Dogs shed. There aren’t many absolute certainties in life, but this is one of them. Our canine companions get rid of old or damaged hair by shedding; it’s a normal process, but the amount and frequency of hair shed can vary according to the dog’s breed and health, as well as the season. The good news is you can minimise the amount of hair clogging your home.

Hairy puppy dog in rice field

Breed

Here’s a fun fact: so-called “hypoallergenic” dogs are a myth. According to a study published in The American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, there’s no such thing as breed that’s guaranteed not to spark a reaction in people with dog-hair allergies.

Researchers aren’t sure how this story came about, but suspect it grew from the mistaken belief that low-shedding dogs are less likely to aggravate allergies.

There certainly are breeds that shed less fur than others, but while these dogs are great news for owners who prefer not to wear a dog hair coat with all their outfits, they’re unlikely to do much for people who tend to sneeze in the presence of dogs.

Low-shedding dog breeds include poodles, schnauzers, whippets, and smooth- and wire-coated dachshunds.

Grooming

If you have your heart set on a breed that does shed, such as the Alaskan malamute or the Siberian husky, you’re not necessarily doomed to a life of lint rollers and never wearing black.

Besides breed, the next best way to reduce the amount of shed hair in your home is by grooming your dog regularly. This means a thorough brush daily or weekly (depending on the coat type) with an appropriate brush or comb, and bathing every two to four weeks using pet-specific products. Your dog’s veterinarian or groomer will be able to advise you on the best regimen and tools, and Petbarn stocks a wide range of de-shedding tools.

How much is too much?

Often what seems like an awful lot of hair is in fact perfectly normal, but sometimes dogs do shed excessively. This can be the result of stress, poor nutrition, parasites, fungal or bacterial infection, allergies or autoimmune disease.

Seek veterinary advice if your dog is shedding lots of hair and also has open sores, bald spots, very dry fur, or signs of skin irritation including redness, scabs or rashes. You should also see your vet if your canine companion is constantly scratching, rubbing his face or licking his feet. Hair loss could also be to do with diet. Consult your vet about super premium food.

Petbarn dog grooming

Petbarn dog grooming