-
Q&A: Why Does My Dog Shed in the Winter?
If you thought your dog’s shedding was limited to summer, think again. Here’s all the information you need about winter shedding and how to help keep your home’s indoor air clean.
As most dog owners can attest, fur-covered clothes and furniture are part of the deal when you welcome a four-legged companion into your family. While the amount of shedding varies by breed (and it’s true that some breeds don’t shed at all), you’re going to need a good grooming routine to stay on top of your canine’s coat—even in winter.
-
Why Dogs Shed
Shedding is a naturally occurring process for most dogs. Just as we take off or add layers depending on the season, dogs lose or gain fur to help control their body temperature and protect their skin from the elements. A dog’s health condition and breed, as well as the season and environment, all play a role in the amount of shedding Fido experiences, but, in general, shedding happens when the fur stops growing.
Summer Shedding vs. Winter Shedding
You’d think that shedding would only occur in early summer, as dogs prepare for warmer weather just like us humans do by ditching the cozy layers. In reality, however, there are two primary shedding seasons: spring and fall, in response to the temperature changes ahead in summer and winter. While your dog’s coat thins out to prevent him from overheating in the summer, that fur is replaced by a thick undercoat come winter to protect him from the cold.
Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Air Clean
Your dog might be your best friend, but their shedding isn’t so friendly for indoor air quality. If you’re sensitive to pet dander, buildup of fur around the house might leave you with itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and coughing or sneezing.¹ Keep the shedding under control this winter with these tips.
Develop a regular brushing schedule. This may be weekly, a couple times per week or daily, depending on how heavily your dog is shedding. Dispose of the fur in an outside garbage can as soon as you’re done to prevent it from spreading throughout your home. Occasional baths are OK, but you want to avoid over-bathing, which can cause the skin to dry and fur to fall out.
Don’t allow your dog on the furniture. If she does get on the couch, wipe down the upholstery with a damp rubber glove to pick up any fur that got left behind.
Vacuum frequently. Plan to replace carpeting with hardwood floors somewhere down the line if you own your home.
Install an air filter and change it every three months. Filtrete™ filters with an MPR of 800 or above can capture pet dander-sized particles. The higher the MPR, the smaller the particles your filter can catch — Filtrete™ Healthy Living Filters can even catch bacteria- and virus-sized particulate matter.
Use an air purifier for an air quality boost in spaces your dog likes to lounge, like the living room or your bedroom. Filtrete’s Smart Air Purifiers connect to your smartphone and voice assistants to monitor, react to and purify air automatically, so you can spend more time playing fetch.
Sources
-
