You’ve seen them, haven’t you? The handsome red dogs that seem to sparkle in the sunlight. Poised, graceful, and sporting a coat that outshines even the most luxurious silk… yes, we’re talking about Irish Setters!
These showstoppers aren’t just head-turners with their fiery auburn locks, but they’re also mighty hunters, sensitive souls, and lovable goofballs. The Irish Setter’s coat is more than just eye candy. Actually, this beautiful coat can be quite a handful to handle. Coat handling and shedding are critical topics if you’re considering bringing an Irish Setter into your home or if you’ve just brought one.
So, does the VIP (Very Important Pooch) known as the Irish Setter shed a lot? Hold onto your lint rollers folks, because the answer is…yes, they do. And it’s more than just a bit. In fact, their shedding could give huskies a run for their money! Okay, maybe it’s not that drastic but you get the idea.
Sharing life with an Irish Setter means becoming familiar with the constant sight of silky strands floating around your home and appearing on your clothing. That said, don’t let this shedding setback discourage you from experiencing the incredible joy of having an Irish Setter as a pet.
While it’s true that your housekeeping duties may increase, there are ways to minimize both the hairfall and your frustration level. We’ve got you covered with the best tips and tricks about grooming an Irish Setter, how to manage their shedding, and steps you can take to keep your home as hair-free as possible.
But before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand why these gorgeous dogs shed so much. Surprisingly, the reason is rather simple – the weather! A dog’s need to shed is primarily climate related. During winters, dogs tend to grow a thicker coat to stay warm. As temperatures rise, they shed this extra fur, preparing a summer-suited coat.
Irish Setters have a reasonably thick coat that is made up of a softer, denser undercoat and a protective layer of longer, smoother hair known as the overcoat. This frippery of fur, while breathtakingly beautiful, can become your nemesis when temperatures swing and shedding seasons kick in (typically spring and fall, prepare accordingly!).
Still, brace yourself as Irish Setters don’t limit their shedding to these seasons only; they are known for shedding lightly all around the year.
Now that you’re armed with the understanding of why, let’s move on to the how-to’s. Your most essential weapons in the battle against this shed-splosion are your grooming tools. Regular grooming helps keep the shedding under control. Investing in a good quality slicker brush, undercoat rake, and a comb with both wide and narrow teeth can help immensely.
Brushing your Irish Setter daily will help remove the hair before it ends up on your living room carpet. Plus, your dog will adore the attention and the enjoyable sensation of being brushed, making it an excellent bonding session between the two of you.
Introducing a grooming routine early in their life will make these sessions more relaxed and enjoyable for both parties involved. Start by brushing small areas at a time and tread lightly. Lots of praise and a few treats will surely help them associate grooming as a positive experience.
Adding to your grooming arsenal, a professional grooming appointment every couple of months will keep their coat healthy and help further manage shedding.
Diet also plays a significant role in a dog’s coat health. Feeding your Irish Setter a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help keep their coat healthy and minimize excessive shedding. Consult your vet to incorporate the right supplements or switch to premium dog food that incorporates these nutrients.
Also, ensure your Irish Setter is properly hydrated as a dry coat can lead to more shedding.
Despite all your efforts, some dog hair will undoubtedly find its way onto your clothes, furniture, and floors. Frequent vacuuming, using lint rollers, and even slipcovers can help protect your furniture and home.
Remember, the amount of shedding can also depend on several factors like your dog’s overall health, any underlying skin conditions, and even the presence of parasites. If you notice your pet shedding more than usual or excessively, it may be time to visit the vet to rule out any health concerns.
So yes, being the proud pet parent of an Irish Setter does include dealing with its shedding glory. However, surrendering to the hair isn’t your only option. With regular grooming, a proper diet, and some quick clean-up hacks, you’ll have a shedding scenario that’s easy to manage.
In the end, the constant laughter, unceasing loyalty, and incomparable joy that an Irish Setter brings into your life far outweigh the hassle of few rogue hairs floating around. After all, what’s a little extra cleaning compared to the gift of unconditional love and companionship? So, don your lint-resistant gear, arm yourself with a high-quality brush, and let the happiness that is living with an Irish Setter outshine a few hair tumbleweeds.
