Why do dogs shed

Repeat this process a few times to get out all the hair and to distribute the natural oils from the skin all over the coat. Repeat a few times, especially when shedding is heavy. For dogs with longer coats — Especially for double-coated dogs — the ones with a downy undercoat beneath a harder outer coat, such as Pomeranians , Collies , and Pembroke Welsh Corgis : You need a tool that can reach down under that outer coat to grab the downy undercoat and pull out the dead hairs.

Slicker brushes are excellent tools for such dogs. When shedding really picks up, especially with the double-coated breeds, switch over to a coat rake or shedding tool.

They all work a little differently, but basically, you pull the tool along the coat in the direction of hair growth, then pull up and away. If you run across any tangles or mats, pick these out with a steel comb or use a mat splitter. If you think your dog may have a skin problem, talk to your veterinarian. The All Purpose Grooming Tool kit. AKC Privacy Policy.

Founded in , the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Controlling allergies and fleas will stop your pet from scratching at their skin.

Keeping their coat healthy should lessen their shedding,6 because dogs shed to get rid of dry, damaged and dead hair. The best way to keep your home dog hair-free is to have a regular cleaning routine in place. Daily vacuuming of the carpets and furniture will gather up any hair trapped in fabrics. As for your clothes, an old-fashioned lint roller does the job. For preventative measures, covering your furniture and car seats with some nice throws can be a good investment for keeping your home smelling and looking fresh.

If you or someone in your family has an allergy to dogs , the best way to control their symptoms and still be able to have a dog in your home is to make sure the dog sheds as little as possible. Allergies are a triggered immune response in the body, with symptoms including swollen or puffy eyes, sneezing, coughing and a runny nose. As well as choosing a dog that is less likely to shed, minimising dog to human contact , discouraging your dog from licking you, keeping your dog off the couch, having your dog spend time outside, and dusting and cleaning often are great ways to control allergies for sufferers.

Rosemary studied veterinary science at the University of Sydney after establishing her career as a clinical psychologist. In the long run, it will not make shedding occur any less. In rare cases, the hair in shaved areas will grow back abnormally or not at all.

The key to preventing excessive shedding is to keep up with it. Routine grooming is absolutely essential for all dogs. Brushing or combing your dog helps to remove dead hairs before they can fall on your carpet, bedding, and upholstery. It will also prevent those dead hairs from forming mats on your dog's coat that can eventually harm the skin.

Brushing also distributes the natural, healthy oils produced by the skin throughout the hair coat. Using the right grooming tools can make a great difference. For heavy shedders, a special shedding tool like the FURminator can work wonders. For some coat types, the dead hairs don't shed as much, but they cause the dog's coat to appear ragged and can eventually become matted.

Some owners prefer to take these dogs to a professional groomer periodically for coat care. For some coat types, hand-stripping is a technique that is often preferred over trimming the dog's hair. Shedding makes a mess, no doubt about it. As a dog owner, you have probably come to terms with the fact that regular house cleaning is the norm, especially during shedding season.

The key is to remove hair before it has a chance to embed itself into your carpet and upholstery. Keeping a pet hair tape roller around for touch-ups throughout the day is an excellent idea.

For deeper cleaning of upholstery and small areas, consider using a handheld vacuum designed to pick up pet hair , like the Dyson DC31 Animal. For non-carpeted floors, some excellent options include the Swiffer, the Fur-Be-Gone Broom , and similar style products. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance.