It’s that time of year. Winter is receding, the days are getting longer and you can tell we’re heading into spring by the amount of fur your pet is leaving on your clothes, furniture and carpet.
Welcome to shedding season!
Some dogs and cats shed more than others. And if you have a hairless cat, good for you.
Other pets shed throughout the year, with hair loss increasing during the transition into spring.
Faced with fur covering almost every surface in your home, you might be tempted to reach for a pair of clippers. But shaving your pet won’t stop the shedding. You’ll simply have shorter hairs to deal with.
So, before you give your furry friend an unexpected spring haircut, here’s what you need to know.
Why do pets shed more in spring?
It makes sense when you think about it.
Pets need to lose their heavier winter coats as temperatures begin to rise. After summer, as autumn approaches, those thicker coats start growing back.
The process is triggered by changes in temperature and daylight.
Some animals experience the seasonal shed more noticeably than others.
Double-coated dogs such as Huskies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers often lose large amounts of their undercoat.
Both short-haired and long-haired cats experience seasonal hair loss, while small mammals such as rabbits also lose their winter fluff during the transition.
1. Brush more often
Regular brushing is one of the best ways to manage shedding, and it should already form part of your pet’s grooming routine throughout the year.
You won’t stop the natural shedding process, but removing loose fur through brushing makes cleaning up around the house far less of a mission.
During spring, dogs should be brushed three to four times a week.
For double-coated dogs, start with an undercoat rake before moving to a slicker brush. A rubber curry brush works well for short-haired dogs that shed.
Most cats benefit from daily brushing during spring, including short-haired breeds.
A stainless-steel greyhound comb with wide and fine teeth helps remove loose undercoat without excessive pulling.
2. Look after their skin and coat
A healthy coat starts with what your pet eats.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, high-quality protein and adequate water all play a role in supporting skin and coat health.
Fish oil containing EPA and DHA is an option, but speak to your vet about an appropriate dose for your particular pet.
3. Don’t overdo bath time
Bathing your pet too frequently can dry out the skin and make shedding worse.
Aim for a bath every four to six weeks and use a pet-specific de-shedding shampoo rather than products made for humans.
Use lukewarm water and rinse the shampoo out thoroughly.
Afterwards, towel dry your pet and use a pet dryer or a hair dryer on the cool setting.
And when in doubt, leave the spring grooming session to a professional pet groomer.
4. Look out for other causes of shedding
Warmer weather isn’t the only reason your pet might suddenly start losing more hair.
Allergies can also contribute to shedding.
Pollen, fleas and grass allergies can be accompanied by increased shedding, licking and over-grooming.
If your pet is shedding while also chewing their paws, rubbing their face, shaking their head or developing a musty smell, an allergic reaction might be involved.
Make sure flea and tick prevention is up to date for all your pets, avoid over-bathing and never use human shampoo on them.
Stress is another factor worth watching, as anxious pets can over-groom.
When should you call the vet?
Seasonal shedding is one thing, but changes to your pet’s skin or coat shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as part of spring.
Speak to your vet if you notice patchy or bald areas, crusts, pimples, blackened or thickened skin, a greasy coat or constant scratching.
Shedding that continues non-stop for six to eight weeks is also worth getting checked.
Spring might mean accepting a little more fur around the house, but regular grooming and keeping an eye on your pet’s skin and coat will make shedding season far easier to manage.
As for your black trousers? They might be a lost cause for a while.
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