Everyone loves the happy-go-lucky, cheerful Pug. From their smiling expressions to their curly tails, they captivate the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Even though these dogs have short hair, does this impact how they shed?
Since Pugs are double-coated, they might release more hair than you would think. So if you have any allergy sufferers in the house or are just curious, here are all the details about Pug shedding.
Pugs Are Double Coated
You might not know this, but Pugs have a double coat. So what exactly does this mean? It means that a Pug has two layers of fur, the topcoat and the undercoat. The undercoat consists of a soft downy-like covering, and the topcoat is a bit firmer and much longer.
These two coats grow entirely independently from one another. The soft undercoat is relatively short and close to the skin. It also grows very quickly in comparison. The topcoat grows slower but is much longer than the undercoat.
The undercoat is the part of your Pug’s fur that sheds in bulk twice a year, while the topcoat sheds continually. They will go through periods where you can brush out handfuls of fur, but most of the time, shed will stay moderate.
Even throughout the year, these are definitely not low-shedding dogs. They produce a consistent volume of hair loss year-round.
Pugs + Allergies Don’t Mix
Unfortunately, even if you love Pugs, these dogs will not work in homes with allergy sufferers. They produce far too much shed, irritating the allergies of mild to severe cases.
As we mentioned, not only do you have to worry about bulk shed twice a year, they shed continually otherwise. The only difference is the volume of the shed.
Pug Grooming Needs
Despite your double-coated Pug, you can still get ahead of the shed with regular grooming. Here we’ll discuss the different methods to reduce shedding and keep your fabrics and furniture fur-free.
Types of Brushes
You can get several brushes to serve different purposes. Here are some excellent choices to have on hand.
Slicker Brushes
We love slicker brushes because they are great for everyday maintenance and most of them are very easy to clean. Slicker brushes have angled bristles with guarded tips that gently work flush with the skin to remove debris and shed from the undercoat.
Once you finish brushing, most slicker brushes have a quick-release button on top. Even if your particular slicker brush does not have this feature, the fur easily bunches together so you can grab it in one swoop and toss it in the trash.
Bristle Brushes
Bristle brushes are less efficient in removing all of the shed, like a slicker brush does, but they definitely have their purpose. Bristle brushes massage the skin to create proper blood flow in the body. They also distribute natural oils through your Pug’s fur to make them shiny and healthy.
You can get bristle brushes that are made from synthetic materials or animal hair. That’s a matter of preference, and some even have a combination of both. Animal hair brushes are a little more expensive than synthetic ones, so consider that if you choose to purchase them.
De-shedding Tools
De-shedding tools are meant for deep grooming sessions. You should never use these brushes every day and should really limit it to once or twice a month. You might do it more in high shed seasons, but be mindful of your Pug’s skin.
These brushes can irritate the skin, so it’s essential to use them only as directed.
Shampoo & Conditioner
Because Pugs can be quite sensitive at bath time, it’s best to purchase a dye-free, fragrance-free, moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner. Since Pugs are notorious for their rolls of skin, waiting too long in between baths can irritate the skin folds.
Make sure you wash your Pug thoroughly to remove any dead hair follicles and debris in the coat. For Pugs, we recommend a light oatmeal or formula designed for sensitive skin.
Do Diet and Supplements Impact Shedding?
While it might not be a first thought, diet is vital for coat health. Feeding your dog a protein-rich, nutrient-dense recipe without all the extra harsh ingredients will improve their skin and coat. This will lead to less shedding and easier grooming.
There are supplements designed specifically for coat health. Some options come in powder form, too. You can choose from chewable, liquid, or crunchy supplement snacks.
If Your Pug Is Losing Hair
If you notice an excessive amount of shed, give your Pug a little inspection. Try to see if they’re losing hair patches on certain skin parts. If hair loss creates bald patches or very thin spots, it’s best to get them to your veterinarian.
They could suffer from anything from a skin disorder to food allergies, so proper diagnosis is essential. Your vet can run necessary tests and gather information as needed to get them on the road to recovery.
Conclusion
So now you know that Pugs give off their fair share of hair. It can wind up on your clothing, carpets, and furniture plus be a culprit in clogging up the sweeper. However, there are ways to manage the amount of fur that gets on all of your belongings.
You can also offer coat health supplements that aid hair growth and loss. So you can still enjoy a Pug when you take proper coat management steps. However, because they are double-coated and shed so frequently, allergy sufferers may want to steer clear of the breed entirely.
- Related Read: How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Shed? Facts & Care Tips
Featured Image Credit: 220 Selfmade studio, Shutterstock
