Do you find yourself vacuuming up even more pet hair during the fall and spring?
You're not alone. Here's what you need to know about your pet's shedding.
Seasonal shedding is a natural process prompted by changes in sunlight.
As the days grow shorter in the fall, pets lose their summer coats and begin
growing thicker, warmer ones for winter. In the spring, shorter, sunnier
days signal it's time to shed their cold weather dos for summer.
IT'S A CAT THING, TOO
Seasonal shedding isn't just for dogs. Indoor and outdoor
cats who spend time in natural sunlight are just as
likely to shed as their canine counterparts.
If you find your dog or cat losing more hair than usual during the fall or
spring, try these seasonal tips on how to control pet shedding.
Regular brushing is one of the most effective
ways to loosen a shedding coat. Different
brushing and deshedding tools can help remove
dead hair to make room for your pet's new
coat, and it's important to select the proper
tools based on your dog or cat's coat length.
For medium-haired pets and long-
haired pets, pin brushes work best.
Rubber brushes, undercoat rakes and
shedding blades are ideal for short-
haired pets. All breeds can benefit from
slicker brushes and deshedding tools.
Washing your pet massages hair follicles that
are ready to begin shedding, releasing dead
hair and encouraging healthy growth. Try using
a deshedding shampoo and conditioner to
strengthen your pet's coat and hydrate dry skin.
Tired of bathing them at home? Stop by
your neighborhood store for a self-wash
or book bath time with a pro and add
a special shed control treatment.
While some shedding will always occur,
increasing the nutrients in your pet's diet
can minimize it by boosting skin and coat
health. Both dogs and cats can benefit
from fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids,
which support a shiny, moisturized coat.
Hydrators like goat milk and bone
broth can also help by adding essential
moisture to your pet's bowl. And for most
pets, vitamins and supplements can
greatly improve their overall health.
Managing seasonal shedding can require a little extra TLC but following these
tips can help make the process easier (and less furr) for everyone.
