Just like how dead skin cells fall off our bodies, shedding is a natural function for dogs. This is their way of getting rid of old hair from their undercoat, and it is also essential for their skin’s health.
Shedding happens when the older fur is pushed out so that their undercoat can grow. Dogs typically shed in the fall since their coats get thicker as winter approaches. It is also essential to know that some dogs shed more than others.
Can You Stop a Dog from Shedding?
Shedding can be quite frustrating, especially when your dog’s fur ends up taking over your life. As mentioned, the process of shedding is important. A healthy dog will get rid of its damaged hair by shedding, and there is no way to stop it. But the amount of fur shed highly depends on the breed of the dog.
If you have sensitivity to dog fur but cannot resist adopting one, it would be best to look into breeds that shed exponentially less. (Source: Pets Web MD)
Are There Any Hypoallergenic Dogs?
The term hypoallergenic has been thrown around a lot, but what is important to know is that no dog is 100% allergen-free. Instead, the term is used to describe dogs that are less likely to stimulate allergies. According to Dr. Lynn Buzhardt, not all dogs have the same proteins; therefore, some people may be reactive to one breed but non-reactive to another. (Source: Prrrs & Wags)
Hypoallergenic dog breeds are classified as;
- Dogs that have a non-shedding coat, producing less dander.
- Dogs that have no hair, and has less material for dander to cling onto.
- Dogs that have short fur with single-layered coats.
Some dogs that fit in with these descriptions are the; Affenpinscher, Afghan Hound, American Hairless Terrier, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Bichon Frise, Chinese Crested, Coton de Tulear, Schnauzer, Irish Water Spaniel, Kerry Blue Terrier, Lagatto Romagnolo, Maltese, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Spanish Water Dog, Wire Fox Terrier, and Xoloitzcuintli. (Source: Prrrs & Wags)
How To Manage Shedding of a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Since these breeds still shed, you must take precautions to keep their coats in tip-top shape. For dogs that shed less, it is crucial to brush their coats daily. This is like manually removing the older fur as the newer coat grows.
You must also choose the right brush for the job. Bristle brushes work well for all coat types, but you would need longer bristles for longer-coated dogs. Wire-pin brushes are ideal for curly and wooly coats that need help detangling. Slicker brushes are best for dogs that are prone to matting and tangles. And finally, rubber curry combs are excellent for short-haired dogs.
If you choose a hypoallergenic breed, the best brushes would be a wire-pin and a slicker brush. Dogs that don’t shed as often tend to get tangled fur which eventually leads to matting. If left alone, the matting can get severe enough to cause health problems. (Source: Pets Web MD)