Pet Shedding 101

Have you ever found fur in your sandwich? How about your bathtub? Pet owners find errant hair in very unlikely places, but we don't have to get used to it.

Like any persistent problem, the key to combating pet shedding, is to learn how it works.

The Basics

Pet shed so their new coat has space to grow in. Dead hair detaches and falls off or gets stuck in the coat.

The degree depends on the breed of your cat or dog. Long-haired and short-haired pets can both shed a lot.

Outdoor pets grow heavier coats in winter to protect them, so pet shedding is seriously accelerated in the springtime. For indoor pets, shedding depends on the time of year, weather conditions and the temperature inside the home.

Changes in the length of daylight also stimulate the hormones that activate shedding too. But keep in mind that excessive shedding could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. So talk to your vet if you're concerned.

Is There More Than Hair Coming Off?

Yes, tiny skin particles called dander accompany the fur. It's a little like dandruff, and for those with allergies, it's often referred to as "pet pollen."

Does Shedding Depend on Breed?

Pets without undercoats shed less than those with undercoats. Cornish and Devon Rex cats are an exception as they have undercoats, but lack guard hairs. So they actually shed less than other breeds. Some low-shed cat breeds are the Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs, Tonkinese and Burmese.

Cats that shed a lot are the Persian, Maine Coon and the Somali.

As for dogs, the Border Terrier, Airedale, Welsh Terrier, Norfolk Terrier and the American Hairless shed less. Other low-shed dog breeds include the Basenji, the Standard and Toy Poodle. Poodle hybrids such as the Malti-Poo (Maltese/Poodle), the Cock-a Poo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle), the Labradoodle, (Labrador/Poodle), and the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle) are also known to be low shedders.

Some double-coated, serious shedders include the Akita, American Eskimo, Collie, German Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, Belgian Sheepdog.

When do Pets Shed the Most?

Pets living in northern latitudes shed in the spring and fall, but artificial lighting causes shedding year-round for indoor pets.

How Can I Control Shedding?

Grooming is crucial.

Bathing your dog regularly helps a lot. Since cats bathe themselves daily, unless they come into contact with dirt, grease or oily substances, bathing is not necessary. Just brushing and combing will control shedding.

Talk with your veterinarian about adding vitamin A and E, Omega 3, Omega 6 fish oils and Linoleic Acid to a high quality diet. Rich in antioxidants, they may aid in excessive pet shedding.

How do I Protect my Furniture from Cat and Dog Shedding?

Keep upholstered furniture covered with easy-to-launder throws and blankets.

Make a habit of using a tape roller every day or two, before hair gets embedded in your furniture's fabric.

A slightly dampened sponge works to pick up any pet hair you missed from upholstered furniture.

Vacuum carpets frequently. For hardwood and laminate floors, the Swiffer Sweeper is a great tool for daily fur removal because the dry cloth picks up 50 percent more dust, dirt and hair than a regular broom. A slightly dampened sponge works wonders to pick up pet hair from upholstered furniture and tufts of fur on carpets. For hardwood furniture and counter tops, try a Swiffer Duster, which grabs fur that feather dusters can just spread around.