How can I control my dog’s shedding?

The answer to this question depends on what type of dog you have. Some dogs such as Huskies or Malamutes are seasonal shedders, although there is some continual shedding throughout the seasons. These coats are the most difficult to keep up with and twice a year the fur will come out in huge clumps. During that shedding period you must comb with a heavy-duty shedding comb daily. Dogs with short coats such as dachshunds or greyhounds do shed, but it is not so bothersome, as it is very short fur. However, these dogs do need to wear coats in colder weather, as they have not been bred to tolerate our cold winters. Medium-haired dogs such as the lab or the Golden Retriever, which has additional feathering around the legs, tail and face, would do well to be brushed every few days.

Many dogs, such as Cocker Spaniels and Schnauzers, need professional grooming. If they are groomed and cut short on a regular basis, the shedding and tangling can be minimized. Many groomers will even use a powerful air tool to get the undercoat thinned in some dogs such as Shepherds.

Remember, even dogs that do not shed, such as Poodles or Bichons, still need to be groomed. Brushing a dog distributes the oil throughout the dog’s coat, leaving it shiny and healthy-looking. Along with brushing and bathing your dog, frequent vacuuming, using lint brushes, and placing dog throw rugs where they are needed become part of the normal routine of most dog-owning households.