Have you noticed your house getting a little furrier in the last few weeks? All this warm weather and the lengthening days is triggering your pets to start shedding their winter coats. Fear not, there are some things you can do to fight the fur and hopefully salvage your clothes, furniture and sanity.
Shedding is normal. First understand that all pets shed, even those labeled "non shedding" breeds. The only pets that do not shed are hairless pets. The reason some pets have earned the title "non shedding' is due to the fact that their fur has a longer growth cycle which means they usually have to be trimmed or groomed before the hair dies and is ready to fall out. Check out our previous post "Are you ready for some shedding?" to explain coat growth cycles. If your pet is shedding abnormally, like large clumps or excessive shedding for extended periods of time, it may be a sign of ill health. Schedule a visit to your veterinarian to eliminate any underlying health issues.
Regular Brushing. Start a regular routine, both at home and professionally. Regular brushing not only promotes healthy skin and coat, it also is a bonding time for your and your pet. Plus hair you brush out, contain, and throw away is easier to control than hair that randomly falls out all over your house. Don't waste your energy, use the correct tools to maximize your grooming sessions. If you are not sure what brush to use on your pet, stop in the salon we are happy to direct you towards the best brushes for your pet's coat type.
Bathing. When you bathe your pets be sure to use a little elbow grease. Wet hair is much easier to pick up and will cut down on your brushing time. Use a rubber scrub brush while shampooing and conditioning this will remove a lot of dead hair also cutting down on drying time. Our deshedding package includes ReFurbish, a special conditioner that helps remove dead undercoat while also moisturizing the skin and coat. Be sure to use pet shampoo as human shampoo does not have the correct pH level and can dry their coats out. Dry coats are dull, frazzled, brittle and can break off which is just more shedding in your home.
High Quality Diet. This step is of the utmost importance. Imagine what your skin, hair and nails would look like if all you ate was candy, McDonalds, and cereal. The pet food industry is not regulated, so you have to be diligent in knowing what is in your pet's food. Often times it is their only source of nutrition, so best to make sure it is a good one...no, a great one. Not sure of where to start? Check out www.whole-dog-journal.com or www.dogfoodscoop.com for trustworthy advice on pet food ingredients, quality, and suggestions. Adding a fatty acid supplement may also help your pet, but always research and talk with your vet to determine what is the best option for your pet. Feeding a good quality food will cut down if not eliminate itching from food related allergies. Itching produces a lot of loose hair, so stopping itching is twofold.
Lastly, during the spring which is notoriously the worst shedding season, you can place covers on your upholstery which is like a magnet for dead hair. If you have multiple pets, buying those sticky rollers will save you a lot of frustration. In the end, dealing with fur is a part of owning pets. These tips are just some ways to make pet ownership a little easier and more enjoyable. If you really can't stand the fur, well, there are a lot of cute hairless dogs out there just itching for fur free home.
