Are you tired of finding dog hair on every surface of your house? Do you feel like you’re constantly vacuuming and sweeping up loose fur? Well, fear not, my fellow dog owners, because I have some good news and some bad news. The good news? Boykin Spaniels, a breed of hunting dog known for their friendly personalities and excellent retrieving skills, don’t shed as much as some other breeds. They are moderate shedders!
The bad news? They still shed, because let’s face it, dogs are hairy creatures. But don’t worry, we’ll dive into the shedding tendencies of these lovable pooches and explore some tips for managing shedding.
Do Boykin Spaniels Shed?
So, you’re considering adding a Boykin spaniel to your family, but you’re concerned about shedding. Or you might already have one which just entered its shedding age.
We get it – nobody wants to be covered in dog hair all day long. So, let’s dive into the hairy truth about Boykin spaniel shedding.
First, let’s talk about their coats. Boykin spaniels have both an undercoat and an outer coat, with the outer coat ranging from flat to slightly curly. The coat length is generally around 1 to 2 inches throughout the dog’s body, with some variations in length and shape depending on the bloodline. They also have featherings on various areas of their body, which is little-to-moderate in density and length.
Now, here’s the scoop on shedding. All double-coated dog breeds shed to some extent, and Boykin spaniels are no exception. They shed moderately throughout the year, with more intense shedding during spring and fall for those with a double coat.
But what does “moderate shedding” really mean? Simply put, you’ll notice some hair in your house throughout the year. However, compared to heavy shedding breeds like the Labrador Retriever, shedding is quite less. Boykins shed to a similar extent as other common spaniels, including the English Springer Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, and Cocker Spaniel.
So, while you may still find some stray hairs on your clothes, Boykin spaniels are not excessive shedders. With a little bit of grooming and cleaning, you can easily manage their shedding and enjoy all the love and affection these friendly hunting dogs have to offer.
Causes for Over-shedding
It is completely normal for a Boykin Spaniel to shed more seasonally. You might notice this happening in the winter or fall. The reason behind this is that their hair follicles start loosening in warmer weather to release the winter coat. In fact all dogs shed to some extent, but excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying health issue or improper grooming. Here are some common causes behind excessive shedding in Boykin Spaniels:
Allergies
One of the most common causes of excessive shedding in dogs is allergies. Boykin spaniels, like other breeds, can be allergic to a variety of things such as pollen, dust mites, food, and even certain materials like wool. When a dog is exposed to an allergen, their immune system overreacts, leading to inflammation and itching. This can cause excessive scratching and licking, which damages the skin and can result in hair loss.
If you suspect that your Boykin spaniel is suffering from allergies, take them to the vet for an allergy test. Depending on the cause of the allergy, your vet may recommend antihistamines, corticosteroids, or other medications to manage the symptoms.
Poor Nutrition
Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and coat in dogs. If your Boykin spaniel is not getting the necessary nutrients, their coat can become dull, brittle, and prone to shedding.
Make sure your dog is on a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. Look for foods that contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for skin and coat health.
Stress
Like humans, dogs can also experience stress. When a dog is stressed, it can trigger an increase in cortisol levels, which can lead to excessive shedding. Common causes of stress in dogs include changes in routine, loud noises, new people or pets in the house, and separation anxiety.
If you suspect that your Boykin spaniel is stressed, try to identify the source of the stress and address it. Provide them with a safe and calm environment, and consider using natural remedies like pheromone diffusers or herbal supplements to help calm them down.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can also cause excessive shedding in dogs. This is especially true for female dogs, who experience hormonal changes during estrus (heat) and pregnancy. If your female Boykin spaniel is shedding excessively during these periods, it may be due to hormonal changes.
Some other causes include:
- Mating
- Lactation
- Neutering/spaying
- Surgery
Furthermore, there are certain underlying diseases which may be behind this issue. For instance, tumors, bacterial infections, thyroid disease, IBD, Cushing’s disease, etc. If you notice something which is on the higher side of what’s normal, it’s better to get your dog examined.
Improper Grooming
Proper grooming is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat in dogs. If your Boykin spaniel is not groomed regularly, their coat can become matted, dirty, and prone to shedding. Make sure to brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Use a high-quality shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for dogs to keep their coat clean and healthy.
How You Can Stop Over-shedding
Now that we know the common culprits behind excessive shedding in your Boykin Spaniel, let us know how you can stop over-shedding.
First things first, you will need to establish a grooming schedule. Instead of a complex process, focus on the basics like regular brushing. Since the coat of Boykin Spaniel is medium-length, brushing should be a big hassle. It is recommended that you brush your pup daily for 10-15 minutes and bathe it 2-3 times a week.
Next, you need to treat the problem from the inside, which can be done by fixing hormonal imbalances. Go for supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids and avoid introducing any home made food to your dog without consulting your vet. You should also make sure that your dog is drinking a little over one cup of water every day. If not, you can supplement this with broth and wet food.
Some more ways to reduce shedding are:
- Using a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner
- Adding a fish oil supplement to their diet
- Keeping the dog’s environment clean and free of debris
- Treating any underlying medical conditions that may be causing shedding
- Avoiding over-bathing, which can strip the skin of natural oils and cause more shedding
- Providing regular exercise to improve overall health and reduce stress, which can contribute to shedding.
Conclusion
Boykin Spaniels are not very notorious when it comes to shedding. In case you find your bed ridden with excessive hair year-round, chances are there is something wrong with your dog’s diet and grooming. It is important that you make it a habit to brush your dog on a daily basis aside from giving quality food items that help strengthen the immune system to curb such issues.
Always take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if the situation becomes worse. Hoping this guide was helpful!
