With the arrival of spring, the same scene repeats itself in many households. You vacuum the floor, turn around and there are new clumps of hair on the carpet. At the same time, the dog looks completely healthy, it’s just that he suddenly sheds more fur than usual. In fact, this is a natural process where the animal sheds its winter coat.
With the arrival of spring, you notices the same thing. There are clumps of fur on the floor, hair remains on clothes and the sofa, and the brush is full in a few strokes. In fact, this is not unusual. Spring is the time when dogs get rid of their thick winter fur so that they are not too hot in the warmer months.
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Nevertheless, there is one simple step that can significantly shorten and at the same time relieve not only the dog, but also the household. That step is regular and proper brushing.
“Spring shedding is completely natural for dogs, but with proper care you can significantly reduce it. The basis is regular combing, ideally every day during the shedding period. This will remove loose fur before it ends up all over the apartment,” says dog breeder Jaroslav Volný.
Why does a dog shed more in the spring?
Dogs develop thicker fur during the winter to protect them from the cold. As the days get longer and temperatures start to rise, the dog’s organism naturally adapts. The body begins to release the old undercoat and the dog prepares for a lighter summer coat. This process is controlled by changes in light and hormonal reactions of the organism.
That is why it often happens that within a few weeks the dog looks like it is shedding fur by the handfuls. In some breeds, intensive molting can last six to eight weeks.
One thing that will really help
The most effective way to reduce the amount of hair is regular brushing. This is because combing removes loose hair before it ends up on the carpet or in the bed.
But brushing has another advantage. It helps spread the natural sebum throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny. At the same time, it stimulates the skin and promotes the growth of new fur.
In the period of heavy shedding, it is recommended to comb the dog calmly every day for at least a few minutes. For long-haired or double-haired breeds, this is often the most effective way to prevent hair from piling up all over the apartment.
Proper care can also help
In addition to brushing, there are other steps that can reduce spring shedding. For example, quality feed plays a big role. A diet rich in proteins, vitamins and omega fatty acids helps maintain healthy skin and coat.
Sometimes it also helps to wash with a suitable shampoo, which loosens the old fur and makes it easier to comb. However, you need to be careful with bathing, because too frequent washing can actually dry out the skin.
When to warn
Seasonal shedding is a normal process. But if the owner notices bald patches, reddened skin or severe itching, it could be a health problem. In such a case, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
Spring shedding is a natural part of every dog’s life. The good news is that it is relatively easy to manage. With just a few minutes of regular grooming a day, most of the hair will stay in the brush instead of on the floor.
