The Hairy Truth: Pets and Summer Shedding
By: Lizz CaputoEffective de-shedding strategies, the causes behind increased summer shedding, and tips on how to make this period manageable for both you and your pet.
As summer approaches, many pet parents notice an increase in the amount of fur their soulful sidekicks are shedding. This is a natural process as dogs and cats shed their winter coats to stay comfortable in the warmer months.
But, it can also mean more frequent vacuuming and hair everywhere around your house. Here are some tips to effectively manage your pet's shedding during the summer.
Understanding the Shedding Cycle
Most pets go through two shedding seasons per year - spring and fall. They shed their heavy winter coats in the spring to make way for a lighter summer coat. Some breeds shed more than others, so the amount of shedding can vary greatly from pet to pet.
Tools and Techniques
Investing in a good deshedding tool is essential to managing your pet's fur during shedding season. Tools such as deshedding brushes, grooming gloves, and slicker brushes can effectively remove loose hair from your pet's coat. Here's how to use them:
Regular Brushing: Brush your pet's coat regularly - ideally daily during peak shedding seasons. This helps to remove loose hairs before they can fall out naturally.
Use Deshedding Tools: Deshedding tools are designed to reach the undercoat, where most of the loose hair resides. Be gentle and use these tools carefully to avoid irritating your pet's skin.
Try Grooming Gloves: Grooming gloves can be a great way to bond with your pet while you deshed them. The rubberized nodules on the gloves massage your pet while catching loose fur.
Professional Grooming
If your pet's shedding is excessive or if they have a particularly thick coat, consider a trip to a professional groomer. They have the tools and knowledge to deshed your pet thoroughly without causing any discomfort or harm.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can significantly impact your pet's coat condition and the amount they shed. Ensure your pet's food is high in quality proteins and Omega-3 fatty acids to promote a healthy coat and potentially reduce shedding.
Hydration
Just like human skin, your pet's skin can become dry and flaky if they're not properly hydrated. Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water, especially during the hot summer months.
Conclusion
While summer shedding can be a bit messy, it's a completely normal process for your pet. Regular grooming and extra care can make this period more comfortable for your pet and more manageable for you.
Embrace the shedding season as another opportunity to bond with your pet and remember - a bit of fur around the house is just part of the joy of sharing your life with your curious copilot!
Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.
