As a professional dog groomer, you know that shedding is one of the biggest challenges pet owners face. While shedding is a natural process, it can be frustrating for pet owners and can even cause an allergic reaction in some people. As a dog groomer, it is your job to help them deal with their dog's shedding.
Excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying issue, so this is important to understand the intricacies of this process and to tell if it is related to the season or has a much more serious nature.
If you're a dog groomer, helping your customers deal with their dog's shedding can be a great way to build trust and establish yourself as a reliable source of information. In this article, we'll explore the different ways you can help your customers control their dog's shedding and keep their dog's coat healthy and shiny.
Understanding the Dog's Shedding Process
Before you can help your clients manage their dog's shedding, it's important to understand why dogs shed in the first place. Shedding is a natural process in which dogs lose old or damaged fur to make way for new growth. While shedding can occur year-round, many dogs experience a more significant shedding cycle during the spring and fall months. Shedding helps dogs get rid of dead hair and replace it with new hair. Dogs shed more during the warmer months when they need to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, dogs that are indoors all the time may shed more often than those that spend more time outdoors.
Some dogs shed more than others due to a variety of factors, including breed, age, and health. Dogs with longer hair or double coats, such as Golden Retrievers or Huskies, are more likely to shed heavily than dogs with shorter hair, like Beagles or Dachshunds. Older dogs or dogs with underlying health issues may also shed more than younger, healthy dogs.
Factors that Affect Dog shedding
There are several factors that can affect shedding in dogs. The most common factors include:
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Coat type - Dogs with longer coats or double coats will typically shed more than dogs with shorter coats or single coats.
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Breed - Different dog's breed have different shedding patterns. For example, Siberian Huskies and other northern breeds shed heavily twice a year, while non-shedding breeds like Poodles and Bichon Frises shed very little. Some people think hypoallergenic dogs do not cause allergies to food. In truth, hypoallergenic dogs produce more urine than most other dogs do.
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Diet - Poor diet can affect dog shedding so much! A healthy dog's diet that is rich in essential fatty acids can help promote healthy dog's skin and a shiny coat, which can help reduce shedding. When dogs eat a healthy diet, their hair will absorb the nutritional nutrients that the body needs. Various animals can take omega-3 fatty acids as a nutritional supplement and help maintain healthy hair growth.
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Skin Health - Inflamed or irritated dog's skin can cause excessive shedding. Fungal infections can also trigger shedding.
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Regular Brushing -Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and can help prevent matting, which can also reduce shedding. If dog is not brushed regularly, a lot of hair and fur get stuck in its coat which makes it difficult for air to flow, which promotes shedding.
Tools to Control Excessive Shedding
There are several tools that you can recommend to your customers to help control shedding in their dogs. Some of the most popular shedding tools include:
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Slicker brush -Slicker brushes are great for removing loose hair and preventing matting. They work well on all coat types.
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Coat rake - A coat rake is a great tool for removing loose hair and undercoat from dogs with thicker coats or double coats.
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Bristle brush - Bristle brushes are great for removing dirt and debris from the coat and for stimulating hair follicles.
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Rubbercurry comb - Rubber curry combs are great for removing loose hair and for massaging the skin.
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Shedding blade - A shedding blade is a great tool for removing loose hair and undercoat from dogs with thicker coats or double coats.
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Shedding shampoo - special shampoo formula that helps to get rid of loose hair during the bath and to nourish dog's coat and skin. This exactly what PRIDE+GROOM The Shedder accomplishes. It really hydrates the undercoat and stimulates the realease of the fur in the bath (not on furniture).
Tips for Controlling Shedding
In addition to using shedding tools, there are several other tips you can recommend to your clients to help control shedding in their dogs. Some of the most effective tips include:
1. Regular brushing
One of the most effective ways to control dog shedding is by regularly brushing their coat. Brushing helps remove dead hair and stimulates hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth. Short-haired dogs usually require less brushing than long-haired dogs, but all dogs benefit from good brushing. Pet parents should be encouraged to brush their dogs regularly at home, and professional groomers should make brushing part of their routine grooming services.
