Why do Golden Retrievers Shed Hair? What’s the best advice?
There is no getting away from it, Golden Retrievers lose bucket loads of hair from their beautiful coats all day, every day and for the whole of their lives!
Golden Retrievers shed hair and Boo is no different. His predecessor, Mollie, our beloved Golden Labrador, used to shed lots of hair. But it was nothing in comparison to the volume Boo shares every minute of every day. That became apparant within an hour of us first beinging him home!
It’s a ‘shed load’ of shedding!
Of course, double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers shed hair anywhere and everywhere. And, it doesn’t seem to matter how often you brush them, it continues to roll across your floor like tumbleweed!
In truth, it is perfectly normal and there isn’t anything we can do to prevent it so-called ‘moulting’. Some breeds shed very little. However, for Retrievers, it is simply a matter of managing the situation. Indeed, enjoying a regular brushing routine with your beloved pooch can be beneficial for both of you.
Why do Retrievers have so much hair to shed?
Golden Retrievers are the among the world’s best ‘game’ dogs. In the early days of the breed, these magnificent hounds accompanied their masters on shooting sprees. Their lustrious double coats of hair protected Retrievers from the cold both in the water and on dry land.
Amazingly, Retrievers have two layers of hair, one long and. pf course, one short. These two different layers keep the dogs both warm and cool. And also, somewhat impervious to the effects of spending time in water hunting fallen game (or in Boo’s case fetching sticks in lakes!).
As a result, these gorgeous canines have double the amount of hair to shed.
How can we stop the shedding?
Firstly, we simply have to acknowledge that we cannot possibly stop the shedding. Most dog charities and Retriever-focused organisations agree that these beautiful canines need brushing up to three times a week at the least. Of course, a regular brushing routine can cut down on hair shedding.
However, too much vigorous brushing, too often is not always good for a Retriever. Over brushing or rough brushing in an attempt to keep hair loss to a minimum can irritate a Retriever’s skin. This can lead to a rash and, indeed, more hair loss.
What CAN you do to manage the effects of your Golden Retrievers’ shedding?
Experts agree that if you regularly do the following, you may find your beloved pooch sheds less hair.
- Feed them a healthy balanced diet, that is abundent in essential fatty acids, lots of protein, vegetables and fruit, as well as lean meats. Healthy skin means less shedding.
- Ensure there is ALWAYS a bowl full of fresh water available for your dog throughout the day and night. A dehydrated dog will shed even more hair than normal.
- Keep up a regular brushing routine, around 3 times a week. Have fun with your dog while doing it – make it a pleasant experience and give rewards.
- If you can afford to, visit a professional groomer regularly.
- Keep up your regular vet check-ups and vaccines. A healthy dog will shed less hair.
- Of course, solid floors can be brushed with much more ease. And, the same goes for vaccuming and mopping. Carpets/rugs? Not so easy.
What we do with Boo.
As for our grooming schedule at home, if it is dry outside, we often groom/brush Boo in the garden. We tend to use a ‘furminator-type’ grooming comb.
It catches the hair and you can pull it out of the comb teeth without risking it flying around the garden and getting attached to foliage or grass.
Unfortunately, Boo doesn’t really appreciate it – but then again he doesn’t appreciate a good brushing either. Of course, he likes the reward (edible treat) and the end of the session and quite often at the beginning and the middle too, if he gets his way.
Professional Grooming
Naturally, we are not professional groomers so, every so often, we take Boo for a professional ‘cut and blow’ and ‘wash and brush-up’.
Boo goes to a professional groomer who works in her own shop premises within walking distance. It took us a while to select a groomer whom we felt we could trust.
Before Boo ever visited, we spoke to friends and neighbours who also used groomers and many of them had great praise for the one we go to now.
When we collect him, she always says Boo hase been beautifully behaved and relaxed. He always seems happy during his walk to her premises, suggesting to us that he has no concerns about being groomed there.
What the experts say….
The R.S.P.C.A. (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruealty to Animals) has a great deal of expert advice on how to choose a groomer for your beloved pooch, on its website. There are aslo a range of PDF information sheets for you to download.
The charity adds: “Don’t force your dog to be groomed if he/she does not enjoy it. If you are having difficulty, you could also ask your vet to refer you to a suitably qualified animal behaviourist. They will check your dog over first to make sure there are no underlying injuries or illnesses.”
In addition, animal charity the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) also has lots of general advice about grooming, not just for dogs but for a range of animals. Also, it provides information of clipping and bathing dogs at home too.
The charity adds: “It’s usually okay to bathe your dog if they get mucky or roll in something smelly. For mud you may be able to rinse them in warm water. If your dog needs to be washed at home, make sure you get a pet-safe shampoo for them.
“Check with your vet first if your dog has a skin condition to make sure the shampoo will be suitable.“
Overall care routine.
Of course, grooming your beloved four-legged-friend at home should be just one part of a wider, routine care timetable.
Think about the things you do to keep your own body healthy – then do the same for your dog.
Providing a healthy diet, ensuring your pet’s teeth are free of any signs of decay, checking their paws, pads and claws and, finally, ensuring they are as content as possible are just some of the many responsibilities of being a responsible pet owner and true dog lover.
