If you have a long-haired dog, you know what a problem shedding can become. Even with regular trips to the dog groomers, you may still find hair all over your home. It can become worse during the spring when your dog starts to shed its winter coat. Many people battle the shedding by giving their dogs a very close haircut. Luckily, you don't have to resort to a doggy crew-cut to stop the shedding. Here are four tricks that will help you get the shedding under control.
Choose the Right Brush
When it comes to long-haired dogs, the type of brush matters. This is particularly true when dealing with the issue of shedding. You'll soon learn that not all brushes are the same. To control shedding, you need to choose a brush that's designed specifically for long-haired dogs. What works for a short-haired Great Dane won't work on a long-haired Collie. If you're not sure what type of brush you need for your dog, plan a visit to a local pet-friendly pet supply store and ask an assistant to help you choose the right brush for your dog.
Go for Firm Strokes
If your dog has a problem with shedding, you might not be taking deep enough strokes with the brush. To get shedding under control, you need to reach down to the follicles with the brush. Instead of taking short, shallow strokes with the brush, switch to long, deeper strokes. It's also important that you take your time while you're brushing and not rush through it. The slower you go while brushing, the more hair you'll remove with the brush. This will result in less hair being deposited around the house.
Rub the Wrong Way
Once you've brushed your dog from head to tail, you'll want to reverse directions and brush from tail to head. In other words, brush against the grain. By brushing against the grain, you'll be able to loosen hair that you weren't able to get while brushing with the grain. Once you've brushed your dog against the grain, go ahead and finish up by brushing with the grain one more time.
Be Aware of Problems
While brushing your dog, it's important that you look for problems that might be pointing to a more severe hair issue. If your dog is losing large amounts of hair in patches, they may be suffering from a problem that will require veterinary care. Some of these problems include ringworm, mange, and certain hormonal disorders. If your dog is losing hair by the handfuls, contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment.
Shedding can be a real problem, especially during the spring. If your dog is shedding, use the simple tips described above. If you've found patches of hair missing on your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Click here for more information about pet grooming.
