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$44.99 (as of January 15, 2025 11:28 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Do you have an Australian Shepherd? You must be aware of their love for running, playing, and discovering new things. And let’s not forget about their excessive shedding! The reason behind their furry appearance is their double-coated fur that keeps them warm and safeguarded from outside conditions. However, it also means that you’ll have to deal with a lot of hair on your clothes, furniture, and floors.
But what can you do about it? We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you conquer the fur challenge. Keep reading to find out how!
How much do Australian Shepherds shed compared to other dogs?
Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and loyalty. However, it’s important to note that they do shed quite a bit. Compared to other dog breeds, Australian Shepherds are considered moderate to heavy shedders.
Why do Australian Shepherds shed so much?
Shedding is a completely natural process for this breed as they have a thick double coat that adjusts to the changing seasons. In spring and fall, they shed their undercoat to get ready for warmer or colder weather.
This process helps them regulate their body temperature and stay protected from the elements. So, if you’re a proud owner of an Aussie, just keep in mind that their shedding is a sign of their amazing adaptability!
Can allergies cause shedding in an Australian Shepherd?
If you’re wondering whether allergies can cause shedding in your beloved Australian Shepherd, the answer is no. Although allergies can cause hair loss, itching, and scratching in dogs, they’re not the primary culprits behind shedding in this breed.
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Shedding is a natural process for dogs, and there are ways to manage it. If you have an Aussie and want to reduce the amount of hair they shed, here are seven tips that you can follow:
Brush your Aussie regularly
Here’s a pro tip – brushing your Australian Shepherd regularly is the key to keeping their coat healthy and reducing shedding.
Not only does it help remove loose and dead hair, but it also distributes natural oils that keep their skin and fur in tip-top shape. Plus, it prevents those pesky mats and tangles, which can cause skin irritation and even more shedding.
So, make sure to brush your Aussie at least once a week, and more often during shedding seasons (spring and fall).
Use a slicker brush or a pin brush to gently detangle their fur, and then use a de-shedding tool or a rake to remove the undercoat. Just remember to be gentle and avoid brushing too hard or too often, as this can damage their coat and skin.
Bathe your Aussie occasionally
Bathing your Australian Shepherd can help reduce shedding by washing away excess hair and dirt. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t bath them too often as this can dry out their skin and make them shed even more. So, how often should you bathe them? Ideally, only when they are dirty or smelly, or once every couple of months.
When it comes to choosing a shampoo, make sure to use a mild, dog-friendly one that is specifically designed for their coat type. Using human shampoo can be too harsh for their skin and pH balance, so it’s best to avoid it. I recommend FURminator Ultra Premium DeShedding Shampoo for Dogs, Features Odour Capture 360 as it’s a gentle shampoo that helps dogs shed their undercoat.
After shampooing, you can also use a conditioner to keep their fur moisturized and soft, making it easier to brush. Trust me, your Aussie will thank you for keeping them clean and pampered!
Feed your Aussie a high-quality diet
Did you know that what you feed your Australian Shepherd can have an impact on their shedding? If you want to keep your Aussie’s coat looking fabulous and reduce hair loss, feed them a high-quality diet that is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins.
When selecting dog food, it’s important to choose a brand that is specially formulated for their breed, size, and age.
Avoid cheap or low-quality ingredients that can cause allergies or digestive issues. I recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult, Chicken And Barley Recipe, Dry Dog Food for Medium Breed Dogs as a high quality dog food.
Want to take it a step further? You can supplement their diet with some natural foods that are great for their coat, like eggs, fish, flaxseed, coconut oil, or olive oil.
However, always make sure to consult your vet before making any changes to their diet.
Remember not to overfeed your pooch, as this could lead to weight gain and other health problems.
Keep your Aussie hydrated
Water is a crucial element for your Aussie’s overall health and stunning coat. Water helps your furry friend flush out toxins, regulate their body temperature, and keep their skin and hair hydrated. A dehydrated pup can suffer from dry, brittle, and lifeless fur, and may even shed more than usual.
So, it’s important to provide your Aussie with fresh and clean water at all times, and make sure they drink enough throughout the day. If you want to up their water intake, you can also mix some wet food or broth in their diet. Just keep in mind to avoid giving them caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate them and harm their health.
Control parasites and infections
Your adorable Aussie can shed more than usual if they have parasites or infections. Fleas, ticks, mites, lice, and worms can be a real pain for your furry buddy and cause them to scratch and bite themselves, leading to hair loss, inflammation, and infection. Not cool, right?
But don’t worry, you can prevent this from happening by checking your Aussie regularly for any signs of pesky parasites or infections. And if you do spot any, make sure to treat them as soon as possible. You can use preventive products like flea and tick collars, sprays, or spot-on treatments to keep those parasites away. And if there are any existing conditions, you can use medicated shampoos, creams, or oral medications to treat them.
Just remember to always follow your vet’s advice and never use any products that are not meant for dogs. Keep your Aussie happy, healthy, and itch-free!
Manage stress and anxiety
Did you know that stress and anxiety can actually make your Aussie shed even more? Yep! Just like us humans, dogs can get stressed or anxious for various reasons. Loud noises, changes in routine, boredom, or separation can all cause your pup to feel uneasy. This can affect their hormones, immune system, and behavior, leading to more hair loss.
There are things you can do to help your Aussie feel more relaxed and comfortable. Firstly, try to identify and eliminate any sources of stress and anxiety in their environment.
Providing them with a calm and comfortable space to call their own can also work wonders. Giving your pooch plenty of attention, affection, and exercise is also key to keeping them happy and relaxed.
If you’re looking for natural remedies to soothe your pup’s nerves, you might want to consider using lavender, chamomile, or CBD oil after consulting your vet.
However, please avoid using any human medications such as antihistamines or antidepressants, as they can be harmful to dogs.
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Did you know that excessive shedding could be a sign of a serious health issue? Hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, kidney or liver disease, or even cancer can all affect your pup’s skin and coat, causing hair loss, bald patches, or changes in color or texture.
It’s essential to keep your Aussie healthy and happy, so make sure you visit your vet regularly to check for any underlying health issues. Your vet will be able to perform a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, or skin scrapings to diagnose the problem and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Oh, and don’t forget to follow your vet’s recommendations for vaccinations, de-worming, and spaying or neutering. These simple steps can prevent some common diseases that can cause excessive shedding.
Conclusion
It’s normal and healthy for dogs to shed, but there are ways to reduce the amount of hair your Aussie sheds. Follow these seven tips:
- Brush your Aussie regularly
- Bathe your Aussie occasionally
- Feed your Aussie a high-quality diet
- Keep your Aussie hydrated
- Control parasites and infections in your Aussie
- Manage stress and anxiety in your Aussie
- Bring your Aussie to the vet regularly
By doing so, you can spend more quality time with your furry companion without the added stress of cleaning up messes. Your Aussie will appreciate it!
Further Reading
- Building Bonds: How to Socialize Your Australian Shepherd
- Introducing the TRIXIE Poker Box 2: A Must-Have for Active Dogs
- Top 5 Popular Dog Breeds Similar to German Shepherds
- 7 Fascinating Facts About Puppies Born with Blue Eyes
- Do Australian Shepherds Shed? Here’s 7 Tips to Deal with Shedding & Actually Work