Bullmastiff shedding can be a concern for potential owners of this loyal and protective breed. This is especially the case for new dog owners that aren’t familiar with this breed.
How Much Do Bullmastiffs Shed?
Bullmastiffs don’t shed as much because their coats are easier to clean. Brushing your dog consistently can help reduce the amount they shed and keep their coat shiny.
We delve into the reasons why bullmastiffs shed, ways to reduce their excessive shedding, and some essential factors to best manage this process.
What Situations Would Cause Bullmastiffs To Shed Excessively?
All dogs tend to shed, but some causes make them shed more than usual. Here are some causes of excessive shedding you may notice in your Bullmastiff.
Allergens
Allergens such as grass, pollen, insects, and sometimes food allergies can cause your Bullmastiff to lose excessive amounts of hair. You should not confuse your dog’s hair loss if this is not the normal amount they shed.
Consult your veterinarian if you believe your dog is shedding due to allergens. Your veterinarian will run tests to determine which allergen is causing their hair loss.
They may prescribe your Bullmastiff with over-the-counter medication or a change in their diet. If the shedding is severe, they may require an allergy shot or a prescription.
Hyperthyroidism
This is a disease when a dog’s thyroid does not produce the right hormones that contribute to its metabolism. This condition tends to affect cells, which can cause excessive hair loss. It causes the hair to fall out in patches and can slow regrowth.
An Imbalanced Diet
It is stated that an imbalanced diet is the leading cause of excessive hair shedding. Although you don’t need to buy the most expensive dog foods, it is essential to ensure you’re feeding a diet rich in nutrients and protein.
Parasites, Ticks, Or Fungi
Whether you notice fleas, ticks, or irritation to their skin, this could be the cause of your dog’s shedding. These factors can cause your Bullmastiff to lick, scratch, or bite the irritated area, which then causes inflammation. You will notice irritation near their ears, eyes, stomach, or chest.
If the reaction is from fungi such as ringworm, he may experience hair loss in the form of a circular shape.
Is There A Way To Reduce Shedding? Here’s The Solution!
Lots of shedding can seem like a hassle and tedious to clean in some cases. There are some ways you can reduce the amount of shedding experienced by your Bullmastiff.
Wash Them As Required
Bathing your Bullmastiff helps keep his coat looking shiny, clean and removes dead hair. You can use de-shedding shampoos and conditioners.
These products contain moisturizers and fatty acids to keep your dog’s fur healthy while hydrating and strengthening your dog’s hair follicles. Moreover, they can help remove excess dirt in his undercoat.
One of the best solutions is to brush the hair before bathing. Carefully brushing the hair beforehand can make the bathing process a lot easier.
Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, you can bathe your Bullmastiff weekly and up to six to eight weeks.
Brush Them Everyday
Aside from bathing, you should brush your Bullmastiff for at least 10-15 minutes every day. Not only does this reduce shedding, but it also keeps your house clean.
Even though the Bullmastiff doesn’t shed as much, regular brushing can tackle unwanted shedding. You can use many tools to groom your dog’s hair, such as de-shedding tools, brushes, and even gloves.
What Are The Best Approaches For Grooming Your Bullmastiff?
When it comes to grooming your Bullmastiff, you may wonder what’s the most convenient way to groom your dog while searching for the right tools.
There are various tools you can use when grooming your pet as follows:
Brushes
Brushes are a great way to groom your dog, but there are different brushes for different types of fur. Here are some of the best brushes for your Bullmastiff:
Bristle Brushes: These brushes are usually compatible with all hair types, but the bristles depend on how long, short, or coarse the coat is. Bristle brushes are great for Bullmastiffs with short hair. Furthermore, these brushes usually come in a square or circular shape and have thinner, fine bristles.
If he has long hair, this brush may not remove all the dead fur in the undercoat. Instead, you can choose from these three brushes: slicker brush, undercoat rake, or a pin brush.
Slicker Brush: A slicker brush allows for deeper brushing. It can reach the roots of the hair and brush through unwanted knots and matted hair.
Undercoat rake: This is beneficial for longer, wavy fur. An undercoat rake digs into the dog’s undercoat to bring dirt and debris to the surface, hence the name.
Pin Brush: A pin brush looks pretty similar to the brushes a human may use. They are usually oval-shaped with metal pins, and some have plastic tips on the top. These are suitable for short and long-haired dogs. They help separate the hair to get rid of dirt and debris without causing irritation.
Gloves: A grooming glove is a great way to remove loose hair while giving them a massage. It is also a great tool to use if your dog doesn’t like being groomed with brushes.
De-shedding Tools: De-shedding tools are also a great way to reduce shedding in your home. This product is designed to get rid of fur from the undercoat before it sheds. Although this is a great product to use, you may not need to use it for everyday use.
Tips To Keeping Your House Clean With A Bullmastiff
When your Bullmastiff experiences shedding, it can be quite a hassle to clean. Here are some helpful tips on how you can keep your home clean with your Bullmastiff.
● If you have hard floors, you can sweep and mop whenever necessary. It is essential to sweep gently to avoid unwanted hair flying onto your furniture and other surfaces. Mopping your floors helps keep your house smelling clean while reducing the dirt they may track inside.
● If you have carpet, then a vacuum would be the best solution for you. Your carpets can trap dander and dust, which can be a hassle to clean. You should vacuum your carpets, area rugs, and even your furniture, such as couches or chairs.
● Carpets can also trap odors from your pet, leaving a stinky odor. The most probable solution is a steam cleaner. A steam cleaner will dig out any trapped odors in the carpet’s fibers. Allow your carpets to dry completely before allowing your Bullmastiff onto the area.
Note: Some dogs tend to urinate on furniture as a way to “mark their territory.” An unusual carpet scent may trigger them to urinate.
● Be sure to wash all your linens, clothes, pillowcases, and couch cushions. These personal belongings can develop odors over time. It is best to wash your belongings frequently to keep them fresh. This includes sheets, pillowcases, linen, and anything else that is machine-washable.
● Be sure to clean your pet’s bedding as well. Your Mastiff’s bedding may be the smelliest item in your house. This is because their bedding can trap in dirt, fur, dander, saliva, and urine.
Essential Factors To Consider Regarding Your Bullmastiff’s Shedding
While shedding is normal for your Bullmastiff, it is important to consider certain factors in their shedding process. For example, your dog may have sensitive skin or need a well-balanced diet to reduce excessive shedding. Here are some factors you need to know.
● Use a dog-quality shampoo with minimal chemicals. Various shampoos are dog-friendly and can help reduce shedding. In case your dog has sensitive skin, you should use a shampoo with little to no chemicals, paraben-free, and ones that are rich in omega acids to ensure a shiny and sleek coat of fur. Moreover, some shampoos are made for dogs with a heavier shed than others.
● Ensure your Bullmastiff eats a well-balanced diet. Eating a well-balanced diet will help your dog consume the right amount of vitamins and minerals he needs to promote healthy hair growth.
● Contact your vet if you have concerns about excessive shedding. Certain medical conditions can cause your dog to shed excessively. As previously mentioned, parasites, bacteria, and even skin allergies can cause your dog’s hair to shed. Take your dog to the vet for a proper checkup if you notice unusual hair loss or if his hair is shedding in patches.
Shedding is a normal process for your furry friend. You can include healthy habits to reduce the amount they shed and give him a healthy diet. In addition, it is essential to consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual shedding.
