As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brighter, many dog owners may notice their furry friends shedding more than usual. Shedding can be a frustrating and messy problem, but it's a natural process for dogs to maintain a healthy coat. In this article, we'll explore why dogs shed more in the summer, how to manage summer shedding, and tips for keeping your home clean.
Dogs shed their fur as part of their natural hair growth cycle. The shedding cycle includes three phases: the anagen phase, the catagen phase, and the telogen phase. During the anagen phase, new hair growth begins. The catagen phase is a transitional period, and during the telogen phase, hair growth stops, and the hair follicle sheds the old hair to make way for new growth.
Sunlight and temperature play a significant role in a dog's shedding cycle. As the days get longer and the temperatures rise in the summer, dogs receive more sunlight. This increase in sunlight triggers the telogen phase of the hair growth cycle, causing more shedding.
Breed-specific shedding patterns also play a role in summer shedding. Breeds with double coats, such as Huskies and Golden Retrievers, shed more in the summer as their thick undercoat helps regulate their body temperature. Breeds with hair, like Poodles and Shih Tzus, shed less and may require more grooming to maintain their coats.
While shedding is a natural process, there are things you can do to manage summer shedding and keep your dog's coat healthy.
1. Grooming tips to reduce shedding:
Regular grooming is key to managing shedding. Brushing your dog's coat once or twice a week helps remove loose hair and prevents it from accumulating on your furniture and floors. Use a slicker brush for dogs with short coats and an undercoat rake for dogs with longer coats. A rubber brush or grooming mitt can also help remove loose hair and massage your dog's skin.
2. Tips for maintaining a healthy coat:
Maintaining a healthy coat can help reduce shedding. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet rich in essential fatty acids can help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements can also help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin and coat.
Regular baths with a gentle shampoo can help remove dirt and excess hair from your dog's coat. However, over-bathing can strip the natural oils from your dog's skin and coat, leading to dryness and more shedding. Check out this article on how often to bathe your dog in the summer for more information.
3. Understanding when excessive shedding may indicate a health issue:
Excessive shedding can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. If you notice sudden or excessive shedding, it's essential to visit your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns. Some health issues that can cause excessive shedding include allergies, hormonal imbalances, and skin infections.
Pro tip: If you dog is eating less in the summer, it may not be a health related issue. The reason why dogs may eat less in summer is that the heat can affect their digestion and appetite.
Even with regular grooming, shedding can still leave your home covered in fur. Here are some tips to keep your home clean:
1. Vacuuming and sweeping techniques:
Invest in a high-quality vacuum cleaner designed to pick up pet hair. Vacuum your carpets, rugs, and furniture regularly to remove loose hair. Use a rubber broom or a dust mop to sweep hardwood or tile floors, which can help pick up fur and dust.
2. Choosing the right cleaning products:
Choose cleaning products specifically designed for pet hair and stains. Look for enzymatic cleaners that break down pet odors and stains, and avoid products with harsh chemicals that can irritate your dog's skin.
3. Setting up designated shedding areas:
Setting up designated shedding areas can help contain the mess. Your shedding station should be equipped with a brush and grooming tool, to regularly remove loose hair from your dog's coat. This can help reduce the amount of hair that ends up all over your home. Additionally, consider keeping a lint roller or sticky tape handy to quickly pick up any stray hairs from furniture and clothing. With a little bit of preparation and attention to your dog's shedding habits, you can keep your home clean and comfortable for both you and your furry friend.
Shedding is a natural process for dogs to maintain a healthy coat. The shedding cycle has three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Sunlight and temperature play a role in a dog's shedding cycle. Dogs shed more in the summer due to the increase in sunlight, triggering the telogen phase. Regular grooming, feeding a high-quality diet, and bathing can help maintain a healthy coat and reduce shedding. Excessive shedding can indicate health issues. Vacuuming, using pet-specific cleaning products, and setting up designated shedding areas can help keep your home clean.