Stupid shedding question... (Dutch Shepherd)

obxemt · 03-13-2008, 19:20

I was going to address this as a PM to Platz, but everyone might as well enjoy my ignorance.

And yes, I saw the other shedding thread, as well as "The Furminator"!

I presume my buddy is coat-changing because of the weather change. I brush him every couple of days and don't care about the hair in the house since I vacuum and deal with it.

But, is it normal to see large "plugs" of hair coming out, particularly on his hindquarters? I'm pulling or brushing them out, but they also fall onto the carpet on their own. Just wanted to make sure!

Since my camera isn't working, my buddy looks exactly like this:

Platz · 03-13-2008, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by obxemt

I was going to address this as a PM to Platz

When did I hit the bigtime?

Yes, it's normal (that is, until you get a furminator - LOL).

obxemt · 03-13-2008, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platz

When did I hit the bigtime?

Yes, it's normal (that is, until you get a furminator - LOL).

You "hit the bigtime" because...

"They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Mark 1:22

Milky · 03-13-2008, 20:58

My GSD always seems to shed the most right above her tail...I have no idea what it is but it is also her favorite place to get scratched.

mike1969 · 03-13-2008, 23:30

All I can say is shedding is normal. I brush my doggy every morning and vacuum about 5 times a week.

dkbrucedvm · 03-16-2008, 11:17

If he's not leaving bald patches where the fur sheds, the skin isn't itchy or flaky, it's probably normal seasonal shed. Many double-coated dogs look like they have some sort of wierd rotfungus due to a patchy shed, but it eventually evens out.

Always ask openly when you have a question. It's amazing how often others had the exact same question, but were too timid to ask. And at least in this room, civility seems to have broken out everywhere!

Vacuum lots...

obxemt · 03-16-2008, 11:22

I very much appreciate it, ya'll!

Brushing once or twice a day makes for quality bonding time (and I've found that is is actually great stress relief for me!). Maybe I should do it as often even when he's not actively shedding.

All clues point to "normal seasonal shed" but the clumps of hair do indeed look strange, DK!

Platz · 03-16-2008, 19:02

Yeah - the tufts do look strange. It's normal for coat blowing season though, and it'll go back to normal single hair shedding once the summer coat is in fully.