Minimize the Shedding: Essential Springtime Dog-grooming Tips

by Helen Adler

Pets | Dogs: Minimize the Shedding: Essential Springtime Dog-grooming Tips

Spring is a time for new growth -- and that includes your dog's coat. Out with the old, fuzzy undercoats and in with the new, sleek fur. Although most dogs shed all year, shedding tends to be heaviest in spring. To avoid drifts of feathery fur piling up in the corners of your home, it's best to take a proactive approach and stay on top of it with a few basic dog-grooming tips.

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to grooming. The types of dogs that come to me as a groomer are mostly small companion dogs -- known more as lap dogs -- that have coats that continually grow and need constant trimming. I also see dogs with double undercoats (e.g., Spitzes or Huskies), which often shed just too much hair for the average owner to deal with. Many owners shave these dog breeds at the start of spring. But the larger, active breeds with short coats need much less care and can be done by you at home.

Dog Grooming Tips: Start With Cleanliness

It's best to start your dog off with a good shampoo at the start of shedding season to help eliminate debris and flaked skin that built up over the winter. Use shampoos that are meant for dogs only; human shampoos are overly perfumed and can cause dryness. As you shampoo, examine your dog for any problems. Here are a few things to look for:

- If the coat looks dry, a gentle dog conditioner is appropriate.

- Use oatmeal shampoo for dry skin.

- Check paws for cracks and use paw ointment if necessary.

- Check ears for cleanliness and signs of mites.

And two important general dog cleanliness measures:

- Launder dog beds and blankets.

- Soak leashes and harnesses in gentle soap and hot water.

Dog Grooming Tips: Follow up With a Good Brush

The next step is brushing your dog's coat, which you should aim to do once a week during peak shedding season. Different brushes work best on different types of fur:

Boar bristle brush:

Good for all fur types; helps circulate the oil in the coat.

Shedding blade:

Excellent for pulling out the feathery undercoat.

Slicker brush:

Best for mats and tangles in long-haired breeds.

Rubber curry brush:

Made for short-haired breeds and is good for undercoats; stimulates circulation in dog's skin.

Wire pin brush:

Used for dogs with longer coats (e.g., Golden Retrievers) or dogs with thick, several-layer coats (e.g., Sheepdogs and Collies).

When brushing, take your time and be gentle, especially when removing mats or tangles. Brush against the grain of the coat to pull out the undercoat, and with the grain to smooth out the overcoat.

Also remember that your dog's nutrition plays an important role in maintaining your dog's healthy coat. Talk to your vet to ensure your dog is getting a well-balanced diet with enough fur-fortifying omega-3 fatty acids.

While some of these dog-grooming tips might seem like a chore, your dog will love all of the one-on-one attention, making it a wonderful bonding experience for both of you.

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Pets | Dogs: Minimize the Shedding: Essential Springtime Dog-grooming Tips