Dog Shedding - Why dogs shed? What to do about dog Shedding?

If you have a family member of the canine persuasion, then you've experienced dog shedding. With the exception of a few specific breeds, nearly all dogs shed. It is the how the dog's body gets rid of its heavy winter coat when outside temperatures change. Most dogs shed out once a year, usually in the spring, but a few, like Akitas, have several shedding cycles every year. Stress or illness should be suspected if a dog is shedding excessively or at an unusual time.

Now the big question: what to do with all that dog fur? The easiest answer is to brush your pet daily. Brushing not only gets rid of loose dog hair, it also removes dirt, dander and odor-causing body oils. It stimulates the dog's skin, as well, increasing circulation and keeping the skin healthier. Bathing your dog just before brushing is also a good idea. The bath will loosen fur that was nearly ready to be shed, making the next brushing session more productive.

While your dog is in its shedding cycle, protect your furniture. Washable couch covers will make it easier to keep shed hair off your furniture – and anyone who sits on it. Simply wash the covers every few days during the shedding season. Providing your dog a bed of its own is another way to contain the fur. That, too, can be washed from time to time. A specialized vacuum cleaner, or vacuum cleaner attachment, is also a must have for dog owners. There are several brands available designed specifically to pull dog fur out of carpet and off of upholstery.

For people who simply cannot bear the mess and extra work of the shedding process, choosing a non-shedding breed is a good idea. These include poodles, shih tzus, silky terriers and lhasa apsos. It is a bit of a trade off, however. Because these breeds do not shed, their fur grows continually and they have higher grooming needs. Most non-shedding breeds will need to see a professional groomer every six weeks or so.

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Dirty Dogs

Dogs are generally loyal and playful companions. They are happy to get attention from their owners. They like to go for walks, play catch, and are great company. But sometimes, they get dirty. They do this by rolling around in the grass or the dirt or the mud. Sometimes they splash through a pond. Having a dirty dog is normal for dog owners, and in order to keep their dog’s skin and fur healthy, a little dog grooming is sometimes needed. This is especially true if the canine has rolled around in something that smells bad, as they all seem to do at one time or another.

Although rolling around in the grass and dirt is an activity that is considered normal behavior for dogs, it can cause skin irritation and tangles in their coats. Dogs can develop rashes just like humans and even have allergic reactions sometimes. Using a specially formulated dog shampoo that is specifically for them is the best way to make sure they get clean. It is one of the most effective ways to make sure their coats stay shiny and healthy.

A dog wash is something made especially for dogs and should not be used on humans or other pets. The ingredients are geared toward cleaning a dog’s coat while not stripping it of the healthy oils those coats can contain. Dogs can have sensitive skin and washing them with the wrong type of shampoo can irritate them and do more harm than good. So go ahead, let the dogs get dirty and run around, after all, they’re only trying to have fun. Just make sure to use shampoo that is formulated for them when it’s time to give them a bath. 

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Smelly Dog - How to Get Rid of Dog Odor

Does your dog have an unpleasant smell that tends to linger? Does he smell wet even when he is dry? Have you bathed your smelly dog with canine shampoo, only to notice the stink getting worse?

Numerous things can give your dog a bad odor: skin problems, his coat, and various health conditions. If he is simply dirty, a good shampoo and dog grooming may eliminate the smell. But the multitude of canine shampoos will not solve an odor problem if it stems from dog skin issues or other health problems.

Smelly Dog Causes

Dogs love to roll around in the dirt, and they relish foul odors. Dirt, dog feces, and dead animals contribute to the stink of a smelly dog. A good bath may take care of the problem.

Dog smells sometimes result from flatulence, the passing of gas through the rectum. If this is a temporary condition, the smell will leave on its own. If impacted anal glands are the cause, a veterinarian must express the glands to eliminate the odor.

Bad breath often stems from gum infections and other dental diseases. A veterinarian can clean your dog’s teeth and recommend medication to address the problem. Diabetes and kidney disease also cause bad breath, and certain skin conditions contribute to body odor.

Smelly Dog Cures

Changing your dog’s diet is one of the best ways to rid him of body odor. Organic and natural brands that contain barley grass, wheat grass, and chlorophyll are good food choices. Veterinary supplements may also improve your dog’s health and smell.

Proper care of his skin and coat can address the odor issue, too. The natural yeast on dog skin can multiply, causing odor and infections. A natural dog shampoo kills the yeast and ends the smell.

Regular dog grooming will keep your pet looking clean and smelling fresh. Brush, comb, and “back-comb” his fur to remove the thick undercoat, which can trap moisture and smells. This is especially important during the shedding season. Use warm water and a mild shampoo to bathe your dog on a regular basis. To protect his natural oils, do not bathe him daily.

Not all dogs stink, and most dogs do not smell bad all the time. But some dogs are naturally smellier than others. A healthy diet, a bath schedule, and regular dog grooming can keep the stink under control. If infection, tooth decay, or serious health issues are causing your dog’s odor, seek medical attention from a qualified veterinarian. 

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