Dear Fur: A dog’s coat can be classified as either hair or fur. Dogs with hair, such as the Poodle, Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise, for example, don’t shed in the regular cycles of dogs with fur. The hair-coated breeds act more like human hair in that they need a trim every four-to six weeks to keep them looking well-kept. However, the majority of dogs have fur either in a single layer or a double layer. Most of your double-coated breeds include the Spitz type dogs like the Siberian Husky, Keeshonden and Pomeranian.

Growth Cycles

Dog fur has a growing and a resting cycle. Twice a year, usually in early spring and autumn, they “blow” their coats. As to what triggers this release of dead fur, most experts agree it is the length of daylight hours. With the advent of spring the sun-filled days are getting longer. Dogs that primarily live outside get more sunshine, which sends a message to the brain to shed the winter coat or end the resting period and begin the growing period.

Each cycle of growth and rest lasts approximately six months. The length of these cycles can be breed-specific, however. Other factors to consider might include hormonal changes, especially in pregnant or nursing bitches. Temperature change has little to do with the beginning of the shedding cycle. It does, however, influence slightly how thick a dog’s winter coat will grow.

Grooming Tips

If you focus on three areas – nutrition, exercise and grooming – you can not only control growth cycles better but have a healthier, happier dog as a result.

 

·Nutrition – The number one way to healthy skin is through nutrition. The skin is one of the largest organs of the dog. It not only controls body temperature but is the organ for touch, smell and taste. Maintaining healthy skin benefits more than just ease of shedding. If you are feeding a quality dog food but your dog seems to shed a bit all year long or has a dull, brittle coat, perhaps he needs more of the essential fatty acids (Omega-3) in his diet. Dogs get their energy from fat and a great source of this and the fatty acids can be found in a supplement like Grizzly Salmon Oil™. This 100 percent salmon oil, which can help with off-season shedding, can be pumped directly onto dry kibble and dogs love the taste.

For more information, visit www. grizzlypetproducts.com on the web.

·Exercise – To keep your dog as close to the natural cycles as possible give him plenty of outdoor exercise during sunlight hours. Many of today’s pets spend so much time indoors under artificial light that it is hard to develop strong growth and resting cycles. This lack of outside time can also contribute to off-season shedding.

·Grooming – Dead coat removal at the end of the resting cycle is paramount to stimulating the new growth cycle. Before the new fur can come in the old fur has to go. Daily brushing is essential. For your “Frenchie” a soft rubber curry mitt is an excellent choice to help remove loose, dead fur and it aids in better circulation. To remove all dead fur can take up to three weeks in some dogs. Bathing a dog in very warm water can also release a lot of dead coat. First, brush as much hair out as possible before the bath, then bathe and follow with a cool blow dryer to release trapped hair. By using the blow dryer you save the coat from breaking under the stress of excessive brushing with inappropriate brushes. Each breed’s coat needs its own set of tools. Do your research. One brush does not fit all. For a complete line of dog blow dyers and grooming tools go to www.cherrybrook.com.

If you routinely take your dog to a grooming salon, ask your professional groomer what steps you can take at home to aid in the shedding process. Some breeds with extra fine hair tend to mat very quickly without daily brushing. Like any maintenance schedule, a little attention everyday takes less time and energy than ignoring something for a long time and them trying to play catch up.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Lisa can be reached at www.lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470.

 

 

 

www.sports@thebee.com