As leaves die and tumble idyllically to the forest floor, so does the dead hair on your pet’s summer coat, though less idyllically. In fact, when left uncared for, excessive shedding can cause immense discomfort for your pet, from skin irritation to matted fur.
But why do your cats or dogs shed seasonally, and what can you do to keep them healthy and comfortable in the fall? At-home and professional grooming is the key to tackling seasonal shedding. From regular brushing to full-service grooming, find out how grooming helps you manage shedding effectively.
What Causes Fall Shedding?
The trees aren’t the only ones who react to the air cooling. As the leaves turn, your furry friend also reacts by developing a thicker winter coat to keep them warm in cooler seasons. First, their summer coat develops loose fur. Then as it sheds, a new coat grows in. This period, typically during fall, can leave a trail of pet hair around the house.
As natural as the process is, seeing half of your dog’s coat scattered around your home can be a stressful and allergy-inducing experience. Not to mention uncomfortable for your furry companion. Regular grooming during this time ensures that you and your pet maintain the best quality of life.
Other Factors That Contribute to Shedding
While fall shedding is a natural process for all dogs and cats, whether short or long-haired, other factors can also impact the type of shedding and the amount of hair loss. Understanding these factors is important for developing an effective grooming routine:
- Breed: Depending on the breed, your cat or dog’s coat type and length will vary. For example, Siberian Huskies and Persian cats are known for double coats and heavy shedding, while breeds like Poodles or Sphynx cats shed less or not at all. The length of hair and level of shedding will both impact grooming requirements.
- Season: Seasonal changes trigger shedding in most pets. Dog shedding can be particularly bad in autumn when they’re preparing for a thicker winter coat. This change is especially noticeable in outdoor pets but will affect those indoors as well.
- Health: A pet’s skin and coat health directly impacts shedding. Poor nutrition, skin issues, allergies, parasites, and even stress can cause excessive shedding or thinning of the coat. When this is the case, be sure to add a balanced diet and regular check-ups to your grooming routine.
- Age: As pets age, their shedding patterns can change. Older pets might shed more due to changes in metabolism, health conditions, or reduced grooming habits as they become less active. For the most part, assume your pet will need more grooming assistance as they age.
How Grooming Helps Manage Shedding
Sick of cat or dog hair spread all over your home and causing itchy discomfort for your pet? Consider these simple deshedding grooming tips:
Regular Brushing
Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to remove loose fur and reduce shedding. During high-shedding months, brushing your short-haired pets at least once a week and your long-haired pets 2 to 3 times per week is a simple solution that can prevent skin irritation and matted fur. To brush your pet effectively, follow these steps:
- Choose the Right Brush: Select a de-shedding tool or slicker brush designed for your pet’s coat type to help remove loose, dead hair.
- Brush in the Direction of Hair Growth: Start by gently brushing in the natural direction of your pet’s fur to avoid irritation and provide comfort.
- Use Gentle Strokes: Avoid pulling too hard; instead, use soft strokes to loosen hair and prevent matting.
- Focus on High-Shedding Areas: Pay extra attention to areas prone to heavier shedding, such as the back, sides, and belly.
Frequent Bathing
Frequent bathing also helps keep your cat or dog’s skin and coat healthy. We recommend bathing your dog at least once or twice a month during the fall shedding season, while cats may only need occasional bathing for skin health concerns. Here’s a step-by-step outline for success at bath time:
- Choosing the Right Shampoo: Breeds with thick double coats and short-haired breeds may require different shampoos. Always use a pet-specific shampoo, particularly one designed for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic needs, or moisturizing to prevent dryness.
- Prepare Your Space: Gather all necessary supplies: shampoo, towels, a non-slip mat, and a cup or sprayer for rinsing. We also recommend preparing treats and other rewards if your pet suffers from bath time anxiety.
- Get the Water Ready: Fill the tub or sink with comfortable, lukewarm water. Ensure it’s deep enough to cover your pet’s legs but not overwhelm them.
