We know most of us love absolutely everything about our pets, but if finding dog hair woven into every piece of clothing and furniture is a problem, you're not alone! Shedding is a big issue for parents of dogs with fur – otherwise known as “fur Babies!”
WHAT CAUSES DOG SHEDDING?
Breed
Each breed or breed mix has a different coat. Dogs with hair, such as poodles, maltese or any dog mixed with a non shedding dog, will only lose hair as often as a typical human, while dogs with fur whether short, long, dence or medium will shed their undercoat to varying degrees.
Shedding dog breeds
- Siberian Husky
- Rottweiler
- Corgi
- Sheepdog
- Pyrenese
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Border Collie
- Pomeranian
- Beagle
- German Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bulldog
- French Bulldogs
- Saint Bernard
Mother Nature
The change in temperature and humidity can make a big difference in your dog’s shedding. It’s nature's way of keeping your pup cool in the summer and warm in the winter, with your dog shedding more in the warmer months. The upward trend of most dogs spending their time indoors with us as opposed to living outdoors, has increased the shedding cycle to become more of a year round event.
Should you give your dog a summer cut?
Your know that cute “summer cut” most of us give our furry friends every summer thinking we are helping them stay cool by removing most of their coat? Vet, Cindy Bressler, says you may actually be doing more harm then good by exposing your dog to sunburn.
Diet
Fillers like corn and grain can be difficult for your dog to digest causing problems internally, that can lead to excessive fur loss. Make sure to give those fur-babies a balanced diet of lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and no starchy foods. Make sure that the water bowl is always filled with fresh clean agua, to prevent dehydration-related shedding.
TIP: Adding a quality supplement can help reduce shedding in dogs. We are huge fans of Brutus Broth, the best bone broth for dogs.
Feelings
Dogs have feelings too! The overall emotional health of your dog can also be a trigger for additional shedding. If your pup is high-stressed or there’s been a change in their environment (moving, death in the family, etc.), a little extra love and supplements Brutus Broth can get him back into a normal groove and keep his coat shiny and healthy.
Hormones
Just like humans have hormonal imbalances that can cause you to lose a little more hair at different times, so can dogs. A hormonal imbalance in dogs can cause shedding. Your Vet can help you determine if your dog is producing too little or too much of something. Usually, medication can help to stabilize hormones.
Skin Problems
Skin conditions such as parasites, infections and dermatitis can cause excessive shedding in dogs. Call your vet if fur loss is spotty or patchy, or the skin is bumpy, red or tender. This can be a sign of a bigger issue. Always keep an eye out for excessive licking and/or scratching.
HEALTHCARE
Finding the Right Pet Insurance
Do not wait for something to happen to your dog before you get pet insurance!! Trust me, as it happened to me. My adorable 2 year old doodle was hit by a car (she’s fine) but $10,000 later of uncovered medical bills taught me a very important lesson.
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Ask your vet (see below on finding the right vet)
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Ask for personal recommendations
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Google! Feels obvious these days but there are good and bad ways to use it. Look for reviews from sources you trust. We like this round up from Forbes
Two of our personal favorite pet insurance companies are on the list:
Pride+Groom Tips for Choosing The Right Veterinarian For Your Pet:
- Ask for personal recommendations
- Find a veterinarian with an expertise in treating dogs or cats
- Look for licensed personnel
- Inquire about their approach to pets and medicine. ...
- Consider the cost and location
- Both you and your pet should be comfortable with your choice
- Look for a clean facility
- Always make sure your Vet is qualified and informed with the latest research
If you happen to live in New York, check out Small Door Vet with their multiple locations, experienced Vets and amazing customer service.
How to Bath your Shedding Dog
Step 1. Brush
Be sure to brush you pup thoroughly before the bath, removing as much hair as you can before you get them wet.
We created the perfect two-sided brush, The Only Brush for shedding dogs (because it’s the ONLY BRUSH you will ever need). If we do say so ourselves.
With natural boar bristles on one side and steel pins on the other, THE ONLY BRUSH brush covers all the bases. The pins remove mats and tangles, loosen dirt and brush away loose hair, while the boar bristles smooth follicles, release natural oils and increase circulation.
You can also step up your home groom game. THE BATH BRUSH is here and it's good and ready to release debris and undercoat in and out of the bath, stimulate and release natural skin oils, and detangle.
2. Shampoo
Just as there are specific human shampoos that target dandruff, oily hair, dry hair curly hair and any other ailment under the sun, the same SHOULD be true for dogs!
