"Tis the season to be shedding." My dog has a very thick coat, very short hair. I can't get a brush nor a comb through to the skin. We bathe him 1/week, but he is now shedding hair and 'dandruff'.
I tried brushing his fur backwards with my hand (pressing hard), and loosened a lot of debris, but it's not enough. Suggestions?
Holly from Richardson, TX
I am not sure about the shedding; but bathing once a week is probably way too much. You are probably drying his skin out causing the flaking.
We have a lab/shepherd mix who really sheds. One thing that does help us at least control where the hair is going is using a mitt that we found that has a rubbery palm with little nubs. It pulls off loose hair with a good vigorous rub, much faster than brushing.
I'd rather she didn't shed so much; but she is such a good dog, the dog hair is worth it! (03/06/2008)
By Jill
Robin - You mentioned a slicker brush. What is it?
Thanks,
Holly (03/07/2008)
By Holly
A slicker brush has lots of flexible wire bristles, and it combs out a lot of loose underhair. Looks like old fashioned wool cards.
My local groomer is running shave-down specials now, you might find it cheap and quick to get a fresh start. It isn't so close that your dog will be pink naked, but rather have like 1/4" hair. I used to shave down my Great Pyrenees every spring and it made her come alive like a puppy again. God bless you, Kim
(03/07/2008)
Even if his coat is thick, you should at least be able to get a comb through. Can you see the skin? I'm wondering if he is matted?
If he's got dry skin, you're probably bathing him too frequently (especially during the winter) Are you using a gentle, puppy shampoo and a conditioner?
Try a shedding blade (don't go backwards though)
Give your dog Omega 3 and 6 supplements (fish oil and flaxseed oil)
Feed your dog a premium dog food (sold at pet stores, not at grocery stores or WalMart)
If the problem persists more than a week, I'd recommend you schedule an appointment with the vet. There could be another underlying factor causing the dry skin and shedding. (03/19/2008)
Bought a Zoom Groom. $7.99 at Petco. It worked wonders getting the loose fur out from the coat. His last bath took care of the dry skin, so I can't vouch for the Zoom's effectiveness in that category. The problem has been getting through that thick short fur coat (it's not matted). We've been giving him fish oil capsules, so that might have made it extra thick. He's not shedding excessively - it's just that this is the season to start shedding and I wanted to find out how to take care of him. (03/19/2008)
By Holly
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