- Wet Your Pet’s Coat: Gently wet your pet’s coat using a cup of water. Start from their neck and work downward, avoiding the face and ears to prevent discomfort.
- Apply Shampoo: Pour a small amount of shampoo into your hands and lather it through your pet’s coat, starting at the back and working towards the legs. Massage it into the skin and high-shedding zones like the back and belly.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Using lukewarm water, rinse out all the shampoo until there is no residue left behind on the hair follicles.
- Drying: Pat your pet dry with a towel, making sure to absorb as much water as possible. If you use a blow dryer, keep it on the lowest setting and maintain a safe distance from their skin.
- Final Brush: After drying, give your pet’s coat a final brush to remove any remaining dead hairs and prevent tangling.
Deshedding Treatments
If your goal is healthy hair that’s free from shedding discomfort, deshedding treatments offer targeted solutions. From specialty shampoos to unique brushes, these treatments can help reduce loose fur, prevent matting, and alleviate skin irritation. Here are some effective de-shedding options:
- Deshedding Shampoos: Specialized shampoos are designed to release loose fur and reduce shedding. They often contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal to soothe the skin.
- Deshedding Conditioners: These conditioners help to soften the coat and make it easier to remove dead hair during brushing. They also nourish the skin to prevent dryness.
- Undercoat Rake: A grooming tool designed to help dog owners reach deep into the coat to remove loose undercoat hair. It’s extra useful for double-coated breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers.
- Professional Grooming: Many grooming salons offer specialized deshedding treatments, where professional-grade tools and products are used to reduce shedding long-term.
Professional Grooming Services
As mentioned, sometimes a professional groomer is needed for serious shedding situations. Regular visits to the groomer or grooming stations provide access to specialized tools, professional-grade de-shedding treatments, and expert techniques.
At Pet Evolution’s Katy and Richmond locations, we take seasonal grooming seriously, providing your pet with everything they need to thrive during fall. From professional grooming services to self-serve dog washes, as well as hundreds of health-conscious pet products, we ensure your pet’s skin and coat stay healthy and beautiful. Trust Pet Evolution for expert grooming that helps your pet look and feel their best all year long.
About Our Pet & Dog Grooming Services In Richmond, TX
AOur Richmond, TX location offers a full-service grooming salon that specializes in de-shedding services. Expert groomers utilize only the finest natural products and prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety every step of the way. Choose from a spectrum of services – whether it’s a full grooming package or a simple trim – all customized for your pet’s specific requirements. Learn about our offerings here.
Other Ways to Manage Shedding Effectively This Fall
Want to know additional ways you can manage excess fur this fall? Here are our additional tips:
- Vacuuming and Cleaning: By reducing fur buildup through vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and lint rollers, you can keep the areas you and your pet spend the most time in healthy.
- Proper Nutrition: Ensure your pet’s diet is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, all of which promote healthy skin and reduce excessive shedding. We recommend choosing from one of Pet Evolution’s many healthy pet food options.
- Dietary Supplements: Adding fish oil or skin and coat supplements to your pet’s diet can strengthen hair follicles, improve coat texture, and reduce shedding.
- Manage Stress: Stress can trigger excessive shedding in pets. Create a calm environment by providing routine, exercise, and comfort to help reduce anxiety-related shedding.
Reduce Fall Shedding With Pet Evolution
At Pet Evolution’s Katy and Richmond locations, we understand how your pet’s needs change with the seasons. That’s why we offer all the products and services you need to accomplish these grooming tips, including:
- Allergy-friendly food and treats to help you manage food-related issues.
- Professional grooming and self-serve washing stations that use gentle, hypoallergenic products.
- Mobile nail trimming services to keep your pet’s skin and coat in top condition.
Helping your pet live a comfortable, shed-free life is our top priority. Visit us today to explore our full range of pet wellness products and services, including the latest Ucari tests, designed to support your pet’s health, even through the fall season!