How To Deal With Dachshund Shedding
Like many dog breeds, Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic, and do shed, which might pose a slight inconvenience in the home environment. While dachshunds are not the heaviest shedders, shedding can still leave a noticeable amount of hair around the home. This guide offers practical tips for managing dachshund shedding, ensuring your home remains as fur-free as possible.
Understanding Dachshund Shedding
Firstly, it’s essential to understand the nature of your dachshund's coat. Dachshunds come in three varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired, each with different shedding tendencies. Smooth-haired dachshunds tend to shed evenly throughout the year, long-haired ones may shed seasonally, and wire-haired dachshunds have minimal shedding due to their unique coat texture. Recognising your dachshund’s shedding pattern is the first step in managing it effectively.
Regular Grooming: Your First Line of Defence
We have previously written a much more in depth guide to dachshund grooming that covers the differences in coat types and the required grooming techniques. However when it comes to shedding specifically, the top 3 tips are:
Brushing: Regular brushing is the most effective way to manage shedding. For smooth-haired dachshunds, a weekly brush is usually sufficient to remove loose fur. Long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds might require more frequent grooming to prevent tangles and mats, which can exacerbate shedding. Use a brush suitable for your dachshund's coat type to ensure effective grooming.
Bathing: Bathing your dachshund can help loosen and remove dead fur. However, it's important not to overbathe, as this can dry out their skin and lead to more shedding. Opt for a mild dog shampoo and bathe them once a month or as needed.
Professional Grooming: Consider taking your dachshund to a professional groomer, especially if they have a long or wire-haired coat. A groomer can provide a thorough wash, trim, and brush-out, which can significantly reduce shedding.
Diet and Supplements
A healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing shedding. Ensure your dachshund's food is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote a healthy coat and skin. Supplements like fish oil can also be beneficial, but consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your dog's diet.
Home Cleaning Strategies: Keeping Fur at Bay
Despite your best grooming efforts, some dachshund hair will inevitably find its way onto your floors and furniture. Here are a few strategies to minimise its impact:
Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum cleaner designed to pick up pet hair. We invested in a Dyson vacuum cleaner that is designed for pet hair when we brought our dachshund puppy home and have never looked back. This was especially important for us as we have light coloured carpets in the house, which quickly show up any shed fur. They are on the pricier side when it comes to vacuum cleaners, but are far superior to the cheaper vacuum cleaners on the market when it comes to picking up dachshund hair. They offer portable stick models, which come with pet attachments, and also upright models too, which may be better for a larger house. Frequent vacuuming of floors and furniture can significantly reduce the amount of hair around your home.
Use lint rollers and tape: For clothing and fabric surfaces, lint rollers or sticky tape can quickly pick up loose hairs. This is also a really affordable way of keeping pet hair under control. We bought a bulk packet of lint rollers quite cheaply on Amazon, which we use frequently (to great success) to remove obvious pet hair from white bedding or the sofa.
Invest in pet-friendly furniture covers: These can be easily removed and washed, making it easier to manage hair accumulation on furniture. We often lay blankets or throws over our sofa as these are easily washed if required.
Managing Allergies
If dachshund shedding is a concern due to allergies, consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne dander. Regular cleaning and grooming can also help minimise allergens in the home.
While dachshund shedding might seem like a nuisance, overall it's a manageable aspect of sharing your life with these delightful dogs. Through regular grooming, a proper diet, and strategic cleaning, you can significantly reduce the impact of shedding on your home environment. The joy and companionship dachshunds bring far outweigh the minor inconvenience of dealing with a little bit of shedding.
