French Bulldog is a moderate shedding dog with a short and easy to maintain coat. They do shed, though not nearly as much as heavier coated dogs. Their shedding depends upon the weather, maintenance, diet, and few other factors.
Do French Bulldogs shed a lot?
French Bulldogs do lose some hair during seasonal changes like fall and spring, but overall they aren’t heavy shedders. Your French Bulldog needs little maintenance and you won't see a huge amount of hair on your couch and floor.
At What Age Does a French Bulldog Start Shedding?
Shedding is a natural phenomenon and all dogs do so. This is due to their growth and regeneration of hair. French Bulldogs are generally considered the moderate to low shedding dogs. Frenchie puppies usually start shedding between 8-13 months.
Reasons Which Affect French Bulldog Shedding
French Bulldog is a moderate shedder but heavy shedding becomes a cause of concern. The abnormal heavy shedding can be a sign of some underlying health issue.
Let’s have a look at the various reasons which affect French Bulldog shedding:
French Bulldog’s natural hair growth cycle adapts with varied seasons. They shed more often during weather changes, such as spring or autumn. This heavy shedding period lasts for 2-4 weeks.
Unhealthy diet and poor nutrition is a major culprit when it comes to excessive shedding in French Bulldogs. If Frenchies are not given a healthy diet, their coat appears unhealthy and they might experience excessive shedding.
Like all dogs, French Bulldogs need regular brushing, bathing, and other grooming to keep their coat healthy. Poor coat condition and lack of grooming results in excessive shedding. If you are not brushing your French Bulldog regularly or using incorrect brushes, this may damage their coat. Also, too much or very few bathing can cause French Bulldogs to shed their coats. Using the wrong shampoo can also contribute to French Bulldog shedding.
Hormonal changes affect how your French Bulldog sheds and you might not be able to control. Hormonal imbalance may occur due to heat, pregnancy, or recent spaying or neutering.
Excessive shedding in French Bulldogs may be a sign of stress. They may get stressed because of a chaotic routine, loud noises, separation anxiety, or introducing new pets in your house.
Fleas, ticks, or other parasites may also result in noticeably high French Bulldog shedding. This makes their skin dry, itchy, and uncomfortable.
If you observe that your French Bulldog’s shedding has become unusually heavy, it is time to speak to your vet.
How To Deal With French Bulldog Shedding
As a French Bulldog owner, you need to understand that their coats will need routine maintenance and grooming to ensure the health of French Bulldog’s fur. Routine maintenance will help to remove loose and dead hair from the coat.
Here is what you can do to manage French Bulldog Shedding:
Brushing
Regular brushing is essential to keep a French Bulldog’s shedding in check. This will help to remove dead hair and also save you from loose hair flying around your house. Regular brushing will also make their coat look shinier and cleaner.
Thoroughly brush your French Bulldog’s whole coat. You will need to brush from the root of the hair to its tip.
Invest in grooming tools
French Bulldog owners should consider investing in quality grooming tools and cleaning supplies. Arming yourself with the right equipment will help you keep your French Bulldog’s coat healthy.
Invest in a vacuum cleaner
Invest in a vacuum cleaner for picking up the Frenchie's hair that is stuck to your furnishings and from all over your floor.
Regular baths
Regular bathing also helps control heavy shedding in dogs. This is a cost-efficient way that can help to loosen the dead fur. It is recommended to bathe your French Bulldog no more than once a month as over-bathing is not recommended for this breed.
Always test the temperature of the water before putting your French Bulldog in. When bathing your Frenchie, use a good quality pH-balanced shampoo and conditioner.
Healthy diet
French Bulldogs should be fed a healthy balanced diet and high-quality dog food. You must ensure that your French Bulldog gets good nutrition with a balance of Protein and Essential Fatty Acids. It is also important to ensure that this food is appropriate for the dog’s age range. This will keep your dog’s coat in a good condition.
Try including fish oil and Omega 3 into your Frenchie's diet. These supplements promote stronger hair follicles and are superb for a healthy coat.
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Are French Bulldogs hypoallergenic?
French bulldogs have a short smooth coat with moderate shedding which needs little maintenance. Frenchies are not considered hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Can I Shave My French Bulldog?
There is no need to shave your French Bulldog and it's never recommended. Your Frenchie’s coat is its natural insulating layer. If you shave your French Bulldog, you are removing his natural protective layers. This can be damaging for your fur buddy. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t shave your French Bulldog:
- Your Frenchie won’t be able to regulate his body temperature.
- Your French Bulldog's skin would be exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Shaving puts your Frenchie at a higher risk for heatstroke or they may suffer sunburn.
- Shaving can cause the hair to grow back improperly.
- It may damage your Frenchie's hair follicle and lead to permanent bald patches on your French Bulldog.
Final thoughts on 'Do French Bulldogs shed?'
So, there you have it. French Bulldogs are loving, affectionate, and sweet dogs who will always keep you entertained with their amazing personalities. Maintaining a French Bulldogs won’t be tough at all if you give them regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular brushing. French Bulldogs do shed a little but not as much as other dog breeds.
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