Yes, Whippets do shed, but they are considered moderate shedders. Shedding is a natural process that occurs year-round. In the case of Whippets, they have a short, fine coat that is relatively easy to maintain, but they still shed to some extent.
However, shedding may increase during seasonal changes, and some Whippets may shed more than others depending on their genetics and health. For example, if you’re considering adopting a Whippet, it’s important to be prepared for some shedding and to be willing to groom them regularly to keep their coat healthy and clean.
Tips to Manage Shedding in Whippets
Brush Your Whippet Regularly
Brushing your Whippet regularly can help remove loose and dead hair from its coat before it falls out and spreads all over your home. This can help reduce the hair you find on your furniture and clothing. Brushing also helps distribute natural oils throughout their skin and fur, which can help keep their coat healthy and shiny.
Regular brushing can help prevent mats and tangles from forming in your Whippet’s coat, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to remove. Further, brushing your Whippet can also be a great bonding experience between you and your dog, allowing you to spend time together and give them extra attention and affection.
Use a De-shedding Tool
Using a de-shedding tool can be a helpful addition to managing to shed in Whippets because it’s specifically designed to remove loose undercoat fur, which typically causes the most shedding. Instead, the tool reaches deep into your Whippet’s coat to remove loose hair without damaging its topcoat.
While regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush can help remove loose hair, it may not be as effective at removing the dense undercoat that many Whippets have. Instead, a de-shedding tool can help quickly remove more hair, especially during seasonal shedding.
Using a de-shedding tool correctly is important to avoid damaging your Whippet’s skin or coat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use gentle, even strokes while applying minimal pressure. Also, be careful not to overuse the tool, as excessive use can lead to skin irritation or hair breakage.
Bathe Your Whippet
Bathing a Whippet can help manage shedding by removing loose hair, dirt, and debris from their coat, which can help reduce the amount of hair they shed. Bathing your Whippet with a gentle shampoo and conditioner can also help moisturize their skin and coat, preventing excessive shedding from dry or irritated skin.
However, it’s important to bathe your Whippet sparingly, as frequent bathing can strip their coat of natural oils and lead to dry, flaky skin. It’s recommended to bathe your Whippet at most once a month or as needed if they become dirty or smelly.
When bathing your Whippet, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dogs, as human products can be too harsh and irritate their skin. Also, rinse your Whippet thoroughly to remove all shampoo and conditioner from their coat to prevent irritation.
Provide a Healthy Diet
Feeding your Whippet a healthy diet can help manage shedding in several ways:
- Promotes healthy skin and coat: A diet that is rich in high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals can help promote healthy skin and coat, which can reduce shedding. A healthy coat is less likely to shed excessively or become dry and brittle, which can lead to hair breakage and shedding.
- Reduces allergies and sensitivities: Food allergies or sensitivities can contribute to skin irritation and itching, which can increase shedding. A healthy diet free from common allergens or sensitivities can help reduce these symptoms and keep your Whippet’s coat healthy and shiny.
- Maintains a healthy weight: An overweight or obese Whippet is more prone to skin issues and coat problems, which can lead to excessive shedding. A healthy diet appropriate for your Whippet’s age, size, and activity level can help maintain a healthy weight and prevent skin and coat problems.
- Provides essential nutrients: Essential nutrients such as zinc, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the quality of your Whippet’s coat, reduce shedding, and promote healthy skin.
Keep Your Home Clean
Managing shedding in your Whippet doesn’t just involve caring for your dog’s coat. It also involves keeping your home clean to reduce the amount of hair and dander accumulating.
Vacuuming your home frequently is one of the most effective ways to manage to shed. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture even the smallest pet dander particles. Please pay particular attention to areas where your Whippet spends the most time, such as bedding, furniture, and carpets. Be sure to change or clean the filters regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
Keep a lint roller handy to quickly and easily remove pet hair from your clothing and furniture. You can also use a damp sponge or rubber gloves to remove pet hair from surfaces. Wash your Whippet’s bedding and blankets regularly to remove hair and dander accumulated over time. Use a pet-safe laundry detergent and a high-temperature setting to ensure all hair and dander are removed.
Brushing your Whippet regularly is important but can also create a mess. To minimize the amount of hair that falls on your floors and furniture, brush your Whippet outside or in an area that’s easy to clean, such as a bathroom or laundry room.
See a Vet if Shedding Is Severe
Shedding is a natural process in which dogs lose old or damaged fur to make way for new fur. However, excessive shedding could be a sign of an underlying health issue. If you notice that your Whippet is shedding excessively or has bald patches, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet.
Excessive shedding could indicate skin problems, allergies, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues. If you notice any changes in your dog’s shedding pattern or shedding excessively, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Your vet can examine your dog and perform diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the shedding.
