shedding... redefined

[DogueOwner]

Hi all, our 9 m/o boy is shedding like I cannot imagine since the change of seasons. We are in northern NJ and there's been snow on the ground since the New Year, however lately his shedding is on a another level. I use a de-shedding tool called a furminator, not cheap, but worth every penny. I brush him every day, sometimes twice, and remove fist fulls of hair every time. He is an "inside" dog. My breeder said to leave him outside for an entire day and his coat will change and he will shed less. Has anyone heard of this / tried? I understand the thick undercoat of short haired dogs, but I cannot believe he still has any hair left after what I take off of him every day.

No health problems, except somewhat dry skin due to forced hot air in our house, raw fed since birth.

Appreciate any insights/tips. Thanks!

 

[Hector]

I remember when my mastiff was that age, he shed like crazy too. I couldn't believe how much fur came out. I thought it wasn't normal, but he hasn't shed nearly as hard after that one time.

 

[NYDDB]

Sounds a little odd. I'm in NY and Mateo's shedding has almost stopped since it's been cold (during the summer, another story, LOL.)

But, we are out in the cold a lot during the day...so maybe your breeder has a good point. It makes sense.

(Not the part about leaving him outside for the whole day...just getting out in the cold for walks, play time, etc.)

 

[cinnamon roll]

I was in your shoes too!

Mystic was about the same age and I swore to god she was gonna be bald. I would vacuum twice a day.It was horrible. I used the furminator on her weekly and the zoom groom almost daily. And then after I would say 2 months she FINALLY stopped.

 

[DennasMom]

Raw fed is great - but is he getting enough Omega 3's? i.e. from grass fed red meat?
We supplement with salmon oil, which seems to help with skin issues - might also help with shedding and coat issues.

Denna doesn't shed much (yet?)... So far, the cat can shed more in 2 days than she has in 2 years.

 

[ParentsofVegas]

I will second the salmon oil.
Will help the dry skin and the shedding.

 

[musicdeb]

Titan is shedding like crazy! Our weather here in TX has been crazy, 30 degrees one day and 70 the next day.

I vacuum him and the carpets every other day. I brush him every 2-3 days which I could brush him for an hour and I still have lots of hair coming off of him.

This is the first year I can remember that his shedding has been horrible. IMO, it's the weather changes.

 

[ruthcatrin]

at 9months he's blowing the rest of his puppy coat. Just keep brushing and vaccuming!

 

[raechiemay]

at 9months he's blowing the rest of his puppy coat. Just keep brushing and vaccuming!

Yep. I've seen a lot of dogs go through this change right around that age. Does the texture of his coat feel different?

 

[Jakesmum]

Jake is shedding like crazy right now too, I didn't expect it for another month or so, but our weather is so unpredicatble (-20c one day +10c the next). Just keep brushing and vacuuming!