How to Groom a Moderate Shedding Dog

Shedding can be aggravating, especially when our dog’s fur color contrasts heavily with your furniture. Having white hair on a black couch or vice versa can be a little too obvious, not to mention that the hair may be annoying to those with allergies. 

Dealing with moderate shedders can be a bit of a hassle, but if your goal is to keep your home clean and hair-free, maintenance is about as necessary as it gets. There are different tools and routines that help deal with shedding and may help reduce your hair-induced stress along the way. Depending on how heavily your dog sheds, you may need to try a few things before figuring out what works.

Dogs shed for many reasons. It can be to get rid of dead hair, or it can be because of a change in seasons. No matter the reason, shedding doesn’t seem to bother dogs, besides perhaps making them more prone to itching. Brushing through your dog’s hair can be seen as a fun and relaxing activity, provided you get him used to the use of the tools involved. When you do, brushing should be an easy and routine task to keep him nice and clean.

• Excessive shedding or shedding that causes patches along your dog’s skin may be indicative of another medical problem that should be addressed by a veterinarian or a professional groomer. Make a note of any issues like this that should be examined closer.
  
• Avoid using too much pressure with brushes that can irritate the skin. Both deshedders and slicker brushes can cause scrapes or scratches if not used properly.
  
• Brushing may need to accompany bathing, but the frequency of bathing depends heavily on the breed of your dog. 
  
• You will likely be unable to eliminate shedding entirely, so be careful when considering shaving or clipping as a solution. Frequent brushing can help cut down on shedding just as effectively. 
  
• If your dog is unfamiliar with the tools you are using, you can encourage him to relax by offering him treats as you brush. You may also consider asking for a few simple obedience tasks while you brush, as this can be a welcome distraction for some dogs who struggle to sit still. 
  

Brushing is generally a necessity if you want to avoid having fur everywhere in your home, but brushing also presents opportunities to share affection and bonding with your pup by spending some time together. It can also help keep his fur healthy and clean, avoiding things like mats, tangles, and any debris that can house itself into the loose fur. Establishing a routine will make this process easy and painless for both you and your furry friend!