2. Use the Right Brush
Using the right dog brush is essential for effective shedding control. There are several types of shedding tools available in the market, including slicker brushes, bristle brushes, coat rakes, and wire pin brushes. Each tool is designed for a specific type of coat, and using the wrong brush can cause skin irritation or inflamed skin. Professional groomers should have a variety of shedding tool available and choose the right one based on the dog's coat type.
We have created universal brush that covers all basic needs and suits every single dog! THE ONLY BRUSH is double-sided dog brush with boar pin and bristle slides!
3. Combat Shedding with a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat. Pet parents should be encouraged to feed their dogs a balanced diet that is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Poor diet or food allergies can lead to dehydrated skin and excessive shedding. As a pet business owner, you can also recommend specific food brands that promote healthy dog skin and coat.
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Use shedding blades
Shedding blades are a popular tool for removing loose hair and excess shedding. They are particularly useful for dog sheds seasonally, such as Siberian Huskies. Shedding blades are designed to remove loose fur from the dog's coat without damaging the healthy hair. Professional groomers should use shedding blades with caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions. These are not tools meant for professional use only.
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Control shedding seasons
Most dogs shed year-round, but some breeds shed more during specific seasons. As a pet business owner, you can advise pet parent on when shedding seasons occur for their specific breed and recommend grooming services accordingly. For example, a dog that sheds excessively during the summer may require more frequent grooming during that season.
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Use a natural bristle brush
A natural bristle brush is a gentle tool for removing loose hairs and promoting healthy coat growth. It's a great option for dogs with sensitive skin or those that are prone to allergic reactions. A natural bristle brush is also useful for removing pet dander and preventing the spread of allergies.
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Use a lint roller
Lint rollers are handy tools for removing loose hairs from furniture and clothing. Professional groomers can use lint rollers to remove loose hairs from their grooming tools and equipment. Pet parent can also use lint rollers to keep their home hair-free.
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Identify and treat skin irritations
Skin irritations can cause excessive shedding or excessive hair loss in dogs. Professional groomers should be trained to identify skin irritations and recommend treatment options. Skin irritations can be caused by fungal infections, flea infestations, or allergies. In some cases, a dog may require medication or special shampoo to treat the irritation.
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Emphasize Frequent Bathing and De-shedding Treatments
Bathing dogs not only clean their coats but also helps remove dead hair. Deshredding shampoos and conditioners are rich in moisture that nourish dog's hair to create a healthy follicle — without causing skin irritation. It is easy to remove dog stains from their undercoats using this shampoo and conditioner. Regular baths or grooming of dogs can greatly improve the risk of sheds.
WHO IS PRIDE+GROOM?
The Very First Clean Beauty Brand…for Dogs!
PRIDE+GROOM is a female and minority owned all-natural pet grooming company born and bred in New York City. We designed our coat-specific dog shampoos with a light, fresh signature scent that says goodbye to the overwhelming fragrances currently in the dog grooming market. Our packaging and branding humanizes our pet products making them attractive and user friendly.
Discover the secret to maintaining your pup's luxurious coat! Elevate bath time with our premium range of dog shampoo, indulge in the softest dog towels, and brush with care using our gentle dog bath brushes. For pet care businesses, explore wholesale shampoo gallons for unbeatable quality and value only at Pride and Groom Pro. Pamper your furry friend with the best!
Our company is rooted in our love for dogs and cats, and we’ve put all our energy into creating products that let us care for them, their coats and their skin in a way that is natural, nurturing, and specific. Our formulas are a unique blend of essential oils sourced from around the world. Each ingredient has a purpose. Like Marshmallow Root Oil, in our Non-Shedder, helps detangle and nourish those dogs, like doodles, with hair that grows and is prone to matting.
PRIDE+GROOM is deeply committed to giving back to the community. We developed our ONE FUR ALL conditioning shampoo that we have donated to over 1000 shelters around the country. This amounts to over 50,000 needy rescue dogs getting the PRIDE+GROOM treatment before heading to their forever homes for adoption.
