Hey Shorty:

My Mom keeps complaining about my shedding, what can we do?
Signed,
Hair Abundance

Dear Hair Abundance:

You didn’t tell me if you are a fellow Dachshund or not. Dachshunds do shed but in minimal amounts compared to most other dogs.  I tend to shed a little extra just before summer.  If you are shedding excessively, your Mom should have the Vet check you for allergies.  Irritated skin or allergies can cause you to shed more than you should.

A few tips for your Mom to reduce shedding:

1.  Regular Brushing (you may want to try the "furminator", our neighbors with a very hairy dog swear by it)

2.  High quality food

3.  Fatty acid supplements

4.  Covering the furniture and car seats (something that can be easily removed and washed – I have my own crocheted blankets in key areas around the house)

5.  Use Flea control medications

6.  Bathing periodically with Oatmeal shampoo (be careful not to bath too much it can dry out your skin)

My Mom uses a noisy contraption called a vacuum (Dyson DC14 Animal) to keep things under control, newly shed hair is easier to remove.  For the areas that the vacuum can’t reach (corners and base boards) she uses a slightly damp sponge.  A sweeping motion with the sponge seems to work best. 

Good luck!

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