Contributed by Angie Lewis, Alaska Animal Advocates
Why do dogs shed their fur? Most dogs shed their undercoats during spring or fall. This is referred to a seasonal shedding. When the weather is warmer, a dog needs less fur to be comfortable. Of course, the opposite is true when it is colder out. Dogs with double coats shed more. Another reason for shedding is stress. When a dog is stressed, he often sheds more than he would under normal circumstances. Skin issues or allergies can add to the amount of fur that is shed.
Typically, short-haired dogs shed year-round, while dogs like Huskies, shed twice a year.
Controlling your dog’s shedding will make life a bit more bearable. Provide a well-balanced diet, which will help minimize shedding. Brushing your dog is a very important aspect of grooming and lessening shedding. If daily brushing is not possible, at least once or twice a week. Of course, a dog groomer can help make sure that your dog is getting his grooming needs met.
No matter how diligent you are about grooming, you will still have to deal with fur around your house. Getting a good vacuum is very important in this battle against fur. Look into specialty vacuums for dealing with pet fur. Put blankets on your furniture to cover up couches and chairs. In a pinch, don’t forget lint rollers for your clothing and furniture. Air filters can help you deal with this overabundance of fur.
Bottom line is that your dog or cat, for that matter, comes with fur. No matter how much they shed, they are worth any extra work involved in dealing with fur.