For Pomeranian puppies, it can take nearly two years to grow the adult coat. Some breeds are naturally heavy shedders. Breeds such as Siberian Huskies and Akitas that have thick double coats to protect them from cold temperatures are heavy shedders. In the spring, these double-coated breeds take shedding to an entirely different level. To prepare for the summer, they blow their coat—a process that sheds the soft undercoat.
Some dog breeds are bred to be light shedders. Fortunately, you can reduce the shedding to make it more manageable. Brushing gets rid of the dead and damaged hair that was going to come out anyway. This hair will accumulate in the brush and on the floor near your dog, making clean up quick and easy. Heavy shedders should be brushed at least a few times a week, if not daily.
Monthly brushings are usually sufficient for light shedders. Your veterinarian or grooming professional can advise you on how often you should brush your dog. Make sure to pick the right brush for the job. For example, a bristle brush works well for coarse coats, while a pin brush is ideal for long and silky coats. Brushing gloves are also available. Like brushing, bathing gets rid of dead or damaged hair and collects it in one place.
Oatmeal shampoos are a great dog shampoo for shedding because they help to maintain a healthy and shiny coat. Ask your veterinarian about how often you should bathe your dog.
Some dogs can get by with a monthly bath, while others need a bath every 1 to 2 weeks. Fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are part of that healthy diet. For instance, Dinovite daily whole food supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids from ground flax seed, vitamin E, and a highly digestible form of zinc to support skin and coat health.
Coconut oil is another dietary remedy for reducing dog shedding. Your veterinarian can advise you on how much to add. Before starting your dog on supplements, speak with your veterinarian to determine if it would benefit your dog. Knowing how much your dog is drinking can be tricky, but if your dog is shedding more than usual, you may want to keep an eye on the water bowl.
The general rule is that a dog should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. This means that a ten-pound dog needs a little over a cup of clean water.
Dehydrated skin is a major cause of hair loss and can increase the amount of loose fur you have to clean up around your home. Bathing your dog not only cleans his coat, but also helps to remove dead hair. Some medical conditions can cause excess shedding. Parasites, fungal infections, stress or sunburn are some of the more common problems that will cause your dog to have excessive hair loss. Hormonal issues due to a thyroid imbalance can lead to inflamed skin and brittle hair.
If your dog suffers from skin allergies, his chronic skin inflammation can result in itchiness. The more your dog scratches, the more hair will be pulled from his coat! Take your pup for a full checkup if he is exhibiting exceptional hair loss or is losing hair in patches. Grooming your dog at home not only helps to keep his coat healthy, but also gives you and your pup an opportunity to bond. Choosing a Brush for your Dog Choosing the right brush can help in your grooming process, especially if your dog sheds frequently.
For dogs with shorter coats think Beagles , Pugs , or German Shorthaired Pointers : You can do a fine job of loosening dead hair and setting it free with a natural-bristle brush or even a hound mitt or glove with bristles on the palm.
First brush the coat in the opposite direction of hair growth, to pull dead hair out, then brush in the direction of hair growth to remove it. Repeat this process a few times to get out all the hair and to distribute the natural oils from the skin all over the coat. Repeat a few times, especially when shedding is heavy. For dogs with longer coats — Especially for double-coated dogs — the ones with a downy undercoat beneath a harder outer coat, such as Pomeranians , Collies , and Pembroke Welsh Corgis : You need a tool that can reach down under that outer coat to grab the downy undercoat and pull out the dead hairs.
Slicker brushes are excellent tools for such dogs. When shedding really picks up, especially with the double-coated breeds, switch over to a coat rake or shedding tool. They all work a little differently, but basically, you pull the tool along the coat in the direction of hair growth, then pull up and away. If you run across any tangles or mats, pick these out with a steel comb or use a mat splitter.
If you think your dog may have a skin problem, talk to your veterinarian.
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