Do Newfoundland Dogs Shed Frequently and How to Help

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Posted Nov 8, 2024

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Newfoundland Dog on Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Newfoundland Dog on Grass

Newfoundland dogs are known for their thick double coats, which can be a bit of a pain for some owners.

Newfoundland dogs shed heavily, particularly during shedding season, which usually occurs twice a year.

Their thick undercoat sheds heavily, often causing mats and tangles that need regular brushing.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the ears and tail.

Newfoundlands need to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week, but daily brushing is recommended during shedding season.

Newfoundland owners often joke about the amount of hair they have to vacuum up daily, but it's all worth it for the love and companionship these dogs bring.

Why Newfoundland Dogs Shed

Newfoundland dogs shed due to a natural process that allows them to get rid of old or damaged hair.

Their thick winter coat needs to be shed in the spring to prepare for warmer weather, and again in the fall to prepare for the cold.

Credit: youtube.com, Do Newfoundland Dogs Shed: Get the Hairy Truth About These Gentle Giants

This process can be intense, with most Newfies losing hair in large amounts for about 3-4 weeks.

Newfoundland's shedding is often classified at the same level as Labrador Retrievers and Pekingese, which are some of the heaviest shedders in the canine world.

They tend to shed more than other breeds, like Labradors and German Shepherds, due to their massive size.

You don't have to worry about cleaning their fur from your home until the dog is at least three years old, when their fur coat fully develops.

Understanding Why

Newfoundland dogs shed due to a natural process that allows them to get rid of old or damaged hair.

The amount and frequency of shedding can vary significantly depending on the breed, health, and season.

Newfoundland dogs, like many others, tend to shed more than some breeds, but less than others.

Seasonal shedding is also common, with many dogs shedding their winter coats in the spring to prepare for warmer weather and vice versa in the fall.

Health issues such as skin conditions and poor nutrition can also increase shedding in Newfoundland dogs.

Understanding these factors is the first step in learning how to manage shedding in dogs.

Newfoundland

Credit: youtube.com, Managing Shedding in Newfoundland Dogs

Newfoundland dogs shed significantly, especially during seasonal changes in autumn and spring when they shed their thick winter coat to prepare for the summer heat.

Their shedding can be quite messy, with a significant amount of fur lost for about 3 to 4 weeks, making grooming necessary to prevent mats from forming on the coat.

You can expect to see more patches of fur all over your house during this time.

Newfoundland's massive size means they produce more fur than smaller dogs, even if their shedding is moderate for most of the year.

Fortunately, you don't have to worry about cleaning their fur from your home until they're at least three years old, when their fur coat fully develops.

Regular Grooming

Regular grooming is essential to manage shedding in Newfoundland dogs. Brushing their coat helps remove loose hair and reduces the amount of hair around your home.

Newfoundland dogs have a thick, long coat that requires regular attention. They need to be brushed at least once a week, but daily brushing is ideal to keep shedding under control during seasonal changes.

Credit: youtube.com, Grooming Your Newfoundland Dog - Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Coat

Using the right tools makes a significant difference in grooming. A wire-slicker brush is best for brushing the outermost coat, while an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool can be used to remove loose fur from the undercoat.

Brushing your Newfoundland regularly will also help prevent matting and keep their coat healthy. A slicker brush and a wide-tooth comb are essential tools for this task.

Newfoundlands have sensitive skin, so it's essential to brush gently and be patient. Brush in the direction of the hair growth, focusing on areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and under the legs.

Regular grooming also involves cleaning up after your dog. Use a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment to remove hair from carpets and furniture, and consider using lint rollers and pet hair removers to keep clothes and upholstery hair-free.

Bathing your Newfoundland too frequently can dry out their skin and cause more fur to fall off. Experts recommend bathing your dog once every few months or once a month at most.

You might like: Grooming a Nervous Dog

Diet and Nutrition

Credit: youtube.com, How to Feed a Healthy Diet to Your Newfoundland Dog

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and managing shedding in dogs. High-quality dog food that is rich in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can promote healthy skin and reduce shedding. Supplements like fish oil can also be beneficial.

Newfoundlands need a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids to keep their coats shiny and healthy. This will prevent excessive shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Feeding your Newfoundland a proper diet is essential to reduce shedding from the inside out.

Factors That Influence

Newfoundlands shed moderately throughout the year, but some factors can influence the shedding frequency and amount.

As much as we'd like to think our dogs' shedding is out of our control, certain factors can indeed impact how much they shed.

Newfoundlands shed the most during seasonal changes, which can be influenced by factors such as their diet and nutrition.

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce shedding in Newfoundlands.

