My Pyranees Started Shedding

The original article touched on the fact that Great Pyrenees shed a lot, especially in spring. But having a Great Pyrenees means becoming an expert in managing fur! My sweet Ava has taught me so much about this, and I wanted to share more insights for anyone else dealing with this fluffy reality. Why Do Great Pyrenees Shed So Much? It all comes down to their magnificent double coat. Great Pyrenees were bred for cold mountain climates, so they have a soft, dense undercoat for insulation and a coarser, longer outer coat for protection. This double coat needs to be "blown" or shed twice a year – typically in spring and fall – to adapt to changing temperatures. In spring, they shed their heavy winter coat to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, in fall, they shed that lighter coat to grow back a thick winter one. The images showed a clump of shed white fur, indicating the Pyrenees is shedding its winter coat, and that's exactly what I'm seeing with my dog! It's a natural process, but it certainly keeps us busy. What to Expect During Shedding Season (and How to Cope!) The images also mentioned that Great Pyrenees shed twice a year, for six months in spring and six months in fall. While it might feel like they shed year-round sometimes, these prolonged periods are when it's most intense. During these peak times, you'll find fur everywhere – on furniture, clothes, and floating through the air like tumbleweeds. It's truly incredible how much fur can come off one dog! Here's what I've found helps manage the fur-nado and answers those questions about how bad they shed and do they shed a lot: Daily Brushing is Non-Negotiable: Forget weekly brushing; during shedding season, it's a daily ritual. I use a slicker brush to get through the topcoat and a good undercoat rake (like a deshedding tool) to pull out all that loose undercoat. It's amazing how much comes out! Brushing outside helps contain the mess. Bathing Routines: While you don't want to over-bathe, a good bath with a deshedding shampoo and conditioner can help loosen and release dead fur. Just make sure to thoroughly dry their thick coat afterwards to prevent skin issues. I've found a high-velocity dryer works wonders to blast out loose fur after a wash. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum: My vacuum cleaner has become my best friend. Investing in a powerful vacuum designed for pet hair is a game-changer. I sweep and vacuum at least once, often twice, a day during peak shedding. Robot vacuums can also be a lifesaver for daily maintenance. Furniture Covers & Lint Rollers: Protect your furniture with washable covers. Lint rollers become an essential accessory for your clothes before leaving the house. Diet and Supplements: A healthy diet contributes to a healthy coat. I make sure my dog gets high-quality food. Some vets recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements (like fish oil) for coat health, which might help reduce excessive shedding by keeping the skin and fur healthier. Always check with your vet before adding supplements. Regular Vet Check-ups: While shedding is normal, sudden, excessive shedding or shedding accompanied by skin irritation, bald spots, or changes in coat texture could indicate an underlying health issue. It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you have concerns. Managing a shedding Great Pyrenees is a commitment, but it's a small price to pay for the love and companionship these gentle giants bring into our lives. Embrace the fur, invest in good tools, and you'll navigate shedding season like a pro!