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Bullmastiffs are known to be heavy shedders, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily in the spring and fall. They shed an average of 10-15 pounds of fur per year.
Their thick undercoat is made up of soft, dense hair that falls out easily, while their outer coat is made up of longer, coarser hairs that shed more gradually.
Bullmastiffs need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. A weekly brush is essential to prevent these issues.
Bullmastiff Shedding Basics
Bullmastiffs shed regularly in all seasons, with a large surface area covered in hair that accumulates quickly on carpets, hardwood floors, and clothing.
They typically shed a fairly low amount of hair throughout the year, making it not very noticeable most of the time.
Bullmastiffs shed moderately throughout the ear, with no discernible difference in spring or fall, and their daily shedding is often overlooked if you brush your pet regularly.
Brushing your Bullmastiff regularly can reduce the amount of fur flying around your home to the bare minimum, making it essential to brush them twice a week if you're not a fan of fur.
Their fur never gets very long, so it rarely needs trimming, and a good brushing with a slicker brush outside should keep the inside of your home mostly fur-free.
Bullmastiffs are a moderate shedding breed, and their shedding is perfectly normal, with most dogs losing hair to some extent and seasonal shedding being very common.
You can expect your Bullmastiff to lose more fur twice a year, during spring and fall, as they shed their old coat to make way for the new one more suitable for the climate.
Their large size means there's just more hair that can fall out, but it's not to say that smaller dogs don't shed, and excessive shedding beyond what you consider normal might be worth consulting your local veterinarian about.
Grooming and Brushing
Brushing your Bullmastiff regularly is a great way to reduce shedding and keep their coat in good condition. Brushing spreads the oils of their coat evenly over their skin, which can help prevent dry skin and hair that can cause excessive shedding.
A rubber hand glove or bristle brush is the best tool for the job, as it's all you really need to maintain their coat and keep shedding to a minimum. You can also use a deshedding tool, but this might be overkill for a Bullmastiff.
Bathing your Bullmastiff should be done only as needed, and a quality dog shampoo with minimal chemicals is recommended to avoid dryness and skin irritation. Regular bathing can actually help minimize shedding and keep their skin and coat healthy.
Brushing your Bullmastiff daily can help prevent knots and matting in their fur, which can be painful and difficult to remove. This is especially important for Bullmastiffs, as their coats can still get knotted and matted even though they're dense.
Regular brushing is also a great way to bond with your Bullmastiff, as it allows for quality time together and can help reduce their aggressiveness and prey drive. This is a win-win for both you and your furry friend!
Here are some additional tips for grooming your Bullmastiff:
- Bathe your Bullmastiff weekly, or every six to eight weeks depending on their activity level and lifestyle.
- Use a high-velocity dryer or a slicker brush to remove loose coat and loosen dirt and debris before bathing.
- Use a hydrating spray after bathing and drying to lock in moisture and keep their skin and coat healthy.
Remember, brushing your Bullmastiff regularly is the most effective way to reduce shedding and keep their coat in good condition. By following these simple tips, you can keep your Bullmastiff happy, healthy, and shedding less.
Reducing Shedding
Brushing your Bullmastiff regularly is essential to reduce the amount of fur flying around your home to the bare minimum. Brushing twice a week can make a big difference.
Their short, dense coat requires minimal maintenance, and a quick brush once per week is all you need to keep it in good condition. Brushing spreads the oils of their coat evenly over their skin, which can help prevent dry skin and hair that cause excessive shedding.
Using the right brush can make a big difference. A rubber hand glove or bristle brush is perfect for their short coat, and can be used daily for a non-invasive and effective way to remove loose fur and massage their skin.
Some people also use a deshedding tool, but it might be overkill for a Bullmastiff. A good quality dog shampoo with minimal chemicals can also help prevent dryness and skin irritation.
A healthy, balanced diet made up of high-quality ingredients can promote a healthier coat, which can reduce shedding. Some people even use a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil in their food to combat dry skin and reduce shedding.
Here are some tips to reduce shedding:
- Bathe your Bullmastiff only as needed.
- Feed them a healthy, balanced diet.
- Consult your local vet if you're concerned about excessive shedding.
- Use a rubber hand glove or bristle brush for regular grooming.