Newfoundlands shed throughout the year, but some factors can influence when they shed the most.

Factors such as seasonal changes and a dog's overall health can impact the amount of shedding in Newfoundlands.

Diet and Nutrition

Facade of the Mary Browns Centre in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of the Mary Browns Centre in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and managing shedding in dogs. High-quality dog food that is rich in essential nutrients, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can promote healthy skin and reduce shedding.

Protein is essential for hair growth, so ensure your dog is getting enough of it. Supplements like fish oil can also be beneficial for promoting a healthy coat.

Dieting and exercise are necessary to help a dog grow a healthy coat. Regular exercise can lead to shiny and healthy-looking coats.

A healthy coat will not fall off in large quantities, and diet is important for your dog because it helps reduce shedding from inside their bodies.

Newfies that regularly exercise will have shiny and healthy-looking coats compared to overweight dogs that will shed more than normal. Poorly fed dogs tend to have dry and irritated coats, which may tend to shed abnormally.

Health and Safety

Newfoundland dogs are known to be gentle giants, but they do come with some health concerns that you should be aware of.

Regular grooming is crucial for Newfoundlands, as they shed heavily, especially during shedding season.

Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues.

Health Issues

Waving national flag of Newfoundland and Labrador placed on wooden fence against blurred coastal settlement on hilly terrain
Credit: pexels.com, Waving national flag of Newfoundland and Labrador placed on wooden fence against blurred coastal settlement on hilly terrain

Health Issues can be a significant concern for your furry friend. Allergies are a common cause of excessive shedding in dogs, often triggered by mold, dust, pollen, and dander.

If your Newfie is allergic to any of these substances, its hair will start falling out in clumps, and the dog may even experience excessive scratching and shedding. This can lead to discomfort and skin irritation for your dog.

Hormonal imbalances can also increase shedding frequency in Newfoundland dogs. These imbalances are often brought on by pregnancy, stress, and some types of medical conditions.

Stress is another factor that can contribute to excessive shedding in Newfies. This can be caused by things like a move to a new home, a change in family dynamics, or even the introduction of a baby or a new family member into your household.

Certain infections, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, can cause your dog to shed abnormally. If your Newfie is infected, you will notice bald spots on its coat, its hair falling out in clumps, and shedding more than normal.

Confederation Building, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Credit: pexels.com, Confederation Building, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to take your dog to the vet for further diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and treatment can help alleviate your dog's discomfort and prevent further health issues.

Here are some common signs of health issues that may be causing excessive shedding in your Newfie:

  • Excessive scratching and shedding
  • Bald spots on the coat
  • Hair falling out in clumps
  • Withdrawn or depressed behavior
  • Pacing or panting more than normal

Staying Healthy and Safe

Dogs suffering from dry skin are more susceptible to shedding, so it's essential to improve the moisture content on their coat. Adding virgin coconut oil to their diet in moderation can significantly improve the quality of their fur coat, but be sure to consult your local vet first.

A high-velocity dog dryer is a safe and effective way to remove dander and loose hair from your dog's coat. This is especially true for Newfoundlands, which have a thick coat that acts like a mud magnet.

Bathing your dog too frequently can dry out their skin, causing more fur to fall from their body. Experts recommend bathing your dog once every few months, or at most once a month.

Credit: youtube.com, How to stay healthy and safe in the winter months

Most human-based shampoos contain chemicals that can harm your dog's coat, so it's best to use dog-based shampoos with natural ingredients instead. These are widely available at pet stores and online marketplaces.

A balanced diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids is crucial for a healthy coat. This will not only make their coat shiny and healthy but also prevent it from getting too dry, reducing shedding in the process.

Ticks, Fleas, and Pests

Ticks, fleas, and other pests can be a real nuisance for your dog, causing them to itch and scratch constantly. This excessive scratching can lead to open sores on your dog's skin.

Fleas are notorious for causing discomfort in dogs, and their presence can also lead to excessive shedding.

The itching from these pests can drive your dog to lick and scratch in a stupor, trying to get rid of them.

These pests can create a range of problems for your dog, including excessive shedding and open sores.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Newfoundland dogs hypoallergenic?

Newfoundland dogs are not entirely hypoallergenic, but their moderate shedding and low dander production make them a suitable choice for those with allergies. They may still trigger allergic reactions, but to a lesser extent than other breeds.

Jenny Koss

Writer

Jenny Koss is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for uncovering unique tales. Her writing career has taken her from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of the city, where she's covered a wide range of topics with curiosity and enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a love of adventure, Jenny has tackled subjects as varied as truffle hunting, where she immersed herself in the ancient art of foraging for the world's most prized fungi.

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