Managing shedding: An annual task

16 years ago
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to The Aroostook Republican

    Just when you think spring is here, Mother Nature throws us a curve ball! End-of-year snow is tough, but my dogs don’t care if snow is in the beginning, middle or end of winter, they love to play in it. My dogs will roll and scoot across the yard on their backs or dig in the snow looking for mice.

Image                    Contributed photo
    Six-month-old Goldie is a very clean, playful kitten who has a good appetite. She is leukemia tested, has had all recent shots and is spayed. Goldie has little trouble adjusting to new environments ,is good with older children but not babies as she doesn’t like to be pulled and poked. Goldie is free to a good home through the Madawaska Lake Homeless cats. The staff there are happy to relate that Bradley and Sage were recently placed in permanent homes. For more information regarding Goldie, contact Norma at 896-5660 and leave a message.

What I have found though is that my dogs are starting to shed their winter coats. I know I never look forward to shedding time, with five dogs it is a lot to keep up with. You could say that my vacuum is my buddy. Brushing is the best way to deal with shedding, but you have to anticipate the shedding season and keep on top of it. If you feel you have lost all control and can’t take it any more, then it is time to call a professional groomer. They will be able to advise you on the best way to handle a dog’s coat. There are many products out there that profess to help keep your dog from shedding, but I have to say it is a natural process and one that is necessary to the health of your dog.  
    When choosing a dog for your home, it is good to consider how much shedding you are willing to deal with. Hair causes dust bunnies, but allergies have more to do with the dander on the skin of the dog than the actual hair. Dander can somewhat be controlled by diet, but shedding is a natural process. Some dogs require a lot of grooming, while most short-coated dogs require very little. I will say though, we had a Lab mix growing up, she was a house dog and would shed year-round.  
    Puppy and kitten season is just around the corner — usually more so kittens than puppies. If you have not had your cat altered, now is the time to do so. There are more than enough kittens to go around and shelters, if they aren’t  already, soon will be bursting at the seams with kittens. An intact female cat can go into heat repeatedly four to five days every three weeks. Female dogs go into heat two times a year for approximately three weeks. Spaying prevents this.  
    Un-neutered male cats that live outside will spray strong-smelling urine, roam and fight with other males. Un-neutered dogs will also urinate on things and mark their territory. ASPCA experts believe that neutering a male dog by the age of 6 months can solve many aggression problems. This surgery also helps to prevent testicular cancer, prostate disease and hernias.
    Please be responsible for your pets.  
    If you are looking for a friend for life, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We have many wonderful animals available for adoption. Our business hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or give us a call at 764-3441.
    Please have your pets spayed or neutered.