Golden Retrievers are known to blow their coat twice a year, and it's a normal process for them to shed heavily during these periods. This can be overwhelming for owners who aren't prepared.
The first sign of a Golden Retriever blowing their coat is usually a change in their behavior, as they begin to feel hot and uncomfortable due to the thick undercoat. They may start to lose their appetite and become lethargic.
Golden Retrievers typically blow their coat in the spring and fall, and it's a good idea to brush them daily during these times to help manage the shedding. Regular grooming can also help prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Regular brushing can reduce the amount of loose hair and prevent it from getting all over the house.
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Understanding Dog Shedding
Dogs shed their fur in a natural process called "The Shed", which occurs when their hair reaches its predestined length and begins to fall out.
Every hair on your dog's body has its own "life cycle" with three phases: Anagen (active growth), Catagen (hair is fully grown), and Telogen (hair is not only fully grown, but also fully attached to the animal and dormant).
The amount of shedding that occurs depends on your dog's breed, with double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers shedding more heavily than single-coated breeds.
Most instances of dog shedding are normal, but unusual shedding patterns can warrant a trip to the vet.
Historically, dogs lived outside year-round, and profuse shedding was restricted to spring and fall. However, indoor dogs can shed moderately all year.
Your dog's diet, allergies, and stress levels can also affect the amount of shedding they do.
To reduce shedding, regular brushing is essential, and using the correct brush is vital. A dog shedding rake is a must-have for removing dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the outercoat.
Dogs with food allergies are prone to diet-related shedding, so it's essential to choose a dog food with adequate fatty acids and digestible protein.
Dehydration can also cause healthy hair to shed, so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh cool water.
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Some dogs, like Golden Retrievers, blow their coat twice a year, with the thick undercoat shedding first, followed by the outer layer.
Here are some double-coated dog breeds that blow their coat at least once a year:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chow Chow
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Labrador retriever
- Newfoundland
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Saint Bernard
- Shiba Inu
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, and understanding when and why it occurs, along with providing a healthy diet and regular grooming, can help reduce the amount of shedding your dog does.
Reducing Excessive Dog Shedding
Golden retrievers are known for their thick, double coats, which they shed heavily twice a year. This process is called "blowing coat", and it's a natural part of their grooming cycle.
Brushing your golden retriever every day can help reduce shedding. Regular brushing not only gets rid of loose hair but also stimulates the oils through the living hair to make it softer and sleeker. This healthy hair is more likely to stay attached to your dog's body.
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Using the correct brush is essential. A dog shedding rake is a must-have because it removes dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the outercoat. You can also use slicker brushes, shedding blades, grooming gloves, and mat removers to help manage shedding.
Feeding your golden retriever an appropriate diet with adequate fatty acids and digestible protein is also crucial. Dogs with food allergies are highly prone to diet-related shedding, so be aware of any dietary restrictions before choosing food for your fur friend. Dehydration can also cause healthy hair to shed, so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh cool water.
Here are some tips to help reduce excessive dog shedding:
- Brush your golden retriever every day to remove loose hair and stimulate the oils in their coat.
- Use the correct brush for their coat type.
- Feed a balanced diet with adequate fatty acids and digestible protein.
- Provide plenty of fresh cool water to prevent dehydration.
- Consider adding a little olive oil or flaxseed oil to their food to provide Omega-3 fatty acids.
By following these tips, you can help reduce excessive dog shedding and keep your golden retriever's coat healthy and shiny.
Grooming and Matting
Grooming is key to preventing matting in your golden retriever's coat, especially during shedding season. Brushing removes loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and shiny.
Regular brushing is essential, with a minimum of weekly brushing, but more frequently during heavy shedding periods. Use a brush tailored to your dog's coat type, such as a long hair or double coat brush.
Feeding a highly digestible diet that's tailored to your dog's coat needs is also helpful. The nutrients in the dog food contribute to the health of the coat, which can reduce shedding.
Brushing daily is crucial to prevent matting, especially for golden retrievers with long coats. Use a dog shedding rake to remove dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the outercoat.
Some areas of the body are prone to matting, such as the neck, behind the ears, under the chin, armpits, and feet. Regular brushing can help prevent matting in these areas.
Mats can occur more frequently during seasonal shedding periods, so be extra vigilant during these times. If you find a mat or area of matting while brushing, don't pull or raise the skin as you trim it out with grooming clippers.
