Summer Shedding: Tips for Managing Excessive Pet Hair
When the weather warms, the fur starts flying, so if you’ve noticed an uptick in rolling tumbleweeds of pet floof, you’ve come to the right place. Our team at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates has plenty of tips for managing pet hair during the summer shedding season.
Do Pets Really Shed More in the Summer?
The short answer is maybe, because it depends on other factors besides warmer temperatures. For instance, cats and small dogs that spend the majority of their time indoors may experience a steady amount of shedding year-round. But for a lot of pets, the combination of more sunlight plus warmer weather triggers the hair growth cycle, and the hair follicles shed old fur to clear the way for new growth.
Summer Shedding Tips for Managing Pet Hair
Shedding is a completely natural process, and with diligent vacuuming and a stockpile of sticky lint rollers, you can keep floors and furniture relatively fur-free. Here are some other practical ways to reduce the impact of your pet’s seasonal shed:
- When it comes to managing pet hair, summer grooming is key. Deshedding tools like Furminator are ideal for grooming away loose fur and undercoat—before it ends up on the floor. And as an added bonus, summer grooming helps control hairballs in cats.
- Bathing your dog using a gentle shampoo is another way to loosen and remove excess fur. Just don’t over-bathe your pet, as this can strip away natural oils, and lead to drier skin and even more shedding! If professional grooming is part of your pet’s routine, ask your groomer about deshedding treatments, particularly if you have a long-haired or double-coated breed.
- Diet matters. Make sure your pet is getting optimal nutrition. Supplements containing omega-3s and fish oil may help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthier. Our veterinarians are always happy to make recommendations on diet and nutritional supplements.
- Resist the urge to shave your pet. The coats on our furry friends protect them from sunburn while helping them regulate their body temperature so they can stay cool. Consult a professional groomer to fully understand how short your pet’s fur can be clipped.
- Use a veterinarian-recommended year-round flea and tick control, as all the itching and scratching can cause increased shedding in the affected areas.
Know When to Schedule a Vet Visit
Occasionally, excess fur can be caused by a medical condition, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, skin infections, ringworm, Cushing’s disease, mites, and fleas. Be on the lookout for these symptoms, which could point to an underlying health problem:
- Patches of red, irritated skin
- Areas of bare skin
- Crusty, flaky skin
- Strange lumps or bumps
Contact Us for More Summer Shedding Tips
We’re always happy to demonstrate grooming techniques, make dietary recommendations, and share other strategies for managing pet hair. Contact our team today at Beverly Hills Veterinary Associates.