Your new reusable lint roller is already close to breaking because you’re using it so much. Between the fur on every surface and filling the vacuum every other day, it’s hard to not be concerned of what the real hot summer weather will bring for you and your dog. This is especially true if it’s your first year with a big shedder and you haven’t gone through the cycles of a season with them just yet.
Don’t feel bad if you have a dog that’s a big shedder because all dogs shed (unless your pup is hairless, of course). Some shed more than others, but all dogs do because it’s perfectly normal. And sometimes it’s much needed since it helps our pets regulate their temperature.
Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean we don’t want to find effective ways to manage it. First, you’ll want to know the type of dog you have and their coat type.
For example, the Akita dog breed is known to be a big shedder. With their medium length, double coat it’s no surprise that they should be brushed weekly. While brushing more frequently will certainly help, it should be expected that two times a year you might find clumps of their hair everywhere in the house.
Here are some notable breeds that are some big shedders:
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- Akitas
- American Eskimo Dogs
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Chow Chows
- Dobermans
- German Shepards
- Golden Retrievers
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…and the list continues on and on.
Also, are you surprised Dobermans were on the list? As stated in the Pure Wow list of dogs that shed the most, though Dobermans have a single coat and short hair, they are apparently known to shed a lot because of their size and surface area of hair.
Even for dogs that have a shorter coat, but are on the larger side they can shed more than you’d have expected or experienced before with a small pet.
So now that you’ve determined that you have a big shedder, here are a few ways to at least make life easier for you and your pup.
Don’t Worry But Be Mindful
Once you know what to expect from your pet and how they shed especially during different times of the year, you’ll know what is and isn’t normal fur loss. If suddenly they’re losing hair at a rate and excess that’s abnormal, you’ll want to reach out to your veterinarian.
Find a Brush You Love
Having a brush that you and your pet love and enjoy using is imperative especially if you’ll be brushing them more frequently.
Messy Mutts Silicone Grooming Glove
$14.99
Combine petting, deshedding, and maybe even some tv watching with this Messy Mutts Silicone Grooming Glove.
$10.99
Another tried and true option we have is the KONG Dog Zoom Groom. Catchy, right?
Just like you’ll be catching all those shedding hairs before they make a home on your couch.
Don’t Shave Off Their Fur
While it can be tempting to throw your fur covered hands up and say “enough!” while you pull out the clippers, we actually recommend not taking such a drastic approach unless it’s to treat severely matted hair.
When your pup has the wrong cut, no one is really happy, but especially them because our furry friends won’t be able to regulate their temperature and could even develop a sunburn.
Book the Brush & Go at ONYVA
Regular grooming is a way to keep your pet healthy and avoid matting. Before the summer season or any other time you’ve noticed your pet shedding a lot, feel free to bring them in to us for an enjoyable brushing with designer dry shampoo. Our Brush & Go is designed for weekly or bi-weekly maintenance for your furry friend and you can add services such as:
- Dental Cleaning
- Ear Cleaning/Plucking
- Face Trim
- Nail Trim/Grinding
- Sanitary Trim
Remember, unless your dog is naturally hairless, all dogs shed. It’s a fun quirk of our furry friends and the more we learn about them and understand how to take care of their coat, the easier and better things will be.