We created PRIDE+GROOM, THE SHEDDER SHAMPOO, the best shampoo for shedding dogs that have fur as opposed to hair. The ultra-hydrating formula helps to reduce the shed of both dander and fur by moisturizing and nourishing the fur and skin beneath without the use of harsh ingredients. With a unique blend of essential oil sourced from around the world, you will have more to love but less to vacuum.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Jojoba Seed Oil: Reduces Shedding
Vitamin E: Restores health & Luster to coat
Niaouli Oil: Soothes itchy & dry skin
Coconut Oil: Minimizes odor & reduces allergic reactions
Avocado Oil: Hydrates fur & Hair
Flax Seed Oil: Naturally rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
FREE OF: parabens, sulphates, silicones, toxins, dyes, gluten
"Best Dog Shampoo I Have Ever Used! We have had retrievers for 20 years and have gone through our share of shampoo!! This is my all time favorite. It has a light, glorious fragrance (rosemary, eucalyptus?) that is just the right amount- smells very clean. I like the nozzle so much- one handed application and great control. And the best thing of all is I like to give a fast bath and this shampoo does not build up in the dogs coat. It rinses out fast. It’s the best I have used. I will try the conditioner next- but for now I am really happy with the shampoo. I highly recommend it!!” - Reba
3. Dry
After bathing your dog, towel dry with the super absorbent TOWEL from Pride+Groom. Our dog towel is a handsome, thick, super absorbent microfiber towel cleverly designed with pockets on either end so you can pop your hands in and get your squeaky clean pup warm and dry asap while giving him a well deserved massage.
Follow with a blow dry, using warm (NOT HOT) air. We love Harry Josh hair dryer. As your dog’s coat becomes drier, you can use The ONLY BRUSH to help remove the loose fur.. Be sure to brush from the skin outward to get the most fur you can. Keep it up until your dog is no longer damp.
HOW TO CONTROL SHEDDING BETWEEN BATHS
Once again …Brushing!
Several brushing sessions a week will keep the average dog neat and clean and the bonding time is an added bonus! Start brushing your puppy early to get them used to and even love the experience. Brush all the way down to the skin, to help stimulate blood circulation and loosen and remove flakes of dander.
“I was using a slicker brush on my mini schnauzer. He seems to tolerate this brush much better. A good quality brush that feels good in your hand”. -Jennifer
WHO ARE WE?
The very first beauty brand…For dogs:
Pride + Groom is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep, so we want to make sure THE SHEDDERs in your life give you everything you need without the extra vacuuming.
Easy one-handed wash
Our cone-shaped tip, allows you to wash with one hand while massaging and soothing (and bonding) with your dog with the other. The flow-control cap ensures the formula penetrates deep into coat + skin, helping release the undercoat and reduce shedding! Plus, no waste! Our cap makes sure each bottle is good to the last drop.
Waterless Shampoo
Does your dog or cat think that bath time is a midevil torture technique? Most of the time we have no time, and hot water alone can induce itchiness after a bath. If you have a stinky dog but are short for time or a guilt trip, waterless pet shampoo is a great option. THE MANE TAME Waterless shampoo for dogs and cats is a quick way to extend the life of a groom or freshen up a coat that’s been around the block a few times too many. Flax Seed Oil, Aloe, Niaouli, Coconut and Jojoba also treat and condition your pet (who wouldn’t hear of getting in a bath!)
How to use: Dispense Waterless Foaming Dog Shampoo generously into palm and work through coat. Brush coat with THE ONE AND ONLY brush to remove dander and loose hair. ENJOY a stress free groom!
Bottom Line
Shedding dogs shed. There is no way to stop the shedding completely but if you follow everything we said above, you can make sure your fur baby is healthy, happy and shed is reduced to as little as possible.
"This shampoo and conditioner are awesome! We have a rescue dog that has some German Shepard. And she SHEDS! I brushed her and then washed and shampooed her the other day. I can't believe how soft she is and how she isn't shedding as much. I would have hair all over the house and now it is minimal. It smells good and goes on well. I highly recommend this for your dog!"
- Judy
More questions? Please ask as we have answers!
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
PRIDE+GROOM was born because 4 New York City dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed. They looked (hard) but nothing was up to snuff. Or sniff. Like so many, we love our families and take pride in our homes, and we consider our pets to be integral parts of those entities. That said, we could not find an effective way to coif them that was on par with the way we tended to our children, our homes, or ourselves. These beloved pets are allowed on the furniture and in our beds, and yet even when fresh from the groomer, we knew they did not smell or feel as good as they could.
With the development of our coat-specific shampoos, conditioner and deodorizing spray, we think we found just the way to say thanks for being the best and the sweetest MVP of the house.
PRIDE+GROOM is the first dog grooming brand launched under a beauty platform, with formulas made in a clean beauty and scent lab. We know beauty is not only skin deep. We did a ton of research to create the entire line. Each product is formulated with its own unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world.
IN DOG WE TRUST
Shop our entire line: www.prideandgroom.com
