There’s a reason that Spring cleaning is done… well… in Spring! It’s not just that extra motivation we get from more hours of sun. Spring is the season for pet shedding, and it can really get out of hand, if you don’t have the right tools, and techniques to manage it.

Why Spring?

While it can sometimes seem like it, it’s not the increase in temperature that prompts shedding. In the Spring and Summer, we all tend to spend more time outdoors, especially with our pets. The increased light exposure of those days out in the sun, helps to determine the amount and timing of shedding. (Though artificial light is also a factor) More hair has the tendency to be shed during the period of greatest exposure to light.

Shed Happens

Pet hair grows in cycles, beginning with a rapid period of growth in the spring, followed by slower growth, and finally, ending in a winter rest period. Mature hair then loosens in the follicles over the course of winter. In the spring the cycle of hair growth begins again, and new hair growth pushes the old, loosened hairs out of the coat, resulting in a mass shedding. If your pet seems to be shedding an abnormally large amount, consult your vet as this could be the sign of a medical condition.

How to Manage

Pets shed so their new coat has space to grow in. The amount of shedding depends on the breed of your cat or dog, but whether long or short haired, they can still shed a lot. Here are some tips that can help…

• Groom your pet often. It can’t be overstated, the best way to manage all of that falling fur is to catch it while it’s still on your pet. Find a grooming tool that works for both of you and groom them as often as you can. Grooming is also a great bonding time for you and your pet! Combine it with some light play and a treat or two and they will love it.
• Bathe your dog regularly. Regular bathing is a good thing to do for your dog anyway, but a good warm bath is especially good during those heavy shedding months, as it helps to loosen all of that dead fur. Since cats bathe themselves daily, bathing them is not really necessary. (And they don’t tend to like it!)
• Be mindful of nutrition. Feeding your pets a nutritious, healthy diet, can help keep shedding at bay. If you feel their diet is not complete, you can also add vitamin E, Omega 3, and Omega 6 fish oils, and Linoleic Acid to a high quality diet. Rich in antioxidants, supplements may aid in excessive pet shedding. Remember, healthy pets shed less!

Products that Help

Here’s some of our favorite products for managing shedding…

• Furminator. With it’s many, tiny, closely spaced teeth, this pet brush removes dead hair with amazing efficiency.
• Grizzly Salmon Oil. Packed with natural Omega 3, 6, and other healthy nutrients, Grizzly Salmon Oil is great for your dog’s coat and joints.
• Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo. All natural, soap free, safe for puppies, and it smells fantastic. What more could you ask for?

This entry was posted, 28th March 2012. The category is: News. You can follow the comments: RSS 2.0. The previous post is: A Raw Diet could be the Right Option for Your Pet. The next post is: What to do if you lose a pet.