Shedding is a common problem in dogs and like most dog breeds dachshund also sheds. However, shedding is one thing, and managing this problem is concerning for people who want to keep their homes clean. There are different reasons behind shedding in dogs and this blog will look at the fact why dachshunds shed and what are the factors that influence the shedding and strategies that help to control shedding in dachshunds.
Why Do Dachshunds Shed?
Shedding in dogs is very common and it’s a natural process It helps remove damaged fur and make way for new hair growth. Naturally, dachshunds have three coat types hair, smooth, and wirehaired and all of them have unique shedding patterns.
- Smooth-Coated Dachshunds: They are short-haired dachshunds and shed moderately the whole year. The smooth coat is easy to maintain but needs proper care to minimize shedding.
- Longhaired Dachshunds: Long-haired have flowing luxurious coats and they shed more especially when the season changes.
- Wirehaired Dachshunds: They have a double coat and shed less as compared to the other but need regular grooming to maintain the loose fur.
Factors Influencing Shedding
Different factors affect the shedding in dachshunds some of them are:
- Seasonal Changes: Like other dog breeds dachshunds shed heavily in the fall and spring seasons because they are adjusting their coat to the weather.
- Diet and Nutrition: If there are no essential nutrients like protein and omega fatty acids present in the diet it will lead to an unhealthy coat and excessive shedding.
- Stress: If your pet is suffering from anxiety or there are a lot of environmental changes it will cause more shedding.
- Health Issues: Allergies, skin infections and conditions like hypothyroidism can cause more shedding.
- Age: If you have old dachshunds there will be more shedding because of loss in skin elasticity and strength.
Tips to Control Shedding in Dachshunds
- Regular Brushing
Brushing your dachshund is one of the most effective ways to control shedding.
- Smooth-Coated Dachshunds: For smooth coat use grooming gloves or soft bristle brush one or two times a week to remove loose hair.
- Longhaired Dachshunds: In the case of long hair use a slicker brush and brush daily to prevent tangle and to remove loose fur.
- Wirehaired Dachshunds: A slicker brush or stripping comb works best to remove the undercoat in shedding season.
If you do regular brushing it will not only reduce shedding but also strengthen your bond with your pup and also keep their coat healthy.
2. Bathe Them Appropriately
Bathing is an important part of dachshund grooming and it will help in removing excess fur but excess bathing will result in the removal of natural oil from the skin leading to dryness and increased shedding.
- Bath your dachshund for 4 to 6 weeks and use mild dog shampoo.
- If you have long hair dachshund use conditioner to keep their coat tangle-free and silky.
- Do not use human shampoo as it can irritate their skin.
3. Invest in a Healthy Diet
Feed proper diet as it plays a crucial role in keeping their coat healthy and also helps in reducing shedding.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These nutrients are found in flaxseed and fish oil and they promote the growth of fur and minimize shedding.
- High-Quality Protein: If you feed them high-quality protein it will support overall health and reduce hair loss.
- Vitamins and Minerals: zinc, biotin, and Vitamin E are very important for a strong and healthy coat.
Consult your vet to make sure that your dachshund diet is according to the needs of your dog.
4. Hydration is Key
If your dachshund is suffering from dehydration it will lead to excessive shedding and dry skin. Always provide access to fresh clean water to keep them hydrated and their coat healthy.
5. Manage Stress
Stress can increase shedding in dachshunds; you can decrease the environmental stress by:
- Following a routine.
- Providing a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity.
- Making sure that the environment is comfortable and safe.
- Providing calming aids by consulting your vet.
6. Regular Vet Check-Ups
Sometimes excessive shedding is a sign of underlying health issues. If you take them for regular veterinary checkups you can easily identify and treat conditions like:
- Allergies (food or environmental).
- Thyroid problems.
- Skin infections or parasites.
- Hormonal imbalances.
Your vet can also recommend some supplements or topical treatment to improve the health of their coat.
7. Use Shedding Tools and Accessories
Buy some high-quality grooming tools they create a big difference in coat maintenance.
- Grooming Gloves: These gloves make grooming very easy and mess-free and are considered ideal for smooth-coated dachshunds.
- Lint Rollers and Furniture Covers: You can keep your home tidy by easily removing stray hair from clothing and furniture.
8. Keep the Environment Clean
If you do regular cleaning it will manage the shedding in your home.
- Vacuum furniture, carpets, and floors by using a vacuum designed especially for pet hair.
- Regularly wash the dachshund bedding to remove the accumulated fur.
- Buy an air purifier to reduce airborne pet dander.
When to Worry About Shedding
While shedding is natural and and its all a part of having a dog unusual shedding is a sign of a problem. So consult your vet if you notice something like below.
- Thin fur or bald spots
- Red, flaky, or irritated skin.
- Persistent licking or itching.
- Increase in itching other than the seasonal routine.
If you notice these problems at the early stages you can prevent more serious issues from building up and keep your pet comfortable.
Conclusion
If you want to control shedding in dachshunds you need patience, commitment, and consistency to improve their well-being. Proper nutrition and an environment free from any kind of stress will reduce shedding and improve the health of their coat. If you understand the specific needs of your dachshunds you can not only minimize the shedding but also make your bond more strong with your dog.