Health and Allergies
Bullmastiffs can suffer from allergies that cause excessive hair loss, which can be mistaken for normal shedding. These allergies can be triggered by grass, pollen, fleas, and food.
Frequent baths and blowouts can help accelerate the shedding process and keep the skin and coat in good condition, but they won't eliminate shedding entirely. Bullmastiffs do shed year-round.
If you suspect your bullmastiff has an allergy-related hair loss, take them to a veterinarian for skin tests to determine the specific allergen. Treatment may include a change in diet and over-the-counter antihistamines.
Are Bullmastiffs Hypoallergenic?
Bullmastiffs are not a hypoallergenic breed of dog because they shed moderately and drool a lot.
Their moderate shedding and drooling spread allergens like dried saliva and dander (flaky skin) around their environment.
No dog is ever 100% hypoallergenic, so it's a bit misleading to use the term, even for low-shedding breeds like the Wheaten Terrier and Poodle.
While Bullmastiffs don't shed a lot, they still spread allergens around, making them less suitable for people with allergies.
You might consider looking into other breeds that are better suited for allergy sufferers, as they will likely cause fewer problems.
Suggestion: Do Rottweilers Shed a Lot
Allergies
Bullmastiffs can suffer from allergies that cause excessive hair loss, which can be mistaken for normal shedding. This can be due to allergies to grass, pollen, fleas, or food.
If you suspect allergy-caused shedding, take your bullmastiff to a veterinarian, who will run skin tests to determine the specific allergen. The vet may also recommend a change in diet.
Treatment for allergies may include over-the-counter antihistamines, prescription anti-inflammatory medicines, or allergy shots. In severe cases, prescription medicines may be necessary.
Best Dog Foods
Choosing the right dog food can make a big difference in reducing shedding. If your dog is prone to shedding, consider feeding them a high-quality dog food specifically formulated for shedding.
Some of the best dog foods for shedding include those with omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce shedding and promote a healthy coat. Look for foods with added flaxseed or salmon oil for these benefits.
Dogs with skin allergies may benefit from a food that's easy to digest, such as a novel protein source like venison or duck.
Here are some top dog food brands for shedding:
If your dog has skin allergies, consult with your veterinarian before switching to a new food. They can help you determine the best course of action for your dog's specific needs.
Are Bullmastiffs?
Bullmastiffs are not hypoallergenic, unfortunately, due to their fur and moderate shedding.
They have a lot of fur, which means they produce a lot of dander, making them a poor choice for people with allergies.
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No dog breed is truly 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds like the Poodle come close.
Bullmastiffs are a large breed, which means they have more fur and produce more dander.
Their fur is not hair, but actual fur, which sheds moderately and contributes to their high dander production.
This means that if you have allergies to dog dander, you'll likely have an allergic reaction to a Bullmastiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bullmastiffs have a moderate shedding rate, which means they shed more heavily during the changing seasons.
You'll want to brush your Bullmastiff daily during these times to manage loose hair. A bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt is ideal for their short, dense coat.
Cleaning your Bullmastiff's wrinkles requires some care. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the wrinkles, then dry them thoroughly to prevent bacteria from growing.
Never leave the wrinkles damp, as this can lead to skin problems. A dog-specific shampoo is best, as human shampoo can dry out their skin.
Trimming your Bullmastiff's nails is a regular task. You should do this every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth.
Be careful not to cut into the quick, the sensitive part of the nail, which can cause pain and bleeding. Brushing your Bullmastiff's teeth is also important.
Ideally, you should brush their teeth several times a week to prevent plaque buildup and ensure good dental health.
Here's a quick reminder of the grooming tasks to keep in mind:
- Brush weekly (daily during changing seasons)
- Clean wrinkles regularly
- Trim nails every 3-4 weeks
- Brush teeth several times a week
Sources
- https://stopmydogshedding.com/do-bullmastiffs-shed-lots-or-little
- https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/bullmastiffs-shed-3797.html
- https://www.hepper.com/do-bullmastiffs-shed-a-lot/
- https://espree.com/BreedProfiler/bullmastiff-grooming-bathing-and-care
- https://iheartdogs.com/7-vital-tips-for-grooming-a-bullmastiff/
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