You have to prepare your complete grooming set should you think about getting a Dogue de Bordeaux, or also known as the French Mastiff, because this breed sheds! Not that he would fill your house with his hair, but his shedding rate will make you discover his hair strands sticking on your couch and other furniture.
If you are looking for a breed that does not shed, unfortunately, there’s none. Letting go of the old coat is a normal process for all dogs, but there may be times when a French Mastiff, in particular, sheds more than what he should. Learn about the causes as well as how to deal with them through this article!
How Much Does a Dogue de Bordeaux Shed?
The French Mastiff sheds moderately and the process happens all year round. That means you have to expect to find a few strands of his hair sticking on your clothes, drapes, blankets, and couch regularly. Renewing his coat may happen all the time, but the process is more prominent during the spring and fall seasons, so make sure you invest in a quality vacuum cleaner like the all-around Hoover.
As you know, when your French Mastiff grooms, plays, or scratches his skin, some hairs fly and land in different areas. You have to make sure your cleaner can reach it without the hassle.
There are reasons why there is a period for heavy shedding for the French Mastiff. As the spring period approaches, the dog’s body adjusts to the gradually changing climate. His coat will become lighter as a result. The type of coat he grows will keep him cool during the warmer months.
Meanwhile, the fall season will trigger his body to replace his old coat with a thicker one to combat the cold temperature during wintertime.
4 Causes That Make Him Shed More
As mentioned, shedding is a natural process for dogs. However, it can be concerning once you notice that your French Mastiff sheds more than his normal rate. If changes occur, you must understand what the potential causes are. Some triggers may be common and can be treated at home while others would require medical intervention from your local vet.
Fleas, Allergies, or Parasites
Excessive shedding can be caused by either parasites or fleas. A dog who is not regularly cleaned or has been infested with these organisms will constantly scratch his skin to soothe the area and pull off the hair while at it. If he does this several times a day, his skin will eventually have hairless patches. Skin abrasion is next and before you know it, he’s already having a bacterial infection. This leads to more hair loss.
Allergies, on the other hand, can be caused by food or chemicals. Some French Mastiffs may react to certain dog food ingredients like chicken, eggs, or wheat.
Change in Season
The change in season is a trigger you cannot control. No matter what you do, his body will have an increased shedding rate. All you can focus on is how to cope with his hair fall!
Anxiety or Stress
Another factor to watch out for is stress and anxiety. The French Mastiff is a sensitive breed. He can pick up the mood exhibited by his owners which means, a stressed owner may result in a stressed dog. An emotionally unwell dog will have a release of epinephrine or adrenaline and this, in turn, releases hair.
Medical Problems
Medical conditions can also bring a huge difference to your French Mastiff’s once vibrant and healthy coat. Hormonal conditions are commonly the culprits to excessive shedding, so have your dog checked by the vet for signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Liver disease and cancer may cause inexplicable hair loss too.
5 Ways to Minimize His Shedding
There are lots that you can do to save yourself from drowning in your pet’s hair! Commit yourself to follow the tips below to keep your home hair-free. Just remember that in special cases, some of these may not work with other dogs. However, the general formula might do wonders in your home:
Brush Regularly
French Mastiffs need to be brushed weekly. Their short coats will do well on such a schedule since they do not shed ridiculously. This process removes all loose and dead hairs before they end up in your furniture while evenly distributing his natural oils.
BEST PRODUCT TO USE: Hertzko Slicker Brush
Use Deshedding Tools
To have better results, other more grooming tools must be at your disposal. A high-quality deshedder will penetrate the bottom layer of the French Mastiff’s coat and scoop out more loose hair. One perk of this product is you can collect all the hair and throw it in the bin more conveniently.
BEST PRODUCT TO USE: MalsiPree Deshedding Tool
Apply the Right Shampoo
Some dog shampoos act harshly on a dog’s skin and these cause it to be dry and itchy. Because of this, it is just wise to know what shampoo formula suits your French Mastiff’s needs. If he has skin conditions, medicated shampoos will help. Otherwise, you can use an anti-shedding shampoo to lower his shedding rate.
BEST PRODUCT TO USE: TropiClean Shampoo
Provide the Right Diet
Giving him excellent dog food will bring several benefits to your buddy and that includes the healthy appearance of his skin and coat. Invest well in what he eats daily so you won’t have to constantly deal with abnormal shedding rates or bad skin and coat conditions.
BEST PRODUCT TO USE: Purina Pro Plan
Purchase Dog Supplements
Some dog foods do not contain certain nutrients your French Mastiff buddy would need. For example, if there aren’t enough omega fatty acids (which are responsible for taking care of his coat and skin’s health) on his diet, it is just right to add in some vet-recommended supplements to make up for the lack of nutrition.
BEST PRODUCT TO USE: Zesty Paws
Can You Shave Off a Dogue de Bordeaux’s Coat?
Generally, it is not recommended to shave off the Dogue de Bordeaux’s coat. This double-coated breed will have a harder time cooling off if his hair has been trimmed down. Moreover, the coat protects your dog from sunburn and bug bites as well as maintains the right body temperature.
There are more pros than cons when it comes to keeping your dog’s coat, so let it stay or you might end up regretting it!
When Is It Time to Visit a Vet Regarding Dog Shedding?
Allergies and flea infestation might sound too common a condition for French Mastiffs, but what we should know is that these can largely affect their overall health. Bring them to the vet to eliminate discomfort immediately. Ensuring your dog’s health and happiness is one of our responsibilities as dog owners.
Additionally, bring him regularly to the clinic for check-ups, diagnoses, and treatments. Certain diseases and thyroid issues may occur without showing alarming signs and symptoms except for the unusual shedding rate. Targeting these early on will save you and your French Mastiff from the worst.
