It’s not uncommon to see a pet owner who is allergic to pets. In 2016, around 38% of the United States population were dog owners; now, take into consideration that 30 percent of Americans have pet allergies, and you can start to imagine how many people are part of both metrics. Fortunately, their allergy doesn’t stop them from owning and loving their pet dog. However, they need to take careful consideration into what type of dog to get and how to keep them as clean as possible.
Dog hair is not the cause of the allergy; the real danger is a protein that ends up in any dog’s dead skin and secretions. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to maintain loose hair and dander to a minimum. Any pet owner can achieve this by brushing and bathing their dog properly, as well as choosing a dog that doesn’t shed too much to start with.
How Often to Groom Your Dog?
Although it will mostly depend on the dog you have, you should consider brushing your dog’s hair daily. According to VCA Animal hospitals, a daily brush will help reduce significantly the amount of hair that your pet leaves around your house and clothes; it will also help them stay clean as brushing them will remove some of the dirt they get on their coat of hair, daily brushing is especially useful in dogs with long coats.
If your dog’s coat is short, you don’t need to brush them daily, although you’d be better off still doing it. Brushing them a few times a week or at least weekly should be enough to avoid tangles, dead skin cell accumulation, and matted hair.
What Comb to Use
Similarly to how often you should groom your dog, the type of comb you use on your dog will depend on their specific coat. Dogs with longer coats tend to benefit from longer-toothed combs, while dogs with shorter and smoother coats prefer small-toothed brushes.
While talking specifically about dogs with longer or even double coats, the American Kennel Club recommends slicker brushes as they do a great job of removing dead hair from the deeper undercoat. They also suggest using a coat rake or a shedding tool whenever your dog sheds more than usual.
Regarding dogs with shorter coats, using a natural bristle brush is very effective in removing dead hair. Hound mitts or gloves are also a great option. Depending on the tool you decide on, there will be a different technique that you need to learn to be as efficient as possible.
Can I Vacuum a Dog?
Yes, you can vacuum your dog. When using a vacuum to keep your dog clean, however, remember that you must use vacuum attachments that won’t hurt your dog’s skin. The suction power of some vacuums and the solid plastic attachments they come with can damage your dog’s skin. Make sure to look for a specialized grooming attachment that has soft bristles not to hurt them when vacuuming them. You can also look for pet-friendly vacuums that come with everything you may need.
The tricky part comes in making your dog comfortable around vacuums. TheGoodyPet tells us that sound is the main reason dogs are afraid of vacuums. Fortunately, some vacuums, such as pet-friendly ones, make less noise than others, which makes them ideal for use around dogs. Still, if your dog didn’t get comfortable with vacuums while they were puppies, you’ll have to introduce them gradually to the vacuum before using it on them.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
If your dog doesn’t shed and your veterinarian didn’t recommend anything special, then you should bathe your dog around every 6 weeks. How frequently you wash your dog will depend on many factors like health, age, type of coat of hair, and, most importantly, their daily habits. If your dog gets mud and dirt on themselves after every lap around the park, then you will most likely have to bathe them daily. On the other hand, if they mostly stay clean when taken for a walk, you can wait to wash them until they start smelling or when you notice their coat is dirty.
Big Dog Breeds that don’t shed
If you are looking to get a dog, you will have to do some investigating before deciding on a specific breed or size. If you are looking for dogs on the bigger side and don’t want to spend too much time brushing, combing, and bathing them to pick up all the lost hair, consider getting one of the following dog breeds, as they are part of the group of dogs that don’t shed.
- Afghan Hound,
- Lagotto Romagnolo,
- Airedale Terrier,
- Bedlington Terrier,
- Bouvier des Flandres,
- Komondor,
- Giant Schnauzer,
- Saluki,
- Kerry Blue Terrier,
- Peruvian Inca Orchid,
- Portuguese Water Dog.
Small Dog Breeds that don’t shed
On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you are looking for a new small furry friend that won’t shed, then you are in luck. Here is a list of small dogs that don’t shed.
- Chinese Crested,
- American Hairless Terrier,
- Bichon Frise,
- Poodle,
- Affenpinscher,
- Bolognese,
- Shih Tzu,
- Miniature Poodle,
- Lhasa Apso.
The Best Care For Your Dog
If you require an emergency animal hospital, tips on dog coat care, or just have questions regarding dog shedding, contact us at BrightCare Veterinary Group. We’ll be ready to help you with anything your dog, cat, or any pet may need.
