Chow chows are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. When it comes to Chow Chows, one question seems to come up repeatedly: how much do they shed? The answer, unfortunately, is that it varies from dog to dog.
Some Chow Chows may only lose a tiny bit of hair, while others could lose quite a bit. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help reduce the amount of shedding your Chow Chow does. Keep reading for tips!
Also read: Why Are Chow Chows Banned?
Do Chow Chows Really Shed? How Much?
Chow chows are a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in China. They are known for their thick fur coats, which come in various colors, including black, blue, cream, and red. Chow chows are typically shed twice a year, in the spring and fall. During these times, they will lose their entire winter coat.
Sheds Their shedding is heaviest during the first few weeks of the shedding process. Chow chows require regular brushing during periods of heavy shedding to reduce the amount of hair deposited around the home.
While they do shed year-round, chow chows are considered a relatively low-shedding breed compared to other dogs. This makes them a good choice for people looking for a dog that won’t cause too much hair loss.
Why Chow Chows Shed?
Is there anything as frustrating as constantly having to clean up dog hair? It seems like no matter how often you vacuum or how many times you sweep; your Chow Chow manages to leave a trail of shed fur behind him. But why does he shed so much? And is there anything you can do to reduce his hair loss?
Let’s look at some of the reasons why Chow Chows shed and see if we can’t find some solutions.
The Chow Chow’s Double Coat
Chow Chows are well known for their thick, dense coats of fur. This double fluffy coat consists of a coarse outer layer and a soft, downy inner layer. The outer coat helps to protect the dog from the elements, while the inner jacket provides insulation.
Chow Chows shed heavily twice a year, in the spring and fall. During these times, they will lose their outer and inner coats. As a result, Chow Chows require regular grooming during shedding season to prevent matting and keep their coats healthy.
In addition to Chow Chow’s shedding season, dogs shed may occur lightly throughout the year. Although they do not require as much grooming during these times, it is still important to brush them regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Also read: Why Do Chow Chows Have Purple Tongues?
The Changing Seasons
One of the biggest factors that affect how much a Chow Chow sheds is the changing seasons. As we mentioned, Chow Chows shed hair heavily twice a year in the spring and fall.
This is because their coats are adapted to the colder winter months when they need extra insulation. As the weather starts to warm up in the spring, their thicker winter coat begins to thin out in preparation for the summer. Similarly, in the fall, their coats start to thicken again in anticipation of winter.
This seasonal shedding is normal and nothing to worry about. However, noticing your Chow Chow shedding more than usual could signify a health problem. If this is the case, take them to the vet for a check-up.
Health Problems
That Cause Excessive Shedding. Several health problems can cause a Chow Chows shed a lot. These include:
Allergies: Allergies are one of the dogs’ most common causes of excessive shedding. If your Chow Chow is allergic to something in their environment, such as pollen or dust, they may start to shed excessively.
Parasites: Another common cause of excessive shedding is parasites, such as fleas or mites. If your Chow Chow has parasites, they will likely scratch a lot, leading to hair loss. In addition, parasites can also cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, leading to excessive shedding.
Hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can also cause a Chow Chow to shed excessively. If your dog has a hormonal imbalance, it may also have other symptoms, such as weight gain or loss, hair loss, and changes in appetite.
Immune Condition
Chow Chows are prone to shedding, and their fur can be difficult to keep clean and free of mats. The reason for this is that Chow Chows have a very high rate of skin cell turnover. In other words, their skin cells are constantly being replaced much faster than other dogs.
This rapid cell turnover causes the Chow Chow’s fur to shed more frequently. Additionally, allergic reactions or other immune conditions often exacerbate the shedding. Therefore, if your Chow Chow is shedding excessively, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Also read: Why Are Chow Chows Dangerous?
Brushing
When grooming your Chow Chow, brushing is one of the most important things you can do. Not only does it help to lose fur, but it also stimulates the skin and circulation. In addition, brushing gives you a chance to check for any lumps, bumps, or other health concerns.
While you can brush your Chow Chow daily, be sure to use a gentle touch and avoid any areas that seem sore or tender. You can keep your chow looking and feeling their best with care and attention.
Bathing
While Chow Chows are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, they do require regular bathing. Fortunately, this simple process can be easily incorporated into your dog’s routine.
The key is to use a gentle shampoo that won’t strip the natural oils from your dog’s coat. You should also avoid getting water in your Chow Chow’s ears, as this can lead to infection.
When bathing your dog, thoroughly dry its coat and brush out any knots or tangles. With time and patience, you’ll have no trouble keeping your Chow Chow clean and healthy.
Also read: Chow Chow Best Shampoo (For An Itch-Free And Hydrated Coat)
Drying
After a bath, the next step in grooming your Chow Chow is to dry him off. You’ll want to use a towel or chamois to gently rub him down, being careful not to rub too hard as this can damage his coat.
Once he’s mostly dry, you can use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to finish the job. Be sure to keep the dryer moving so that you don’t overheat any area, and hold it about six inches away from his body.
If your Chow Chow doesn’t like the sound of the hairdryer, try using a quiet, soothing voice and offer him treats while drying him off. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to get your Chow Chow completely dry in no time.
How to Reduce Shedding
You can do a few things to reduce the amount of shedding your Chow Chow does. First, make sure they are well-groomed. Regular brushing will help remove loose hair and prevent matting. It is also important to bathe your Chow Chow regularly.
This will help remove any dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that could be trapped in the dog’s fur. In addition, be sure to feed them a nutritious diet. A healthy diet will help keep their coat healthy and promote proper shedding.
Also read: 6 Chow Chow Best Foods With Unmatched Nutritional Value
Conclusion
Chow chows are a beautiful breed of dog, but they require special care regarding grooming. So, do Chow Chows shed? The answer is yes, but they are not considered a high-maintenance breed regarding shedding.
They have a thick coat of fur that can shed quite a bit, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their shedding under control. The Chow Chow is not the right breed if you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog. But if you’re willing to put in the time to groom them properly, they make excellent companion animals.
