Did You Know that your four-legged friend, the St Bernard, is more like a wool factory on four legs? That’s right! If you have one of these gentle giants, you are well aware of that proverbial fluffy tumbleweed that seems to follow your dog around. Welcome to the world of St. Bernard shedding.
Let’s take “Bear,” a three-year-old St. Bernard, for example. Bear’s family loves him, but when they start to find their black clothes covered in snowy white hair, they start wondering what’s going on. Is it normal for a St. Bernard to shed this much?
Here’s the answer: Absolutely! But understanding why can help provide patience when you’re wielding your vacuum cleaner for the third time that day.
First, let’s delve into the ins and outs of St. Bernards and their hair. It might sound like an odd topic of conversation, but knowing your pup’s coat can keep both of you more comfortable and happy in the long run!
St. Bernard dogs have two coats: a dense undercoat that’s thick and soft, providing insulation and a top coat that’s short and smooth, acting as a barrier against dirt and moisture. These two layers work together perfectly to keep these dogs warm in freezing temperatures.
But when it’s not freezing or your dog doesn’t need to work in the harsh cold, things change. St. Bernards shed seasonally, meaning they’ll blow their undercoat twice a year – usually during spring and fall. Sometimes, they may shed more frequently, leading to that “wool factory” effect.
When this blowout happens, oh boy, it’s like living in a snow globe of white fur! You’ll find hair on your clothes, furniture, bed, food—everywhere! But don’t fret, this is completely normal. Shedding in St. Bernards is part of their biology and helps them adapt to changing temperatures.
“Wait!” you must be thinking, “Is there anything we can do to manage this shedding process?”
Sure there is! Your secret weapon against shedding? Grooming. You won’t be able to stop St. Bernard’s natural shedding process, but regular grooming can help manage it.
Commitment to grooming is essential since it helps to remove loose hairs before they end up all over your house. Get a quality deshedding tool and brush your St. Bernard at least once or twice a week. During their bi-annual blowouts, you might want to increase this to daily sessions.
Bathing your St. Bernard once a month with a moisturizing, dog-approved shampoo can help loosen up hair and keep their skin healthy. After the bath and once your dog is dry, another grooming session can be quite beneficial.
Besides grooming, ensuring your St. Bernard has a proper diet is also crucial. A balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids will help nourish and support their skin, resulting in healthier hair growth and potentially less shedding.
Quick tip: If your St. Bernard’s shedding seems excessive or you notice bald spots or other skin issues, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. These could indicate underlying health issues that need addressing.
Now, we can’t talk about St. Bernard shedding without mentioning one more thing – clothing! If you have a St. Bernard, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that don’t show hair much. Trust me, the lint roller isn’t going to cut it.
Shedding is a natural process for St. Bernard dogs and while it might seem overwhelming, remember, their fluffiness is part of what makes them so adorable! So next time you’re lamenting over the snowstorm of white hair across your living space, just look into your St. Bernard’s eyes. Those warm, loving eyes will surely remind you that a bit of hair here and there is a small price to pay for their loyal and gentle companionship.
And who knows? If you ever need some extra padding for a pillow or a unique yarn for knitting, you surely have an endless supply!
