Got Allergies: Tips For Living With Your Pets Seasonal Shedding

It is getting warmer, and so is your pooch. Soon enough, he will start shedding excess hair all across your home to prepare for the heat. You can clean and clean, but the hair will keep on coming. The frequency and amount of shedding will depend on the breed of your dog; but, there is one thing you can do to help reduce the shedding: groom your dog regularly.

If you are sensitive to dog hair, then you should consider getting a hypoallergenic dog. Hypoallergenic dogs are either light shedders or do not have much hair in the first place. The breed of your dog is a big determinant in how much he will shed. Shedding also differs between indoor and outdoor pets. Outdoor pets typically shed with the change in seasons, because of their outdoor exposure. Shedding is necessary for outdoor dogs. They need to be able to adapt to the changes in weather, and their coats are designed to for specific seasons. On the other hand, indoor pets can shed year round as their bodies react to the heat and air conditioner.

Grooming is the best way to deal with shedding. Even though you cannot control when and how much hair your dog sheds, you can help keep the hair out of your house. Brushing your dog everyday will trap the hair in the brush, instead of it falling loose on your couch. Brushing stimulates your pet’s skin, and can keep his coat shiny. Brushing also gives you a chance to check for fleas and ticks. If your dog is shedding excessively, then take him outside to brush him. Daily brushing is also a good way to bond with your pet. You can both sit down and relax after a long day. You are taking care of unwanted hair, while he is getting the attention he longs and deserves. Depending on the thickness and length of your dog’s coat, there is a variety of combs that you can use. Some combs are designed especially to get rid of excess hair. n
Another aspect of grooming – bathing - can also help get rid of extra hair. As a general rule, you should not bathe your pooch more than twice a month. Before you give him a bath, brush the tangles out of his hair. Adding water to his uncombed hair will only make the mats and tangles worse. After shampooing, make sure you rinse out all the suds. If soap is left in his fur, then it will irritate his skin and cause him to itch. As he scratches, more hair will fall loose and further skin irritation problems can develop. If your dog has bald spots in his coat, then check his skin. He may need to see the veterinarian.

Some health problems are identified by symptoms such as shedding. Sometimes a poor diet can cause your dog to loose his hair. If your dog is shedding excessively and there seems to be no end in sight, then schedule a visit to your veterinarian. n
At some point in time, you may have to accept the fact that your dog was born to shed. In this case, all you can do is groom him and clean up after him. There are vacuum cleaner extensions that are designed specifically to pick up pet hair. If your clothes are covered in hair, then purchase an inexpensive lint roller. Some people even collect the excess dog hair and make Cheingora. Cheingora is a yarn made from dog hair. The yarn is spun into a fabric to make a variety of items. Using this yarn to make a scarf or blanket is a humane way to use animal fur and a great way to remember your dog.

It’s spring, and that means time for your dog to shed. Dog shedding cannot be stopped, but it can be lessened. Grooming is the best way to get rid of extra hair. Daily brushing is a great way to bond with your pooch, while checking him for fleas and ticks. If you notice bald spots in your dog’s coat, or if he is shedding nonstop, then you should take him to the veterinarian. This may be a sign of a skin or health problem. When you clean up after your pet, you can keep the hair to make yarn. What a great way to take advantage of the seasonal shedding!