Mighty Pet’s Grooming Tips & How to Handle Seasonal Shedding
Some dogs shed a lot. Some dogs shed a little. And few dogs don’t shed at all. But no matter their coat, and how often it sheds, we love our pets.
Just like people need haircuts, all dogs need regular grooming. At Mighty Pet, we’ve got some pet care tips for keeping your dog’s coat well groomed all year-round.
Remember that shedding is a natural process, so don’t be alarmed or worried if you find those little clusters of pet fur on the carpet in the spring and summer months, as shedding is how your dog naturally removes old or damaged hair. Even heavy shedding can be normal depending on your breed, weather, and the time of year. Shedding is an important process that helps your dog keep their coat and skin healthy.
As the year goes by, you may notice your dog’s coat begins to change with the seasons. You’ll notice it starts to get thick in the autumn before the winter cold sets in. Then in spring, their coat might shed heavily, down to a summer coat that is suitable for the warmer months. This is your dog’s natural adaptation to the climate, which helps them to stay comfortable no matter the weather.
For some breeds with a thick double coat, dog shedding is a year-round affair. That means regular weekly or even daily care.
Heavy Shedding Dogs
Some dogs shed more than others. To give you some insight into the types of breeds that are going to be heavy shedders, we put together a list of some of the biggest offenders. The following breeds are known for their thick coats and heavy shedding:
- Akitas
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Boston Terriers
- Chow Chows
- Corgis
- German Shepherds (aka German Shedders)
- Labrador Retrievers
- Newfoundlands
- Siberian Huskies
If your pet pal is one of these breeds or has a bit of their DNA in their family tree, you’ve got your work cut out for you in the shedding department, but that is okay if you’re informed and have the right tools at hand when shedding season comes around!
The above dog breeds, among others, will require consistent brushing, grooming, and proper care to keep their coats healthy and clean. That being said, these fluffy friends are guaranteed to keep you warm in the winter, and cuddly and cozy all throughout the year!
Keep Shedding Under Control: Brush Your Dog Regularly!
Heavy shedding dog breeds require regular grooming to help keep their coats healthy and to reduce shedding. One of the best ways to keep a dog’s shedding under control is to brush them regularly.
Brushing a dog’s coat helps remove loose hair and dirt, prevents mats and tangles from forming, and distributes natural oils throughout the coat. Regular brushing also helps prevent hair from ending up all over your furniture and clothing. There are a variety of brushes and combs available for different coat types, including slicker brushes, de-shedding tools, and undercoat rakes.
Make Regular Bathing a Part of Your Dog’s Grooming Routine!
Another important aspect of grooming for heavy shedding dog breeds is bathing. While some dogs only need to be bathed a few times a year, dogs that shed heavily should be bathed more frequently to remove excess hair and dirt. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out their skin.
Dogs that shed heavily also require regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing to maintain their overall health and hygiene. Professional grooming services can help keep your dog’s coat and overall health in check, and many pet stores offer walk-in dog grooming services for a reasonable price.
Dogs That Don’t Shed
Not all dogs are heavy shedders. In fact, a few have hair more similar to humans, which produces less dander and falls out more like ours than shedding in clumps. These dogs make great options for those who have allergies or want to avoid dealing with excessive shedding. If you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t shed much, there are several breeds to choose from, such as Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzus.
While these breeds may not shed much, they still require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and mat-free. Other dog breeds that don’t shed their fur are as follows:
- Afghan Hound
- Chinese Crested
- Maltese
- Schnauzer
- Portuguese Water Dog
If your dog is one of these breeds, you don’t need to worry about keeping its coat brushed. But they’d still appreciate regular grooming to keep their coats clean and healthy.
One of the main benefits of owning a non-shedding dog is that they typically require less brushing and bathing. However, their coats still require regular trimming to prevent mats and tangles from forming. A professional groomer can help keep your non-shedding dog’s coat trimmed and neat.
In addition to regular grooming, non-shedding dogs also require regular dental care, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Keeping up with these tasks can help prevent dental disease, infections, and other health problems.
How to Groom a Dog at Home
Regular grooming is important for all dogs, regardless of their shedding or coat type.
Grooming your dog at home can be a great way to bond with them while keeping their coat and overall health in check.
Start with the Right Grooming Tools & Supplies!
To groom your dog at home, you will need a few basic supplies, including clippers, scissors, brushes, and combs. There are many dog grooming kits available that contain all of the necessary supplies.
No matter the cause of your dog’s shedding, you’re going to need a brush. A good brush is a dog groomer’s best friend. Regular brushing can help reduce the overall shedding by keeping dead and damaged hairs from building up over time.
Choose your brush to suit your dog’s specific type of coat. For long coats, use longer bristles, and for short-haired dogs, use a stiff brush. Wire pin brushes are great for dogs with wooly or curly coats that need to be entangled.
If your dog is prone to mats and tangles use a slick brush with more regularity. Rubby combs are great on dogs with short hair and can be used to massage their skin, and remove dander, dead skin, and old hair.
Brushing, Trimming, Bathing, and More!
Beyond selecting the proper brush for your dog, be sure to use sharp clippers and scissors to avoid hurting them in the grooming process. Start by brushing their coat thoroughly to remove any loose hair or dirt. Use clippers or scissors to trim any long or overgrown hair. Be sure to trim around their face, ears, paws, and tail.
After trimming, bathe your dog with a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Rinse thoroughly and towel dry. Be sure to brush their coat again after they are dry to remove any remaining loose hair.
If your dog is one of the heavier coat varieties, when they start shedding, it’s time to use a shedding tool. Shedding tools are like metal combs that are especially good at getting at the fine hairs of a dog’s undercoat. They make a great addition to your grooming kits, and regular application can help reduce the overall shedding mess.
Keep your dog well hydrated and fed a well-balanced diet, which will keep their coat healthy. Give them regular baths as well in order to keep their coat healthy and clean!
Mighty Pet is Your Pet Grooming Solution
Proper dog and pet grooming are essential for maintaining a healthy and happy pet. Whether you have a heavy shedding dog breed or a non-shedding dog breed, regular grooming is necessary to keep their coats and overall health in check. At-home grooming can be a great way to bond with your dog, but professional grooming services can also provide top-notch grooming for your dog’s specific needs.
If you’re looking for the best pet grooming services near you, stop by Mighty Pet in Menominee, Michigan, and speak to one of our pet professionals. Although we don’t offer dog grooming services on location, we can point you in the right direction to proper dog grooming tools we carry in our store! Mighty Pet carries a wide selection of dog grooming supplies, including clippers, brushes, and dog-specific shampoos and conditioners.
Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the best grooming tools for your dog’s specific coat type and grooming needs, as well as provide you professional input as to ways to effectively groom your dog from home! Additionally, if you’re looking to get your pooch fresh and clean, bring your four-legged friend into our self-serve pet wash!
If you’re wondering why your dog is shedding so much, there are several reasons why this may be happening, including stress, allergies, or underlying health conditions. It’s important to speak to your veterinarian if you notice excessive shedding or any other changes in your dog’s behavior or health. If this is a concern for you and your furry friend, our knowledgeable staff can lead you to find help from a licensed veterinarian or animal medical professional in the area.
Proper dog and pet grooming are essential for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding, prevent mats and tangles, and keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy. Whether you prefer at-home grooming or are looking to find professional-grade grooming tools and supplies, Mighty Pet is your one-stop-shop for all your dog grooming needs. We’ll see you soon at your local mom and pup store, Mighty Pet, in the M&M Plaza in Menominee!
