Why Do Dogs Shed, Anyway?

There’s no way around it, shedding stinks – whether you’re sick of encountering fur all over the house, or are allergic to dog dander, reducing shedding is a big priority for many dog owners.

Understanding why dogs shed can help you feel better about the daily struggle with dog fur.

Shedding is a completely normal occurrence for almost all dogs. Dogs shed for a number of reasons and regular grooming and bath times are the key to cut down on the amount of fur on your clothes and in your home.

Dogs Shed To Grow New Fur or hair.

Just like humans, dogs have hair that is continuously growing especially long hair dogs. Shedding is the normal turnover of hair, allowing old or damaged hair to be replaced with new healthy strands which keeps your dog’s coat in tip top condition.

Dogs Shed When Seasons Change.

Shedding is especially evident during the changing of seasons. The transition from a winter to summer coat is usually the time of heaviest fur loss for dogs, so don’t fret when your long haired, double-coated dog loses giant clumps of fur come springtime.

Some Breeds Shed More Than Others.

While all dogs shed to some degree, there is a significant difference between the amount of fur loss between breeds. Some breeds, like Poodles and Poodle-mixes, are known for shedding very little. Heavy coated breeds, like Huskies, will shed so much that you’ll be surprised that your dog has any fur left.

Since understanding the cause of shedding won’t reduce the amount of hair your long hair dog sheds, it’s important to remember that grooming can make a world of difference. Try brushing your dog outside to reduce the amount of hair in your home. Also pet vacuums are designed to pick up dander and fur better than normal household vacuums so these can be a great option.