Understanding Why Dogs Shed: Causes and Solutions

Why Do Dogs Shed So Much Hair? How to Properly Manage Dog Fur? Today, let's delve into the issue of why dogs shed and how to handle it effectively.

Why Do Dogs Shed Their Fur?

Dog shedding is a completely normal physiological process. It serves to stimulate the growth of new fur, helping the dog develop hair that is more suitable for the current season, ensuring they stay "warm in winter and cool in summer"!

Natural shedding is influenced by factors such as diet, health, season, temperature, stress, and sunlight exposure. Pet owners need not worry too much about this. However, there are also abnormal causes, such as skin diseases and malnutrition, which can lead to hair loss. In such cases, the dog's skin may become red and swollen, or patches of fur may fall out. If you notice this, it's time to seek help from a professional veterinarian!

Dog Fur Management Tips

Since dog shedding is inevitable, it's essential for pet owners to learn some practical tips for managing fur. After all, no one wants their living space to be overtaken by "dog hair"!

Wet your hands under running water, shake off any excess water, and then gently swipe your hands over clothes or sofas. The dog fur will easily stick to your hands.

Remove the moisture from used tea leaves, leaving them slightly damp. Sprinkle a handful on the floor while sweeping, and the dog fur will wrap around the tea leaves, making it easy to clean up.

Dust滚粘 is a convenient tool for removing fur. Available at most supermarkets and online, it can be pressed onto clothing with fur, flipped to a clean side when full, and used to quickly and easily remove pet hair from bedding and sofas.

Scientific Ways to Reduce Dog Fur

Regular Brushing

Regular brushing removes excess and loose fur, redistributing the skin's natural oils throughout the coat. Moreover, it can prevent fur from flying everywhere before it's manageable. During the seasonal shedding periods of spring and autumn, it's advisable to increase the frequency of brushing.

According to the different types of dog fur, different professional brushes are required:

Bristle brushes are suitable for shorthaired, smoothskinned breeds like terriers, pugs, and bulldogs.

Wire brushes are ideal for many curly or medium to longhaired breeds, such as poodles, teddy bears.

Rake combs are perfect for longhaired and thickcoated breeds like sheepdogs, golden retrievers, and Tibetan Mastiffs.

Regular Bathing

Many stubborn dandruff deep within the hair can't be removed by brushing alone. Regular bathing is the only way to ensure these dandruff particles end up in the drain instead of on furniture. For dogs with long hair, it's recommended to dry them with a towel first and then use a lowheat hairdryer to keep the fur dry after bathing – this is also important for skin health.

Of course, it's wellknown that overbathing can lead to sensitive and dry skin in dogs. Therefore, it's essential to create a scientific and reasonable bathing plan tailored to each pet's specific needs.