If you are a pet parent, then you surely know how important it is to keep your pooch well-groomed. A healthy dog will look and feel good too. And, one thing that every pet parent dreads is the shedding season.

As the seasons change, your dog will start shedding his hair. For some dogs, shedding is a gradual process that goes unnoticed. However, for others, it is quite a mess.

So, why do dogs shed? What factors affect it? What should you do to make the process easier? Here is everything you need to know about the shedding season.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Shedding is a natural process for all dogs. Dogs lose their hair just like we humans do. However, they tend to shed a lot more than us. They shed hair continuously throughout the year. However, there are two periods when they shed excessively.

Firstly, when winter comes to an end and spring arrives. And secondly, when summer turns into autumn.

The reason for the excessive shedding during these seasons is that dogs have to adapt to the changing temperatures. As the temperature rises, dogs shed their fur coat to stay cool.

During autumn, dogs have to prepare for the colder months, and their body will shed the lighter, thinner hair to make room for the thicker, longer ones.

What Factors Affect Shedding?

There are several factors that affect the shedding process in dogs. The most common factors are their breed, age, and overall health. Some breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, Golden retrievers, and Labradors are known to shed more than others.

This is because these breeds have a dense and thick coat of hair. However, other breeds like Maltese, Pekingese, and Poodle shed very little hair.

Age is another factor that affects shedding. As dogs get older, they start to shed more hair. This is because their body’s ability to produce new hair follicles decreases with age. And finally, a dog’s overall health affects shedding too.

If a dog is stressed or has a bad diet, they will likely shed more than a healthy dog.

How to make shedding easier?

Shedding can be a painful and annoying process for both the dog and pet parent. However, there are ways to make the process more bearable. The best way to make shedding easier is to groom your dog regularly.

Brush their hair daily to prevent matting and remove tangles. Also, use a deshedding tool to remove loose hair.

Another thing you can do is to give your dog a healthy diet. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve your dog’s skin and coat health. This will lead to less shedding and healthy hair growth. Additionally, keep your dog hydrated.

Hydration plays an essential role in healthy skin and hair growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shedding is a natural process every dog goes through. Some breeds tend to shed more than others. However, you can make the shedding process easier by grooming your dog regularly, giving them a healthy diet, and keeping them hydrated.

Remember, shedding is nothing to be worried about. As long as your dog is healthy and happy, you have nothing to worry about.