Autumn for our furry friends is a period of shedding: dogs begin to shed substantial amounts of fur replacing an old coat with a new, stronger, thicker and longer coat in preparation for dropping temperatures. Let’s learn some things to do during this time.
Two times a year, specifically in the spring and in the autumn, a dog’s coat undergoes renewal triggered by changes in the photoperiod (the period during each day when it is light). The fur is progressively shed starting at the back and moving towards the front. Shedding lasts 6-7 weeks but can vary depending on whether the pet lives indoors or in the garden.
If a dog spends most of its day inside, it is more exposed to artificial light and heat. This alters the normal shedding cycle, prolonging it beyond the normal time frame to a point where the shedding periods begin to blend into each other. For the less experienced, it should be noted that the dog is never without fur. Lost fur is immediately replaced by new growth!
The most obvious products of shedding are the bothersome, tangled balls of dead fur that form on the coat itself. In addition to creating an unsightly “overcoat”, they can cause a lot of discomfort to Fido when he tries to scratch himself. The constant removal of dead fur will allow the skin of our four-legged friend to breath and oxygenate.
What can we do during this period to decrease the amount of hair left throughout the house?
To help the dog shed, he must be brushed often, as often as two times a day if the coat is long. This helps remove dead fur, leaving space for new growth. Consistent brushing prevents the formation of knots, which can be difficult to untangle but more importantly, can cause the animal pain. If on the other hand, the dog has a short coat, a weekly brushing is sufficient.
The best brush during this period is undeniably the slicker brush, which removes dead underfur and easily eliminates knots from medium length and long coats. The Ferplast slicker brush reaches deep into the coat without irritating the animal’s skin. It has bent stainless steel bristles that are great at removing dead underfur and loosening any knots. If needed, one can also take their pet to a groomer.
For dogs with short coats, on the other hand, we recommend using a de-shedding trimmer, which is equipped with an extra thin, replaceable blade that helps remove dead fur and various debris, facilitating new growth.
It is also a good idea to give your furry friend a periodic bath because it weakens dead hair and accelerates the process of shedding.
What about you? What do you do during this time of the year?