No matter how much we love our pets, their shedding can drive us nuts. Unless your pet is hairless, all dogs and cats shed! Puppies shed, especially, when they are getting their adult fur. Shedding is an entirely normal process where our pets get rid of old, dry, and damaged fur and replace it with new. It’s healthy for them.

Most dogs shed seasonally. There are some breeds (often called hypoallergenic) that shed less, but they do shed all year long. Other breeds shed a lot including: Akitas, German Shepherds, Labs, Huskies, Corgis, Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls. Shedding is their superpower!

So with the shedding season already upon us, what can we do about it?

• Diet – a healthy pet sheds less. Read the labels! Make sure you’re feeding a high-quality food with omega 3-fatty acids.
• Water – make sure your pet has access to clean water. If they are not big water drinkers, try a pet fountain, it often encourages your buddy to drink more.

• Reduce stress – many people don’t realize stress can cause excess shedding. Stick to a predictable routine with your pet.
• Brushing – Although grooming doesn’t change the amount of fur they lose, it will lessen the amount in your home, on your furniture, and on you. During shedding season, consider brushing every day. Make sure you’re using the right brush for your pet.
• Baths – a monthly bath will help loosen up the dead hair, which can often intertwine with the new healthy fur. Furthermore, it will keep them clean. Don’t bathe them more than monthly, as it could dry out their coat and skin.
• Grooming – a professional groomer can do the hard work for you and are good at removing dead fur and mats. Many people get a summer cut for their dogs. Clipping doesn’t change how much they will shed seasonally, but a shorter coat is less to stick to the sofa, floor, and people!

Keep an eye on your pet for unusual shedding patterns, like bald spots, a thinning coat, excess licking or scratching, or skin irritations. If you see these, you’ll need to speak to your veterinarian.

Dealing with shedding is part of pet ownership. Just be ready for the season with the tips above. You may want to think about buying clothing in the same color as your pet’s fur!