The Hairy Truth About Shedding

Why Is Your Dog Shedding So Much? (And When to Worry)

If you have a pet with shedding hair, you know the constant battle to keep it

under control. While managing shedding isn’t easy, there are effective ways to

minimize it. The first step is understanding why pets shed.

Why Do Pets Shed?

A pet’s hair grows in cycles, and shedding is a natural part of this process.

Hair begins in a growth phase, reaches maturity, enters a resting phase, and

eventually falls out to make way for new growth.

Some breeds shed more than others. Factors like temperature, sunlight

exposure, health, and genetics play a role. For instance, Siberian Huskies

have dense double coats designed for cold climates. When the weather

warms, their undercoats loosen and shed in a seasonal process often called

“blowing the coat.” Huskies shed heavily in spring and fall as they adapt to

temperature changes.

Indoor pets, however, experience less variation in light and temperature,

leading to consistent, year-round shedding. This can become a significant

challenge for pet owners.

Do Shedding Pets Trigger Allergies?

A common myth is that pet hair causes allergies. In reality, the primary

allergen is pet dander—dead skin cells that are constantly shed. Hair itself

isn’t a major allergen, but it can trap airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and

mold. Removing loose hair can significantly reduce these allergens and dander

in your environment.

Can’t I Just Cut All the Hair Off?

While trimming your pet’s hair might seem like a solution, it doesn’t stop

shedding. Shorter hair still sheds and will continue to fall out unless manually

removed through brushing or other de-shedding methods. Additionally,

excessively short cuts can sometimes result in improper hair regrowth.

Managing Shedding: What’s the Solution?

For pet owners dealing with shedding, removing the undercoat is often a messy and time-consuming task. While daily brushing helps, professional grooming can provide a more thorough solution. Groomers are trained in specialized techniques and use tools designed to remove more loose hair than regular brushing.

The Professional De-Shedding Process

1. Initial Brushing and Examination:

Groomers begin by thoroughly brushing your pet and assessing their coat and skin.

2. Bathing with Specialized Products:

Your pet is bathed with de-shedding shampoo and conditioner, which stimulate hair follicles and

loosen the undercoat.

3. Drying and Hair Removal:

After rinsing and towel drying, a high-velocity dryer is used to remove loose hair.

4. Final Touches:

Groomers use specialized tools to meticulously remove remaining detached hair without irritating your pet’s skin.

You may even be surprised by the amount of hair removed! However, because

hair grows and sheds in cycles, de-shedding isn’t a one-time fix. Your groomer

can recommend how often your pet should return for maintenance.

What Is Stress Shedding?

Have you ever noticed your pet shedding excessively at the vet or during car

rides? Stress, nervousness, and excitement can trigger shedding. While some

stress shedding might occur after a grooming session, it typically subsides

within 24 hours, leaving you with less hair around the house.

Tips for Managing Shedding at Home

1. Proper Nutrition:

A healthy coat starts with a nutritious diet. Feed your pet high-quality food and consider supplements or treats with essential fatty acids to reduce non-seasonal shedding.

2. Effective Tools:

Invest in grooming tools designed for your pet’s coat type. Your groomer can help you select the best options and teach you how to use them effectively.

3. Regular Brushing:

Make grooming a bonding experience. Your pet will enjoy the attention, and you’ll reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.

Your pet will enjoy the time you spend together and all the attention he

receives during your ‘at-home’ sessions. With our help, you will be able to

think less about shedding hair - and spend more time enjoying your pet.