Dog shedding is a huge concern for many people who are seriously considering adopting a new puppy. They do not want hair everywhere.
For those with shedding dogs you know you find dog hair on your clothes, in your food, on your plates, your floors and in your ice cubes. The list could go on and on. Most dogs naturally shed, however, for indoor dogs they will shed year round. This is due to the artificial temperature their body has been subjected to while inside and then they go outside to potty. Their body gets brief glimpses of temperature changes and so you have year round shedding.
For dogs who live outside all their lives they experience periods of almost no shedding and then blow their coat in between seasons. During the winter these dogs develop of very full dense coat, some with an undercoat. During the extreme winter these dogs will shed very little. After winter is over and the temperature inches up the thermometer slightly they will blow their coat and will have a tremendous amount of hair loss. Once their hair is gone the dog will have a summer coat which is much thinner. A dog will even look like he has lost some weight in the summer. During the hot summer months these outside dogs will shed very little.
For the majority of us who have inside dogs or those who share being outside during the day and inside at night will have year-round shedding problems.
The best way to deal with continual shedding is to groom your dog. Many dogs love to be groomed. It is like a free massage. Others have not become accustom to combing and are fearful.
For those dogs with undercoats I have found that an undercoat rake works the best for removing the loose hair. You only have to comb them once a week and shedding is virtually gone. This is a good bonding time with your dog and time for them to learn a little obedience while sitting patiently to get a free pet.
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Bindi Watts is a contributor to dog shedding issues
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