You won’t believe it but despite having a short coat and looking ultra streamlined, Greyhounds do shed their fur. Surprised, right? That’s because many people wrongly believe that Greyhounds don’t shed, mainly due to their thin layer of fur. But the reality varies. In fact, you might occasionally find yourself vacuuming little tufts of hair off your carpet or brushing them off your favorite couch. But don’t fret! This article will cover everything from the seasonal shedding habits of Greyhounds to handy tips on keeping your home (and clothes) as fur-free as possible.
Okay, first things first. Greyhounds, like other dogs, have hair follicles on their skin. When the follicle ‘lives out’ its lifespan and dies, it sheds off. This is a completely normal and healthy process in all dogs and it helps maintain the health of their skin and coat. Greyhounds, however, have shorter hair, which means that their shedding is not as noticeable or excessive as long-haired breeds e.g. Golden Retrievers. They also lack an undercoat, which further minimizes their shedding.
That said, be prepared especially during their peak shedding seasons. Believe it or not, Greyhounds do shed the most during spring and autumn. You’ll find yourself reaching for the vacuum cleaner a little more often than the rest of the year. Why, you may ask? It’s because of nature’s design. Dogs usually shed their winter coat in the spring to make way for a lighter, summer coat. Then during the fall, they shed the light summer coat to grow a denser winter one. It’s Mother Nature’s way of preparing canines for the extreme weather shift.
Well, knowing this fact is great and all, but how do you deal with a shedding Greyhound? Here’s where it gets practical. Understanding how to limit the hair fallout and tackling the shed hair can be the key to a cleaner home and happier dog owner.
Brushing your Greyhound regularly is the simplest and easiest way to reduce shedding. It assists in keeping the skin healthy while removing loose hair before they end up on your floor or furniture. And the great thing is that Greyhounds have short fur that’s easy to groom. A rubber grooming mitt or a short-bristle brush can take care of the task. Just remember to groom your pup outside to avoid creating an indoor fur tornado!
Additionally, your Greyhound’s diet plays a significant role in their shedding pattern. Poor quality food may result in poor coat health and excessive shedding. Hence, be sure to offer your pet a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and essential oils, which are beneficial for the overall skin and coat health. Consult with your veterinarian for any specific dietary changes, especially if your Greyhound sheds excessively or has skin-related problems.
And finally, stress could trigger fur shedding in Greyhounds, as much as in other dog breeds. So, try to understand any sudden environmental or dietary changes and minimize stressful situations for your pet.
In the grand scale of things, yes, Greyhounds do shed. But with a little knowledge, some handy tools, and sincere dedication, handling their shedding can become a manageable part of your everyday routine. In fact, you might even find it an enjoyable time for bonding. Remember, these bits of fur-on-the-loose are just a small price to pay for the tremendous love and companionship your Greyhound brings into your life!
