Australian Shepherds, known for their striking coats and vibrant energy, are a popular choice for active families. If you're considering bringing one of these loyal dogs into your home, you might be wondering, do Australian Shepherds shed? The short answer is yes, they do shed, and it's something you'll need to manage if you want to keep your home fur-free.
Do Australian Shepherds Shed a Lot?
Yes, Australian Shepherds shed, and their shedding can be moderate to heavy depending on the time of year:
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Spring: As the weather warms up, Australian Shepherds start to shed their heavier winter undercoats to give them the thinner, lighter coat they need during the warmer months. It can be a very intense shedding period because the thicker undercoat will loosen and fall out in large clumps.
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Fall: As the weather starts to cool, these dogs start shedding their lighter summer coat to give way to the warmer, thicker undercoat. The fall shedding period is also important because their coat will protect them against the upcoming colder temperatures.
To manage the shedding effectively, regular grooming is essential. Using tools like a de-shedding pet brush will help you remove the loose hair from the topcoat and undercoat without hurting your dog. Making a point to brush them every day or so will help keep the shedding under control while ensuring they have a shiny, healthy coat.
Do Mini Australian Shepherds Shed?
Mini Australian Shepherds, or Mini Aussies, also shed, but they tend to have shedding patterns that vary from their bigger counterparts. Like your standard Australian Shepherd, Mini Aussies also have the thick double coat that sheds at a moderate pace all year round and peaks during the spring and fall each year. This makes regular grooming just as important for the Mini Aussies as it is for the standard ones.
To help your Mini Aussie effectively manage their shedding and reduce the itch that comes with having a lot of loose, dead hair, the Ark Naturals Don't Shed On Me Pet Spray can be an effective tool. This product is a great way to help reduce how much your dog sheds by keeping your dog’s coat hydrated and healthy, making it less likely to break off and fall out.
The Role of the Undercoat and Overcoat in Shedding
The double coat the Australian Shepherd has plays a large role in how much they shed and their shedding patterns. The undercoat is very dense and soft to the touch, and this layer is what insulates your dog. The overcoat is coarser, and it helps shield your dog from the elements.
To tackle shedding, using a shedding reduction shampoo can make a noticeable difference. This type of shampoo works to strengthen the hair and reduce the amount of shedding by addressing the root causes, such as dry skin or brittle hair.
Seasonal Shedding and How to Prepare
Twice a year, Australian Shepherds go through a period of intense shedding known as "blowing coat." To prepare for seasonal shedding, it's crucial to increase how much you groom your dog. Using certain tools can be particularly effective during these periods. When you use it, it gently removes large quantities of loose hair very quickly and effectively, and this makes your dog more comfortable.
Also, consider increasing how much you bathe your Australian Shepherd, and incorporating a shedding control shampoo during peak times. This shampoo will help you gently remove loose fur more effectively to reduce how much stray hair you find around your home.
After each bathing session, ensure you pull out a short hair shedding dog comb to reach those difficult areas where fur tends to stick and build up, like around their legs or behind the ears. Work carefully so you don’t pull the hair and hurt your dog.
Managing Shedding: Tips and Tools
Managing shedding in Australian Shepherds requires a consistent routine with a little help from certain food ingredients and clothing options. Some tips to keep shedding under control include:
Diet and Nutrition
Ensuring your Australian Shepherd has a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can significantly reduce shedding. These nutrients help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat, making it less prone to excessive shedding. High-quality dog food such as Stella & Chewy's Solutions Skin & Coat Boost Dinner Morsels Dog Food includes these essential fatty acids, or supplements specifically designed for skin and coat health, can make a noticeable difference.
Vacuuming and Home Maintenance
Regularly vacuuming areas where your Australian Shepherd spends time can help manage the amount of loose fur in your home. Investing in a vacuum cleaner with a pet hair attachment can make it easier to pick up fur from carpets, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, using a lint roller on clothing and upholstery can quickly remove any stray hairs.
Protective Clothing
If you're looking for an innovative way to manage shedding during outings or car rides, consider the Shed Defender Sport Dog Onesie. This product slips on your dog and they wear it like a onesie. It neatly contains the hair, and it can also help protect their skin from irritation if they tend to scratch.
Do Australian Shepherds Require Special Hair Care?
Yes, Australian Shepherds require specific care to maintain their beautiful coat and manage shedding. Aside from regular brushing and bathing, consider using a shedding blade for more intensive grooming sessions, especially during peak shedding seasons. This tool can help remove large amounts of loose hair more efficiently than a standard brush.
Additionally, a dog comb is ideal for reaching deeper into the coat to remove loose undercoat hairs, reducing the overall amount of shedding. This comb is especially useful for targeting specific areas like the chest and legs, where shedding can be more concentrated.
Managing Australian Shepherds and Shedding
Now you know that managing shedding in Australian Shepherds is a continuous process, but with the right tools and a consistent routine, it's entirely manageable.
If you're still unsure about the best products for your Aussie or need more advice on managing shedding, browse BaxterBoo for personalized product recommendations and expert tips. Keeping your home fur-free while enjoying the company of your Australian Shepherd is possible with a little effort and the right approach.
