Table of Contents
Introduction
Poodles have a reputation as dogs of prestige.
In the past, their slim bodies and wavy coats made them very popular among wealthy people. The media constantly promoted the unique fluffy cuts that their owners would give them.
Today they have become a more popular breed among many. Their energetic demeanor makes them great family dogs, and their intelligence makes them easy to train.
New dog owners are captivated by them, but a good number are at a loss as to how best to take care of them. Their dense, curly fur is often a concern as many aren’t sure how to manage it, especially when they shed.
The truth is that it is easier than many people realize. From the best shedding management tips to the best dog supplement for dry skin, read on about how to care for poodles.
Understanding Poodles’ Fur Coats
Poodles probably have the curliest fur out of all dog breeds that exist. They were originally trained as hunting dogs; water retrievers that specifically collected game around creeks, rivers and lakes.
The thick curled mass of fur is an asset to them in the water, providing water resistance that increases their agility. Theirs is also the type of jacket that changes as they develop from young puppies to fully grown adults.
The pelt goes from soft and wavy to coarse, dense and more tightly curled as they age. For such a thick mass of fur, one could be forgiven for assuming that they have a double-layered coat.
The surprising truth, however, is that they only have a single coat. It is part of the reason why this breed is so popular because one less layer means less shedding.
Poodles are famous as the dog breed that doesn’t shed. This is somewhat untrue because they do shed, just a little differently compared to other dogs.
How Much Do Poodles Shed?
The belief that poodles don’t shed is the biggest reason for their popularity, especially among people with allergies.
The truth is that poodles do shed, albeit just once every few weeks. That is still a favorable amount considering the heavy shedding breeds that exist.
It is also harder for the shed fur to spread all over the surfaces around your home. Instead, it just remains suspended among the tight curls, leading it to mat if left unchecked. The suspension of fur means the dander falling off of the skin is held within the fur as well. It makes the poodle less prone to triggering allergic reactions and is why many people call it the hypoallergenic dog.
It is still necessary to comb through the fur to detangle the curls and release the shed hair. Even though they lose a small amount of hair all year round, you can make it so that the pet appears to never shed at all.
How to Care for Shedding Poodles?
Poodles are incredibly light shedders, but the shedding can still get out of control without any management. Here are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening to your pup.
Comb Through your Poodle's Curls Often
When the fur sheds from your poodles’ skin, it remains suspended in the thick mass of existing curls.
You want to prevent an accumulation of these detached strands because they mat the fur. Matting makes it harder to comb through to get rid of the shed fur in the first place.
it is a frustrating cycle that you can overcome by combing your poodle regularly. A pin brush with its widely spaced metal bristles is a perfect combing tool for detangling the fur.
The rounded edges of the tips also feel relaxing to the pup when you comb through.
If your breed has shorter hair, a regular bristle brush will do nicely as well. Prevent the matting from happening by brushing them every other day.
Bath your Poodle
One wash every few weeks is ideal for poodles. It helps to remove the dander from the skin that suspends on the fur, and some of the shed hair as well.
You can give them a brush just before the bath because water tends to make the knots in the hair much tighter and more difficult to detangle.
Regular mild dog shampoo will work just fine for such a low-maintenance coat.
Feed the Poodle Well
A good diet keeps a poodle’s body healthy and gives its fur a healthy shine.
Poor nutrition also results in the development of serious conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis which affects larger dog breeds.
The most obvious sign of poor feeding shows on the dog’s coat, and hair loss could be a result of missing nutrients in their meal.
A good mix of protein, vegetables and grains is ideal, while joint supplements for dogs would prevent hip, joint, and bone-related problems.
Always check the ingredients in your dog food to make sure they are getting a balance of the right nutrients. Keep them eating well and their lustrous, curly fur will tell the tale.
Treat them for Parasites and Skin Infections
For a dog that is famous for not shedding, the sudden loss of fur can mean a much bigger problem for the poodle.
Skin infections or parasites can cause the hair to start falling off your pet at an alarming rate.
See a veterinarian immediately when you notice unusual amounts of hair loss.
In many cases, they will prescribe medication to help treat the problem, and the fur will grow back as a natural result.
If your poodle is recovering from a skin infection, then you can include a good skin supplement to help!
Conclusion
The poodle is undeniably one of the easier dog breeds to handle when it comes to shedding.
It’s the perfect dog for people who like low-maintenance pets and easy-to-clean homes.
The important thing to remember is that they do shed and that you still need to keep them well-fed and groomed to make their shedding almost imperceptible.
