How often should you wash your dog during shedding

How often should you wash your dog during shedding 0

Some believe that during shedding, dogs need to be washed more often, but this is not entirely true.

“A healthy dog, regardless of coat length, is bathed about 1–2 times a month or twice every two months. Hairless dogs can be washed twice a month, as their skin can actively produce oil,” explained dog breeders.

Experts emphasize that the frequency of hygienic washing depends on the owner. “If you have an active dog that loves to explore puddles, you will need to wash it more often. In other cases, washing is done as needed based on the dirtiness of the coat, unless otherwise prescribed by the breed,” the experts added.

Natural shedding in dogs occurs twice a year, allowing them to adapt to weather changes and feel comfortable with temperature shifts. Pets living in apartments may shed almost year-round, but the shedding will not be as pronounced as in dogs that are kept in outdoor kennels.

“Shedding is a natural process that does not require special effort from the owner. The main thing is to regularly and thoroughly brush the dog, taking into account the type of its coat,” the specialists comment.

Grooming accessories vary depending on the breed. Long-haired dogs can shed quite intensely. For their coat care, you will need a brush, a slicker brush, and a comb with long, sparse teeth. The brush can simply be used to comb the coat, the comb helps to remove the undercoat and fluff, while the slicker brush detangles the fur and removes mats. “The longer the hair, the rarer the bristles should be on the brush. Pay attention to areas where the hair may mat: under the armpits, behind the ears, and under the tail. We also recommend using a special conditioner in addition to shampoo to make the coat soft and prevent matting,” the dog breeders explain.

For owners of short-haired dogs, experts advise purchasing a rubber brush or a brush made of natural bristles. “Every day, brush along the dog's coat to remove excess hairs. A regular terry towel can also be suitable for this purpose,” the specialists add.

Wire-haired dogs need to be trimmed or have their hair plucked by hand to look tidy. During the trimming process, old guard hairs are removed, and new, stiffer, and shinier ones grow in their place. If trimming is neglected, the coat can become soft and lose its natural shine, start to mat, and shed excessively.