Every pet is different which means their hair coats are not all the same either. With each breed, comes a specific hair type. Knowing your pets’ hair type is important when it comes to knowing how to properly care for your pets. We have been asked by several clients if we would blog about some shedding tips and we want to touch on not just the tips but some of the reasons for why your pet may be shedding in the first place.

Pets do not all shed the same amounts. Some shed seasonally, while others shed year-round. An example is a Golden Retriever; they have a thicker double-coat, which means they are more likely to shed year-round. For the seasonal shedder, they will shed in the spring and the fall. The spring time is usually when you will notice your pet having a lighter coat; this is in preparation for the hot summer months. In the fall time, your pet will prepare for the long winter days ahead.

When your pet sheds, it is shedding the unhealthy/dead hairs. It is a healthy and natural thing for your pet to shed and it is important to brush your pets often, especially if your pet sheds often. Many times it is required to brush them weekly, a few times a week, or even daily depending on how heavy the shedding. One thing that is important when it comes to brushing your pets’ coat is to make sure you have the proper brush for their hair type. Asking your groomer is a great place to start when needing to find the correct brush for your pets’ hair type. Here are a few examples of the different brushes.

• A natural-bristle brush or a hound mitt or glove (good for loosening the dead hairs and setting it free)
• Slicker brushes (used for the undercoat)
• Coat rake or shedding tool (used for the heavy shedders)
• Steel comb or mat splitter (tangles or mats)

Heaving a healthy coat is a great way to help with your pets overall health. Some shedding can be health related, in which you want to really know your pets coat type. Allergies, hypothyroidism or follicular dysplasia (which is a genetic disease is dogs and is a malfunctioning of the follicles). It is important to have your Veterinarian check your pet if you think they may have any shedding abnormalities.

Knowing your pets breed and their hair type will help you understand why your pet is shedding in the first place. These tips will help you manage your pets shedding issues and again have your groomer help you when choosing the proper brush for your pets’ hair coat.