We have 2 dogs that shed hair like crazy. They are boxer mixed, so their hair is about medium length. I think they should be outside dogs, but my husband likes to keep them inside, as they were raised inside. They jump on the sofas and on the beds, so they leave hair everywhere. I sweep the floor everyday because they shed so bad all over the floor. We were told to brush their hair daily, and we've also bought medicated shampoos and conditioners that have not helped. My husband does not think it's bad enough to take them to the vet, so we're stuck with trying things at home. I have also tried shaving them with an electric hair razor, which is hard because they are quite strong. That resulted in having short hair shedding everywhere. It is embarrassing because our friends will not come to our house and when we go out we have dog hair on our clothes. To top it all off, sometimes we even have to pick dog hair off of our food (I can't believe I just admitted that in public!). But they have been with my husband for some years and he loves them to death, and I love him so..Is there anything else we can do to stop the shedding?
My husband and I agreed on allowing the dogs the kitchen part of the house since the floor is easier to clean (we're using baby fences). There's a doggy door in the kitchen, so they get to go in and out as they please. They are spending more time outside and they actually seem to be enjoying it. As for us, we cleaned the entire house, vaccumed and washed bed covers and clothes. Only a couple of days and there has been a noticeable improvement. We're hoping that by the dogs spending more time outside it will strengthen their coats and perhaps have less shedding, we'll see how it goes. Thanks everyone for your response.
My dogs shedd really bad also and I broke down and got them shaved very, very short(that's the key) and it has made a HUGE difference! I tried clipping them myself too at first but I can't get as close as a groomer can and it was a PAIN! It's totally worth the money, plus they clip thier nails which is great too! Good luck!
My dogs shed like crazy as well, and it drives me crazy but apparently I just have to live with it. We have found an inexpensive way to keep them off the couches. We were looking for the mats that made a loud noise when you jump on them, but they are so expensive and people say they do not work. On a couple of websites people recommended the plastic carpet saving mats (the one with the little nubbies on one side). We put one our couch, the dogs jumped on them once and never again. We purchased the mat at Walmart for a few dollars. It does not hurt the dogs, it just startles them a little.
Sounds like my two beagles. There is really nothing you can do about the shedding. I would suggest you limit the dogs access around your home. Let me tell you what I had to do. I have a doggie door on my backdoor that leads to the garage. The backdoor leads to a small entryway called a butlers pantry in my kitchen. The dogs can go in and out as they please, however, I put up a baby fence so they can come in but their access to the rest of the house ends there. I have done all the things you have (shampoos etc.) and they just don't work. My dogs shed in tufts! At first, I would feel guilty about the dogs not being able to roam the house. But once I saw the difference in dog hair not being everywhere, it got a lot easier to keep them restricted. I hope that helps a little bit. I have had my dogs for almost 11 years. Good Luck!
Dogs shed hair for a few reasons the main reasons are stress and illness. Please however keep in mind that at this time of year they naturally build up a thick fur and NOT being outside in the cold for a decent amount of time, thier body says "we need to get rid of this fur it's not cold" and with that they will keep doing this process over and over again until you show them that yes, this is winter and grow your fur. All in all LET THEM PLAY OUTSIDE FOR A FEW HOURS.(the caps were mostly for your husband to get through to his head) I know how thick skulled men can be, and we have a simmilar issue, when daddy's at work the boys are outside enjoying the cold and making use of their winter coats. Since we have had less of a shedding issue. Plus you want to get a grooming brush that gets at the undercoat not just the top coat. Good Luck.
A friend uses aluminum foil on her couches when she's not home to keep her two dogs off! It's a cheap easy suggestion and they hate the feel and noise so it really works. Other than that, all us dog owners with long-haired dogs feel your pain! I vacuum almost every day, the whole house, and we eat dog hair too anyway! =) Good luck!
There is a product at Petsmart called Shed Stop. Also, you might need to change their diet. Make sure the food you are feeding the dogs does not contain corn. That can also cause skin issues. Lastly, find a good quality food that doesn't smell bad. Just like garlic in humans, whatever the dog food smells like is eventually what you dog will smell like.
They are going to shed, but this should reduce it.
Good luck!!!!
Jodi
Unfortunatley, shedding hair in dogs is normal and unavoidable - it's just part of owning a dog. I would train them to stay off of the couches and beds, that will help with the hair on those items. -JM
G., I suggest you and your husband start watching the Dog Whisperer. You will pick up some excellent advice on caring for your pets. Dogs should be trained to be pleasant companions, especially if they are going to live in the house. If your husband insists on keeping them in the house, then I would insist on their being trained. He needs to meet you half-way.
As for their shedding, I have a friend who actually uses a vacumn on her dog and her dog doesn't mind. Also, I keep a few of those sticky paper lint rollers around my house for when my clothes or furniture pick up dog hairs. You can buy them at the Dollar stores and they work great.
I hope your husband comes to realize he's not doing his dogs any favors by "loving them to death" and letting them take over your house and your lives. Good Luck. L. S
Try getting them professionally groomed every couple of weeks along with the other suggestions noted. I know it can get expensive, but it may be the best thing. Also, shop around different groomers you may get a price break if you agree to a regular appointment. I would also suggest independents rather than PetSmart and PetCo. Many independents used to work for the big companies and have branched out on their own, so they have more experience. (I also like to support the little guys up against the corporate giants!)
Hi G., I think Lynda said it best.... I think the only solution is to limit their access. We had the same problem and getting the dogs to understand they weren't allowed on the furniture wasn't easy. What we did was make sure they have an area in each living area, and our bedroom, that is specifically for them. Plus, we use a lawn chair in our TV room for our bigger dog, which we call her "place." It's one of those tripod-looking chairs. We learned she likes to sit up high (makes her feel like a queen, obviously) and we praise her like hell when she's up there. More often than not she'll fall asleep in it. She's not supposed to get down until she's released (much like a stay command), which she's PRETTY good at. What can I say? We're spoilers. Good luck.
