Do You Struggle with The Shedding?
Pets are a wonderful addition to any family, but they can also be a source of frustration, especially when it comes to shedding. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or other furry friend, you're likely no stranger to finding hair in all sorts of places, from your furniture to your clothes to your food.
Let me share about our corgi, Rylee. There… I said it… He’s a corgi.
Ok, yes, there is more, but for those who have or know about corgis, they have 2 coats and shed A LOT! There were days when I would take it outside, brush through him and I’d end up with another corgi. That much hair! It wasn’t until we became petPros & Independent Distributors for pawTree that I figured out how to manage this shedding issue. I’ll share more about this shortly.
So, Why Do Pets Shed?
Shedding is a natural process that helps pets regulate their body temperature and protect their skin. Just like humans, pets have hair follicles that produce new hair as old hair falls out. The amount of shedding a pet does can vary depending on their breed, age, health, and time of year.
How to Manage Pet Shedding
While there's no way to completely stop a pet from shedding, but there are a few things you can do to manage the amount of hair they lose.
Brush your pet regularly. Brushing not only removes loose hair, but it also stimulates blood circulation to the skin, which can help promote healthy hair growth.
Bathe your pet as needed. Bathing can help remove loose hair and dirt from the coat. However, it's important not to bathe your pet too often, as this can strip away natural oils from their skin and make the shedding worse.
Feed your pet a healthy diet. A nutritious diet will provide your pet with the vitamins and minerals they need to maintain healthy skin and fur. Hint: This is one thing we did that cut down Rylee’s shedding.
Use a de-shedding tool. There are a variety of de-shedding tools available, such as brushes and combs, that can help remove loose hair from your pet's coat.
Consider a professional groomer. If you have a long-haired pet or one that sheds a lot, you may want to consider taking them to a professional groomer for regular haircuts and de-shedding treatments.
When to Worry About Pet Shedding
Occasional shedding is normal, but if your pet is shedding excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you notice your pet is losing more hair than usual, or if their hair is becoming brittle or dull, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Living with a Shedding Pet
While shedding can be a nuisance, it's important to remember that it's a natural part of pet ownership. With a little effort, you can manage the amount of hair your pet loses and keep your home looking and feeling clean. (Yup. This is true.)
Additional Tips (totally optional)
Keep your pet off of furniture as much as possible to minimize the amount of hair that gets on your furniture.
Use a lint roller to remove hair from your clothes.
Clean/sweep your floors regularly to remove pet hair.
Consider using an air purifier to remove pet hair from the air.
Despite the challenges, sharing your life with a pet is a truly rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can manage pet shedding and enjoy all the benefits of having a furry friend in your life.