Here are some common areas where mats tend to form:
- Neck
- Behind the ears
- Under the chin
- Armpits
- Feet
Regular grooming appointments with a professional groomer can help prevent matting. If you have a golden retriever with a long coat, consider booking a professional brush-out service between full grooming appointments.
To keep your dog's coat long and prevent matting, regular at-home brushing and maintenance appointments with a professional groomer are essential.
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Dealing with Shedding Season
Shedding season can be overwhelming, especially if you're not prepared. As a golden retriever owner, you can expect your furry friend to blow their coat twice a year, with the most intense shedding happening in the spring and fall.
Brushing your dog daily is crucial to reduce loose hair and prevent matting. Use the correct brush for your dog's coat type, such as a natural-bristle brush for shorter coats or a slicker brush for longer coats. Regular brushing not only removes dead hair but also stimulates the oils through the living hair, making it softer and sleeker.
For dogs like golden retrievers, which have a thick undercoat, it's essential to use a dog shedding rake or a slicker brush to remove dead hair from the undercoat without damaging the outercoat. You can also use a coat rake or shedding tool to help pull out dead hair, especially during heavy shedding seasons.
If you're dealing with excessive shedding, it's best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. In most cases, shedding is a normal process, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.
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When Is Dog Shedding Season?
Dog shedding season can be a real challenge, but understanding when it happens can help you prepare. Historically, dogs shed more in the spring and fall, but indoor dogs can shed moderately all year round.
Your dog's breed plays a big role in how frequently they shed, with double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians shedding more in spring and fall. However, many modern dogs live in controlled environments and shed less often than their ancestors.
Shedding is controlled by hormonal changes that are affected by changes in daylight, with spring and fall being the most likely times for a dog's coat to blow. This can last for 2-4 weeks, depending on the breed, and can be a normal occurrence for healthy dogs.
Here are some double-coated breeds that typically shed twice a year:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chow Chow
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Labrador retriever
- Newfoundland
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Saint Bernard
- Shiba Inu
Keep in mind that some dogs may shed more heavily due to factors like allergies, diet, or stress, and unusual shedding patterns can be a sign of a health issue. If you're concerned about your dog's shedding, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian.
Dealing with Shedding Season
You'll likely find yourself preparing for dog shedding season during spring and fall if you have a double-coated breed. These breeds include Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but understanding when and why it occurs is key to keeping your home clean.
Brushing your dog every day is essential to reduce loose hair. Regular brushing not only gets rid of loose hair but also stimulates the oils through the living hair to make it softer and sleeker. This healthy hair is more likely to stay attached to your dog's body.
The best time to bring out the heavy equipment for long-haired breeds is late winter and mid-fall, just before the new coat starts growing in. For short-haired breeds, a brisk comb-over with a curry brush will do wonders.
Double-coated breeds like Siberian Huskies blow their coat twice a year, which can be a lot to deal with. To minimize the mess, brush your dog twice daily for a while, especially during shedding season. You can also use a lint brush to remove dog hair from surfaces.
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Some Nordic breeds, such as the Siberian Husky and Samoyed, shed all the time, even more so during shedding season. The giant European Leonberger is another double-coated breed that blows coat twice a year due to its thick, full outer coat and shorter, fluffier undercoat.
Here are some double-coated dog breeds that blow coat at least once a year:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian shepherd
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Chow Chow
- German shepherd
- Golden retriever
- Great Pyrenees
- Labrador retriever
- Newfoundland
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Saint Bernard
- Shiba Inu
Remember, shedding is a natural process for dogs, but understanding when and why it occurs is key to keeping your home clean.
Sources
- slicker brushes (central.com)
- Brookfield Animal Hospital (brookfieldanimalhospital.com)
- Shallowford Animal Hospital (shallowfordvet.com)
- grooming glove (chewy.com)
- coat rake (chewy.com)
- Slicker brushes (chewy.com)
- dogs will shed their coats (marthastewart.com)
- Related: 10 Dog Grooming Tools to Have at Home, According to Professionals (marthastewart.com)
- brush their dogs' coat (marthastewart.com)
- amazon.com (amazon.com)
- reduce shedding (marthastewart.com)
- vacuuming (marthastewart.com)
- clean up hair on carpeting, furniture, and clothing (marthastewart.com)
- grooming comb (amazon.com)
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