How To Get Through Moulting Season

Double-coated dogs typically moult twice per year: during autumn, they'll lose their light undercoat to make room for a thicker coat. In the spring, that thick undercoat falls out, leaving a light undercoat. This is why you'll notice a layer of fur all over your furniture, clothes, car, and everything your dog touches. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to make moulting season more manageable.

Consult Your Groomer

Contrary to popular belief, shaving down your dog's double coat will not eliminate or lessen moulting. This only makes the hairs shorter and somewhat less noticeable. Your dog needs their double coat to keep them warm in the winter, and it actually acts as insulation during the summer, keeping cool air close to your dog's skin and protecting it from the harsh rays of the sun.Instead, your groomer can brush out your dog's loose undercoat. Your groomer may use a high velocity dryer to blow out the loose fur. Then, they can recommend the best way to manage your dog's coat between appointments.

Feed A Fur-Healthy Diet

Excessive moulting, especially if it occurs year-round, can sometimes be attributed to a poor diet. Foo intolerances can cause thinning fur. Adding a source of omega-3 fatty acids like Salmon Oil can improve your dog's coat quality and result in less moulting.Rotate your dog's food at least once every three months. If your pet only eats one type of food, they can develop an intolerance to one of the ingredients. The most common food allergies in dogs include beef, chicken, dairy, corn, soy and wheat. A yeasty odour, itchy ears and excessive moulting are symptoms of a food intolerance. If these symptoms do not subside within two weeks of trying a new food, ask your veterinarian for an allergy test.

Keep Up With Grooming

Your dog's undercoat will come out in soft clumps.The more fur you are able to remove with regular brushing, the less of it you will see on your furniture. A slicker brush is ideal for dogs with all coat types, and is best used to remove loose fur from the undercoat. Be gentle when removing the undercoat on a dog with short fur, as to not scratch their skin. A soft bristled brush can be used on the topcoat for dogs of any fur length, while dogs with a long coat need a double-sided brush to reduce tangles.Inevitably, you will see some fur around your home during moulting season. A lint brush is great for lifting fur from clothes and furniture. Light daily touch-ups will help keep your home clean. If anyone in your home is allergic to pet dander, frequent cleaning help manage their symptoms.