Spring is officially here, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather, fresh air, and a bit of spring cleaning. If you’re a pet owner deep cleaning furniture or sweeping out the winter dust, you may also have realized that Spring comes with another big change: extra fur everywhere.
Yup, Spring isn’t just a time for seasonal allergies and blooming flowers. It’s also a time when dogs and cats begin to shed their coat to make way for the warmer weather. As a result, you may notice more fur on the furniture, beds, and floors. The good news is that it’s all very manageable, so long as you know how to deal.
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Why Do Pets Shed More in the Spring?
Experts say shedding is an important part of any cat or dog’s lifecycle because it helps them remove dead and damaged fur and release natural oils in their skin. As the weather changes, it also helps them regulate their body temperature. Thus, seasonal shedding is highest in spring and fall.
Of course, not all pets shed equally. Double-coated dogs, for example, will shed more than short-haired dogs, while cats like Russian Blues, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls will shed more than Tabbies or Calicos.
How Do I Know My Pet’s Shedding Is Normal?
As a pet owner, you may grow concerned with how much your fur baby is shedding. Loss of fur around this time of year is normal, no matter what breed you have. However, some conditions can cause heavier shedding, like stress, infections, allergies, parasites, or illness. If abnormal behaviours or bald patches accompany shedding, it might be time to schedule a visit with your vet.
What Are Some Side Effects of Pet Shedding?
If you leave your pet to do their shedding ritual solo, you could increase the likelihood of matted fur as they shed. That’s because loose fur can impact oil distribution and cause tangles. Regular grooming is important, but particularly important during shedding seasons.
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How Do I Control My Pet’s Shedding?
You don’t want to stop your pet from shedding, but it is possible to ease the process so there’s less dander and fur hanging around your home. There are several tools on the market designed to help with pet shedding, including brushes, mitts and shampoos.
Slicker brushes can be great for longer or double coats, while natural bristles or gloves work well for pets with short coats. A rule of thumb is to invest in a good brush that won’t create excessive pulling and redistributes natural oils throughout the coat. If your pet’s fur is matted, use a steel comb or a splitter to gently pull fur apart. Coat rakes are also handy for pets with excessive shedding during the spring and fall.
While cats “bathe” themselves, it’s a good idea to routinely bathe dogs with a special shedding shampoo in the Spring to help keep their coat as healthy as possible. Besides, with all of those mud puddles outside right now, most dogs are probably due for a rinse anyhow. Aim for weekly baths during shedding seasons and every couple of months throughout the rest of the year.
You may need to vacuum or sweep more often during these transitions to keep fur and dander at bay—especially if anyone in the home or frequent visitors have allergies.
Can I Cut My Pet’s Hair If They Start Shedding?
If your dog with longer fur is shedding, it may be tempting to give them a haircut. However, that won’t help and the amount of shedding will stay the same, no matter the length. Shaving them before the summer isn’t always a good idea either, as it can affect their natural cooling and heating system.
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Should I Get a Professional to De-Shed My Pet?
Unless you have a pet with unmanageable shedding, you can usually handle seasonal shedding at home with a little TLC. A good brush and bathing routine is all it really takes. However, if your pet’s fur continues tangling or you don’t have time to upkeep their coat, turning to a de-shedding service can certainly help. There, professionals will bathe and groom your dog for you using special shampoos, brushes, and a blow-drying method on longer fur.
