In this article, I’ll try to answer the question asked by many Doodle dog owners. How Can I Control My Doodle Dog’s Excessive Shedding? If you have a Doodle, it is likely you got them because of their hypoallergenic coats.
You didn’t expect much shedding from your new dog, but now you are noticing that’s not the case. You might be left feeling like your breeder lied to you. Never fear, for there is probably a good answer for the sudden Doodle dog shedding. We will go through all the possible reasons, and some solutions for you as well.
Coat Type
Before we start going through the reasons your Doodle is shedding more, coat type is essential. Most people get Doodle dogs because they think that they do not shed. While some Doodles don’t noticeably shed, it all depends on coat types. But they do still shed, you just don’t notice.
If your Doodle has a very curly coat, it is not likely to shed much at all. Others with wavy hair shed some, but it is manageable. And then there are straight coat types that are coarse and wirey feeling that shed a lot. Determining your dog’s coat type is the first step to determining if your dog is shedding more than average.
It is also possible that genetics did not play favorably for your Doodle. In these cases, you could have a curly coat that sheds a considerable amount. This is not common, but since genetics isn’t an exact science, it’s possible. In either case, there is nothing you can do to stop shedding, but you can manage it.
Grooming Doodle Dogs
This section has three main parts. Grooming your Doodle is the most important thing for their health. Without proper grooming, you may notice that they shed more than usual. Grooming Doodle dogs takes dedication and patience. It can also take a decent amount of money to make sure that you aren’t doing more harm than good.
Brushing Your Doodle Dog
Proper brushing is the most crucial part of grooming. Without brushing your Doodle, coat fallout (or shedding) will stay in their fur. Then when you go to pet your Doodle, their hair will come out all over you. It will start to come out when they scratch or lay on furniture. Without brushing, your dog might look like they are shedding more than usual.
But brushing is only part of the problem. You have to brush Doodles with the proper tools for it to make a difference. You will need to invest in a few brushes and combs, depending on your Doodle’s coat and length. And if you ever have questions, ask your trusted groomer. They know precisely what you need and can show you how to use it on your dog.
- Slicker Brush- Using a slicker brush like the Paw Brothers Extra Long Hard Pin Slicker Brush is excellent for curly/wavy coats. These brushes are great at detangling and thoroughly getting all fallout. Using these brushes, especially on the stomach, behind ears, and underarms are great for active dogs.
- Comb- Every Doodle owner should own a comb-like the Pettom Pet Steel Grooming Comb. It is terrific for working out complicated knots by working from the end to root. They are also great for combing longer hair first before using a slicker. You want to use this first so that you can identify and workout tangles gently.
- Shedding Rake- For anyone who notices more shedding than average, a shedding rake like the Oster Dog Rake is a must. These rakes will help loosen undercoat and removes more fallout than regular brushes. Most groomers prefer to use these over any other shedding brush on the market. They are gentle, and you can’t give your dog brush burn from them.
These three brushes are some of the best on the market. Groomers all over the US use these brushes over other brush types for Doodles. In fact, one of the most popular brushes used for shedding is the Furminator. These brushes have very fine-toothed heads that can be dangerous to Doodles. The Furminator can break and tear out your Doodle’s delicate hair if not careful. It is also possible to use them too much. They irritate Doodle skin and, overall, not a great option. Not to mention they are more expensive than anything you need.
Do Not Bathe Often
The next section of grooming is not to bathe often. Doodle hair needs to have oils to keep it soft and nourished. If you wash them a lot, their skin will dry out along with their hair follicles. And dry skin will cause excessive shedding. Depending on your Doodle, they can go months without a wash. That is, assuming they haven’t found a nice mud puddle.
When you do have to wash your Doodle, use a gentle shampoo for Doodle dogs. A shampoo like Mighty Petz 2-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner smells excellent and is nourishing. You could even use a scrubbing mitt like the Bodhi Dog Bath Brush to get in deep and help lift any fallout away.
When you do bathe, it might also be a good idea to invest in a professional dog dryer. Using a dryer helps release any hair that has been shed during the bath and cuts the drying time by over half. Drying your Doodle well is very important for skin health. If a dog with a long, dense coat is not dried correctly, it leaves room for yeast infections or bacteria to grow. Yeast and bacteria can also be a factor in shedding more than usual. Using a High-Velocity Dryer, like this one from Flying One, will eliminate this risk.
Frequent Grooming Salon Visits
If all else fails with controlling your Doodle dog shedding, then more frequent trips to the salon should help. Your groomer will be able to keep their hair trimmed and manageable if you keep up with every 6-12 week appointment. They can also give them a nourishing bath and pamper them a bit too.
Diet And Supplements
If you are keeping up with your grooming and nothing has changed, it might be time to look at your dog food. Some cheaper dog foods are filled with by-products and common allergen foods, like corn. Switching to a diet that is high in protein could help with shedding. But, if you suspect a food allergy, it is best to talk with your vet about testing.
Some supplements can aid in skin and hair health for dogs. Products like Zesty Paws Omega Bites can give your dog an added boost of fatty acids. They have great reviews, and your dog will love them.
Dehydration
Most of us never think twice about monitoring our dog’s water intake. But, if you are noticing a sudden increase in shedding, you may want to start. Dehydration could be a cause of shedding, and you might see other symptoms as well. Every dog should be drinking at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight. Always leave fresh water available for your pet, and clean their bowls regularly. If you suspect dehydration to be the cause, call your vet right away.
Stress
Stress can make anyone’s hair fall out, including your dog. If your dog seems healthy in every aspect, you may want to evaluate its stress levels. Are they getting enough exercise? Are you gone a lot more lately, or has life been a little chaotic for you and your Doodle? All of these can stress your dog out. Maybe spend a bit more time with them and help them through this rough patch of life. Assuring them that everything will be OK will do wonders.
Age And Hormones
Another factor to consider is your Doodle dog’s age. If they are just a puppy, they could be blowing out their puppy coat. In that case, all you can do is keep up with grooming until it ends. After it is all done, your puppy will have their fresh new adult coat. It is also common in dogs to lose hair with old age. This hair loss is due to hormone levels, and unfortunately, not much can help. Proper diet and supplements can help slow it down, but not cure it.
Another possible reason that your dog is shedding more is due to changing hormones. If your dog is not fixed, it could be going through another stage of puberty. Or, if you have an un-spayed female, pregnancy can also cause temporary hair loss. In these cases, it is best to take care of their grooming and keep an eye on their health. It will pass as soon as it comes in most cases.
Medical Reasons
Finally, the last possible cause could be medical conditions. If your dog is on medications, shedding could be a side effect of it. Also, things like food and seasonal allergies can cause a sudden increase in shedding in Doodles. And of course, some severe medical conditions are related to excessive shedding and hair loss.
If you surmise any of these, it is best to talk to your vet. They can order tests to diagnose your Doodle accurately and put you on the path of recovery.
Did You Learn A Lot About Shedding?
This can be a lot to take in. But, if you go through all the steps to control shedding, you will find your answer soon. We hope you overcome this soon and start enjoying your Doodle dogs like never before.