find that the dog hairs have taken over. Gahhhhhhh!
The only thing we can tell you in this moment of crisis is that you are not alone.
Fact: There are dogs that shed.
Fiction: There’s nothing you can do about it.
So, why do dog hairs shed?
There are a whole bunch of reasons to shedding dogs and why they leave their fur everywhere. Whether caused simply by the climate or by something a little more sinister, we’ve got the details on why.
Changing of the seasons
Your pup’s skin is protected from the elements by their dog hair. Just like humans, theirs is always growing, breaking and shedding. And when the seasons change, your pup’s anatomy does too, allowing them to shed their undercoat for summer.
Breed
Shedding isn’t necessarily more common in long-haired dogs than short-haired ones. In fact, it’s your dog’s breed that affects the amount they shed, not the length of their hair. The most common shedding dog breeds are:
- Labradors
- Beagles
- Alaskan Huskies
- Malamutes
- German Shepherds
- Welsh Corgis
Stress or anxiety
Dogs experience stress and anxiety in the same way that we do. Whether it’s a change in environment, a traumatic experience or an overwhelming feeling of boredom or loneliness, you can expect to see more dog hairs around your home if your pooch is stressin’.
Skin disorders or parasites
If your pup is shedding more than usual and you’ve ruled out the previous three possibilities, it’s likely that they may have parasites or a skin disorder. This could come in the form of fleas, ticks, ringworm, dermatitis or a fungal infection.
Anything of this variety will require treatment and, more often than not, a necessary trip to the vet.
How to prevent dog shedding
Get your dog brush at the ready
Dog shedding is important as it allows healthy hair to grow in place of the old stuff. But brushing your pal regularly will help to reduce dog shedding considerably. When you brush your dog’s hair (outside – do it outside!), you’ll get rid of the dead hair sitting in their coat.
Bathing your pup is just as important as brushing them as it helps to keep their skin healthy and clean. A dog with healthy skin is much less likely to shed!
If you’re grooming regime is lacking and you leave your pups fur to shed on it’s own terms, it’ll simply wait for another moment to strike, either clumping on the sofa, the carpet, the bed, your clothes or wherever else stray dog hairs end up!
What are you feeding your pup?
It’s all about food. Humans and dogs are the same when it comes to diet – without the right nutrients, we get sick! Including omega-3 oils, fatty acids and protein in their meals will help to condition their skin and prevent dog shedding.
It’s really important to research the kind of diet that best suits your pooch, as well as the brands that you’re using. Some will claim to have the best dog food for shedding, but that may not always be true.
Engage your investigative skills and ensure that you’re doing right by your pup. They’ll thank you for it!
When all else fails
Non-shedding dogs
If you’re looking to adopt your first dog – or to get another one whose hair doesn’t attach itself to your every belonging – look no further than non-shedding dogs. A simple Google search will bring up a list of breeds known to shed less than others, such as:
- Poodles
- Bichon Frises
- Dachshunds
- Irish Terriers
Keep in mind that no matter the breed, all dogs shed. ‘Non-shedding dogs’ could also just mean ‘dogs that shed less’. As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to accept your furry pal as they are; excessive dog hairs and all!
Vacuum
This one really is a no-brainer; but for those of you in need of a little reminder, vacuuming is the best way to keep your house free from flyaway dog hairs! It may feel like a bit of a chore, but you’ll be grateful for it, come that Tuesday night dinner with friends.
And besides, cleaning up after your dog comes with the territory of owning one – better get used to it!
Don’t have time for excess dog hairs? Book your pup in for a groom and we’ll brush your furry pal for you!
