Great Pyrenees have a natural tendency to shed. If you own this breed or are considering one, the shedding process can seem like a hassle.
Although the Great Pyrs are prone to shedding like many dogs, there are several ways you can tackle and reduce your dog’s shedding.
How Much Do Great Pyrenees Shed?
The Great Pyrenees are average to heavy shedders. They have a very thick undercoat with a long top coat of fur. Although they are not very high maintenance like some breeds, they tend to shed their coat during certain times of the year.
Here is what you need to know about their shedding process, when they are likely to shed, and how to reduce excessive shedding.
When Are Great Pyrenees Likely To Shed?
Some dogs shed excessively, which may require more maintenance. Other dogs may not shed as much. The Great Pyrenees can shed heavily, but they tend to shed during specific times of the year. Here is what you need to know about their shedding process.
As previously stated, Great Pyrs are about average to heavy shedders, which may require moderate maintenance.
Also known as the “Pyrenean Mountain Dog,” this dog breed’s origin comes from the snowy Pyrenees Mountains of Europe. Their long, thick fur coat allows them to dwell in cold, snowy weather conditions.
They have a thick, long coat of fur with wooly undercoats that help them stay warm. They are usually white in color, but some Great Pyrs may have a reddish-to-brown or gray coat.
Their shedding process is not overwhelming. However, they may develop a “blow coat” that allows them to shed loads of fur once (and sometimes twice a year).
During the winter season, their thick fur will keep them warm. Once the spring season approaches, they will shed more fur than usual because they will not need it for the hotter seasons.
Moreover, The Great Pyr is considered a “large” dog breed, which means shedding can become more noticeable.
How To Reduce Shedding With A Great Pyrenees
Since the Great Pyrenees is likely to shed more than most dogs, the cleaning process needs to be kept under control.
If you’re concerned about excessive shedding, here are some techniques to reduce their shedding and maintain a clean environment.
Wash Them As Required
The Great Pyrenees will require regular brushing and bathing. It’s best to bathe them at least every other week for up to six weeks. It is essential to bathe your dog regularly to prevent its hair from tangling.
In other words, dirt in their coat can cause the hair shaft to become damaged and their coat to become entangled.
Washing your dog is quite simple with these steps. You can take a high-velocity dryer to blow away any loose dirt and debris slowly. This process may take a while, but it will make the bathing process more manageable.
Next, wet the coat with water and apply shampoo. Many dog shampoos are suitable for dogs with thick double coats. Moreover, Great Pyrenees are likely to develop dry skin, allergies, and rashes.
You can search for itch-relief shampoos if they have a skin allergy. Also, check for ingredients such as Pramoxine HCL. This ingredient helps relieve rashes and itchiness.
After applying shampoo, rinse thoroughly to ensure that all of the product is washed away.
If you’re thinking about adding a conditioner, it is unnecessary unless your dog’s coat is damaged. You can blot your dog’s coat and use the high-velocity dryer to get rid of any excess moisture.
Brush Them As Required
Consistent brushing is essential for your Great Pyrenees. Although they do not require much grooming, thorough brushing will prevent their fur from getting tangled and matted.
You should spend at least 30 minutes every week brushing their coat to prevent it from tangling and ridding of any dirt or debris that gets caught in their fur.
“You can use a slicker brush or steel comb, or a grooming rake when it comes to brushing.”
These brushes will help penetrate deep and catch any stubborn debris at the bottom of their coat. In addition, it is essential to brush around the tail, neck, rear, and back of their legs.
How To Approach Grooming Your Great Pyrenees
Grooming your Great Pyr can be a simple process and can help in reducing excessive shedding. There are several tools you can use to help with the grooming process. Here is a list of tools you can use to groom your Great Pyr.
Brushes
● Undercoat Rake – An undercoat is used to pull any dead fur from a dog’s undercoat. They are usually made with a round tip to prevent any scratching or injury to the skin. This brush is perfect for dogs with long hair, just like your Great Pyrenees.
● Slicker Brush: The slicker brush is used to remove any excess loose hairs and dirt from its fur.
● Pin brush (Bristle Brush) – The pin or bristle brush helps polish the coat to make it look healthy and shiny. You can also purchase a two-sided brush for your dog.
Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves have grooves that help massage your pet if he’s either anxious about the grooming process or if you’re looking for a convenient way to groom your pet.
The purpose of a grooming glove is to pick up loose hairs, reduce matting, and massage your dog at the same time.
Some grooming gloves have an all-in-one function that allows you to groom your dog while bathing. Other gloves are perfect for getting rid of unwanted fur.
Depending on the gloves, you may find them with materials such as silicone or rubber.
Deshedding Tools
There are a lot of de-shedding tools you can use for your Great Pyr. Here are a few.
● FURminator: The FURminator is a stainless steel de-shedding tool used to reach down into the undercoat. It also has a “fur ejector” for convenient hair disposal.
● Grooming brush: Although there are many brushes to help reduce shedding, a grooming brush helps get rid of mats, tangles, loose hair, and knots without scratching or irritating your dog.
How To Keep Your House Clean With a Great Pyrenees
Keeping your house in tip-top shape can seem like a chore with a Great Pyrenees. However, there are ways you can tackle shedding and maintaining a clean environment.
● If your home has hard floors, you can mop and sweep whenever necessary. You should sweep gently to avoid unwanted hairs on your furniture.
● If you have carpets, a vacuum is the perfect tool. Your carpets and rugs can trap dander and dust. It is best to clean your carpets, rugs, and even your furniture, such as couches and chairs.
● Aside from vacuuming, your carpet can trap odors that your Great Pyr may pick up. You can use a steam cleaner. This will aid in getting rid of any odors trapped in the carpet’s fibers.
● Be sure to wash all linen, clothes, pillowcases, and couch cushions. It is best to wash your belongings frequently to avoid odors.
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Important Factors To Consider Regarding Your Great Pyr’s Shedding Process
While shedding is a normal part of being a dog, you must consider important factors contributing to their shedding process. Here are a few healthy tips on what you can do to reduce your Great Pyr’s shedding.
● Use a dog-quality shampoo with minimal chemicals. Many shampoos are dog-friendly and perfect for reducing shedding. Great Pyrs may be prone to developing itchy skin or allergies.
You can find a paraben-free shampoo with little to no chemicals and rich in omega fatty acids to ensure a shiny coat. In addition, you can find shampoos that are suitable for long-haired dogs like your Great Pyr.
● Ensure your Great Pyr eats a well-balanced diet. Having a well-balanced diet can help your dog consume the right vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair growth. The Great Pyrenees has a large muscle mass, so it is essential to feed him kibble with the right amount of proteins.
This will provide the right amount of amino acids to help with development.
● Contact your vet if you have concerns about excessive shedding. Medical conditions can cause your dog to shed excessively in some cases. These may include parasites, and bacterial or dry skin infections, causing your Great Pyr to lose hair in clumps or patches.
Contact your vet if you notice any unusual hair loss or if his hair begins to shed in patches.
Like most dogs, the Great Pyrenees tends to shed a lot, but they will shed excessive amounts of fur during the warmer seasons. Although they do not require high maintenance, there are many ways you can reduce their shedding process and maintain a clean environment.
