Depending on your dog’s breed, they might shed seasonally or all year round. Labrador retrievers, with their shaggy coats, shed big clumps of fur, whereas poodles, with one coat, don’t shed in the traditional sense. Wherever your furry friend falls on the spectrum, these tips, along with the help of your dog groomer, will help you manage shedding and keep your pup comfortable. 

What Can You Do About Shedding?

1. Get the Right Brush

Brushing your dog daily will not only prevent painful matting, but it also removes hairs that would otherwise shed onto furniture and throughout your home.

Choose a brush based on your dog’s coat type. A bristle brush works for a range of coats, but for coarser hair, you’ll want stiffer bristles. For long hair, opt for longer, wider-spaced bristles. For curly and wooly coats, a wire-pin brush is best. If your dog sheds a lot, you might also purchase a shedding tool that is designed specifically to catch tufts. 

2. Schedule Regular Grooming

Each dog has its own grooming needs. For example, the short-haired dogs might only require occasional grooming, but a short-haired, double-coated dog needs grooming at least four times a year to remove its dead undercoat. A double-coated long-haired dog has long fur on most parts of its body that will require trimming to avoid painful matting.

A dog groomer can recommend the right grooming schedule for your dog. These professionals also know when it’s time to trim your dog’s coat to stave off seasonal heat and prevent further shedding before it starts.

3. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Keeping your dog hydrated will also reduce shedding. Dehydration leads to dry skin, which is more prone to shedding. As a general rule of thumb, dogs should consume an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day to stay happy and healthy.

Additionally, excessive shedding might be a sign of a food allergy, and that it’s time to try new pet food.

Manage your dog’s shedding with help from Golden Heart Boarding & Grooming in North Pole, AK. These compassionate dog groomers offer haircuts, shampoos, and nail trimmings. In addition to grooming services, they offer doggy day care and boarding facilities; for however long your dog stays with them, they’ll make them feel at home. To keep your pooch pampered, call (907) 488-6866 and learn more about what grooming services are available online.