How to survive seasonal Shedding
As Fall approaches, people think about the great weather that’s coming (I myself can’t wait to get past this heat) and the colorful leaves. However, if you have a pet, all you can think of is the fur that’s about to take over your life!
When is shedding season?
As you may know, pets with short and long hair can shed year-round. Nevertheless, there are certain times during the year when they shed a lot more than usual. For cats and dogs this period is during spring and fall. Pets that spend more time outdoors experience seasonal shedding even more than indoor pets. Due to more exposure to artificial lights, indoor pets tend to shed the same amount throughout the year.
Why do pets shed?
In Fall, pets shed their coat so they can grow new, thicker hair that helps them stay warm in winter. Similarly, in the spring, they shed all the extra hair in order to stay cool.
Which breeds shed the most?
For dogs, it’s usually the double coated breeds that shed more seasonally as they get rid of their heavy undercoat. Huskies, German Shepherds, Akitas, Corgis all fall within this category and shed in clumps when its time.
Cat breeds that are doubled coated like the Russian Blue, Siberian, American bobtail and Ragdoll also shed more seasonally.
How to deal with shedding?
Brushing is the most obvious and most effective way to deal with shedding. Depending on your pet you might have to groom them a couple times a day or a couple times a week. Regular brushing will reduce buildup of loose hairs. Furthermore, even if your pet is not a shedder it’s still important to brush them to distribute their natural oils. Try to make brushing fun by starting young, making it routine, and rewarding your pet during and afterwards.
Another major reason for shedding is food quality. Providing your pet with high quality ingredients will guarantee them healthier skin and coat which will reduce any additional shedding. So, be sure to always check the ingredients in order to feed your pets healthy food and treats. As a rule of thumb, if there are many ingredients that you can’t understand, try to stay away from it!
To stay on top of things, you might want to vacuum more regularly (robotic vacuums are a great help), put covers on your furniture where your pet sits and sweep more often during these seasons.
When to be concerned?
While seasonal shedding is normal, occasionally your pet’s shedding may be indicative of an underlying issue like allergies, hypothyroidism or congenital problems. If you notice any skin problems, abnormal shedding (e.g. in patches) or if your pet seems sensitive to touch please contact your vet for a consultation.
Even though shedding season can be a bit troublesome, it is definitely worth the love and joy we receive from our pets on a daily basis. So, push through it, make some fluff monsters and it’ll be over before you know it!