Fall Dog Grooming – Dealing With Shedding
All dogs, regardless of breed, shed to some degree. However, the amount of hair that they leave around your home can be decreased through routine dog grooming, use of fatty acid supplements and frequent vacuuming. Keep in mind that dogs typically shed most during the spring and the fall.
Routine grooming
Brushing your dog regularly reduces the amount of hair that drops off their coat. A professional groomer can help you determine which grooming tools are best for your pet. Metal combs and slicker brushes tend to be effective for most breeds. Regular baths can also help to get rid of loose and dead hairs.
Supplements
Fatty acid supplements can be excellent for your dog’s coat. Omega-3 and omega-6 supplements are believed to encourage coat growth and reduce shedding. If your dog does not consume enough of these fatty acids through their diet, their skin can become dry and shed larger amounts of hair. If you would like to reduce shedding and keep your pet’s hair glossy and soft, speak to your veterinarian about how much of these supplements your dog should have.
Keeping your home clean
Frequent vacuuming can dramatically reduce the amount of stray hairs throughout your home. You will want to get rid of hair on your upholstery before it is able to work its way into the fabric where it will be much harder to remove. If you wish to keep your furniture free of hair, consider using furniture throws which are easily cleaned.
Excessive shedding
Even though shedding is normal and healthy, excessive shedding can indicate a health problem. If your dog’s shedding seems particularly bad, take them to their veterinarian for a checkup. Excessive shedding can be a sign of fungal infections, bacterial infections, ringworm, dermatitis, mites and mange.
Claws N Paws Day Spa can help with fall shedding. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment, please contact us at 714-962-1005.