PETS FOR LIFE NYC

SHEDDING   
  
Shedding is the result of the natural turn-over of an animal’s coat. There are ways that you can decrease the amount of fur found around your home.

Brushing and combing your dog or cat, especially if they have long hair, on a regular basis and throwing the hair away is the most important control method. It will also decrease hairball frequency, help you keep an eye on your cat’s skin and coat for potential problems such as skin infections and bald areas, and is a fun and relaxing activity for both you and your pet. It is never too early to start brushing, but is important to start sessions slowly, and give your cat treats to reinforce calm behavior during grooming.

The style of brush will depend on your animal’s coat. For example, short-coated breeds may do best with soft brushes and a flea comb, which has short fine teeth that are close together. The flea comb may not be needed for fleas, but is a great tool to pull out dead hair. Long-coated breeds that tend to get matted (thick clumps of knotted fur) may do better with wire “slicker” brushes and a comb with widely spaced teeth. If matting is severe, consult your veterinarian, as they may recommend clipping your cat as a less traumatic way to remove the knots. A longhaired animal who resists brushing may need to go to a groomer several times a year.

BRUSHING PRODUCTS: The best are the Shedding Blade or The FURMinator Pet Brush –find in pet supply stores or in mail order or on-line pet supply catalogs.  

There are many products sold to decrease the amount of shedding. These include fish oil-based vitamins and a number of different sprays and creams that you apply to the skin. None of these products work miracles so you need to brush as well. Proper nutrition can help to keep skin and hair healthy and this keeps the hair cycle normalized, minimizing shed hair. Proper overall oil, vitamin, mineral and amino acid (protein subunits) balance in the diet is important for normal skin, nails and hair so feed a high quality diet. Omega fatty acids help keep skin inflammation at bay, and an animal that is less dry and irritated will scratch less. 

If the heavy shedding is consistent throughout the year, the pet may have food sensitivity or a dust allergy. In extreme cases of shedding, when your cat, for example, is actually sick from excessive hair balls, some veterinarians recommend shaving the animal three to four times a year.  In both cases you should consult with your veterinarian.

In summary, shedding is a natural process that all pet owners must eventually come to terms with. Frequent brushing is the most important way to control shedding, and a good vacuum and lint brush will keep you from looking like a tumbleweed yourself!

Info from http://www.cozycatfurniture.com/cat_newsletters/catnewsletter13.html &    http://www.cathealth.com/shedding.htm

917-468-2938  www.nycacc.org/safetynet.htm