Shedding season can leave your home covered in fur. But with the right approach, you can keep it under control. Regular grooming not only reduces loose hair but also keeps your dog’s coat and skin healthy. However, the effects you achieve depend on whether the care was done professionally or at home.
Professional groomers use specialized tools and techniques to manage shedding more effectively than at-home care. In this article, we’ll overview everything you need to know about handling shedding season. So, let’s dive into it.
Importance of Handling Shedding Season Well
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- Reduces excess hair and allergens in your home, making it cleaner and more comfortable.
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- Promotes healthy skin and coat by preventing matting and distributing natural oils.
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- Helps monitor your dog’s health by allowing you to check for skin issues, parasites, or unusual lumps.
Reasons Why Dogs Shed
Before moving further into the article, let’s understand the top reasons why dogs shed.
Seasonal Changes
Dogs naturally adjust their coats to adapt to temperature changes. In spring, they shed their thick winter coats to stay cool in warmer weather, while in fall, they shed lighter summer coats to make way for a denser winter coat. This seasonal shedding is more noticeable in breeds with double coats.
Breed and Coat Type
It’s worth mentioning that besides seasonal changes, the shedding levels are also affected and vary by breed.
Dogs with double coats, like Huskies and German Shepherds, shed heavily year-round with peak shedding seasons. Short-haired breeds, like Beagles or Boxers, shed consistently but less noticeably. Some breeds, such as Poodles, have hair that grows continuously and sheds very little.
Health and Nutrition
A dog’s diet directly affects coat health. Poor nutrition, food allergies, or a lack of essential fatty acids can lead to excessive shedding. Stress, dehydration, or underlying health conditions can also weaken hair follicles, causing more hair loss than normal.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can lead to abnormal shedding patterns. Pregnancy, lactation, or heat cycles in female dogs can also cause increased shedding due to fluctuating hormone levels. Regular vet checkups can help monitor these changes.
Skin Conditions and Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites, and skin infections can irritate a dog’s skin, leading to excessive scratching and hair loss. Allergies to food, pollen, or environmental factors can also cause skin inflammation and shedding. Treating the underlying cause is essential to reducing shedding and maintaining coat health.
How Professional Dog Grooming Helps to deal with Shedding
As far as we are clear on the main reasons why dogs shed, let’s move on to understanding how professional dog grooming helps to deal with it.
Regular Brushing and Deshedding
Routine brushing is essential for managing shedding.
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- Removes loose hair before it sheds naturally, minimizing fur accumulation at home.
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- Stimulates natural oil production, which keeps the skin and coat healthy.
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- Prevents undercoat buildup in double-coated breeds, reducing excessive seasonal shedding.
Professional groomers ensure that each brushing session is done with the right technique for the dog’s coat type, making it more effective than at-home grooming. Learn more at Scoopy Doo’s Delray Beach.
Proper Bathing Techniques
Bathing plays a crucial role in reducing shedding by removing dirt, dead hair, and allergens from the coat. Here is how it benefits the dogs:
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- Loosens and removes dead fur, preventing it from shedding throughout the home.
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- Hydrates the skin to prevent dryness, which can lead to excessive hair loss.
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- Uses gentle, non-irritating formulas that support a healthy coat and minimize shedding triggers.
Groomers ensure proper experience for your dogs and tailor the experience to their needs.
Skin and Coat Health Assessment
Regular assessments allow groomers to identify any skin or coat health issues early on, which helps prevent long-term coat problems.
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- Identifies dry skin, redness, or irritation that may be causing hair loss.
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- Detects early signs of fleas, ticks, or infections that could trigger excessive shedding.
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- Helps ensure a balanced coat condition by recommending proper grooming routines.
High-Quality Tools
Professional groomers have access to specialized tools designed to manage shedding more effectively than standard brushes or combs. For instance, an expert leverages:
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- Uses de-shedding tools that reach deep into the undercoat, pulling out dead hair before it sheds.
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- High-velocity dryers blow out loose fur, preventing it from spreading around the home.
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- Specialized combs and slicker brushes prevent hair buildup and matting.
Preventing Mats and Tangles
Mats and tangles can trap loose hair, leading to more shedding and potential skin irritation. Groomers deal with this, too.
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- Removes trapped hair that contributes to excess shedding.
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- Prevents knots that can pull on the skin and cause discomfort.
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- Keeps the coat smooth and manageable, reducing overall hair loss.
Customized Grooming for Breed-Specific Needs
Different breeds require different grooming techniques to manage shedding effectively. For instance:
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- Double-coated breeds receive thorough shedding without damaging their undercoat.
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- Low-shedding breeds get coat maintenance to prevent dryness and breakage.
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- Tailored grooming routines ensure each dog gets the right care for their coat type.
Professional groomers understand these needs and adjust their approach accordingly.
Handle Shedding Season with Scoopy Doo
If you are looking for quality grooming services across Florida to professionally handle your dog’s coat, then you are in the right place. At Scoopy Doo, we offer a wide range of expert grooming services designed to elevate the appeal, comfort, and health of your dog.
We handle dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and even special conditions. Ensuring a cage and stress-free grooming experience for your dog by booking an appointment at Scoopy Doo’s.