Do Beagles Shed?

Do Beagles Shed?

Are you considering adding a beagle breed to your family? Beagles are popular dogs, but before you bring one home, you may be wondering whether they shed. Many people are allergic to dog hair, so it’s essential to know if beagles are an excellent choice for you.

Today we’ll take a look at whether beagles shed and what you can do to keep them looking their best. We will walk you through the basics of grooming a beagle and give you some tips on managing their coat.

Let’s get started!

Do Beagles Shed?

The answer to this question is yes; beagles do shed. Although classified as moderate shedders, beagles will still lose hair throughout the year. They tend to shed more in the spring and winter, but you may find hair all over your house year-round.

Beagles are a double-coated breed, which means they have two layers of fur. The topcoat is short and sleek, while the undercoat is thick and woolly. This combination helps them regulate their body temperature in all types of weather.

When beagles shed, they will lose both coats. You may find hair all over your house, on your clothes, and even in your food. Yuck!

Beagles will shed their summer coat and don winter coat at the start of the season. In the spring, they will lose their winter coat and put on their summer coat to keep them cool throughout the hotter months.

While beagles do shed, they do not shed as much as some other breeds, like the Siberian Husky or the Labrador Retriever. However, these dogs shed more than breeds like the Shih Tzu or the Maltese.

What exactly causes beagles to shed? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Do Beagles Shed?

There are a few different factors that can cause beagles to shed. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Changing Seasons

As we mentioned earlier, beagles will shed heavily in the spring and fall as they change their coats. This is just a natural process that all dogs go through.

Stress

Dogs can also shed when they are feeling stressed or anxious. If your beagle seems to be shedding more than usual, it may be because it is feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable in its environment.

Health Problems

Beagles may also lose hair due to health problems such as allergies, thyroid problems, or skin conditions. If your dog is experiencing any of these issues, it will likely shed more hair than usual.

Hair Growth Cycle

Dogs lose hair all year long, but they also grow new hair constantly. This means that some hair is always falling out, and some are growing in. The amount of hair that your beagle sheds at any given time will depend on the phase of your canine hair cycle.

Double Coat

As we mentioned before, beagles are a double-coated breed. This means they have two layers of fur – a short, sleek topcoat and a thick, woolly undercoat. When beagles shed, they will lose both coats.

How Can I Reduce Beagle Shedding?

While you can’t completely stop beagles from shedding, there are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of hair in your home. Here are some tips:

Regular Grooming

One of the best ways to reduce shedding is regularly grooming your beagle. This includes brushing their coat and trimming their hair around their ears and paws. We will discuss grooming in more detail later on.

Diet

Beagles who eat a high-quality diet will shed less hair than those who don’t. Ensure your beagle is getting enough protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients. These nutrients help keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Look for omega-3 fatty acids in animal-based products like salmon, herring, and krill oil. Plant-based sources of omega-3s include flaxseed and chia seeds. Also, look for other nutrients like vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid, all beneficial for the coat.

Clean Water

Beagles need plenty of freshwaters to stay healthy, and this also helps reduce shedding. Ensure your beagle always has clean water to drink, and keep their water bowl clean. Water helps keep their coat hydrated and healthy, which helps reduce shedding.

Regular Exercise

Exercise is another vital part of keeping your beagle healthy. Not only does it help keep them in shape, but it also helps stimulate the production of natural oils in their skin and coat. Regular exercise also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are two common causes of excessive shedding.

Deshedding Tools

You can also reduce shedding by using a good quality deshedding tool. These tools help remove the loose hair from your dog’s coat, which reduces the amount of hair that ends up all over your house.

Supplements

If your beagle is getting all of the nutrients they need from their diet, you may want to consider giving them a supplement. This can help ensure that they receive all of the benefits of a healthy coat.

Several supplements on the market are specifically designed to support healthy hair growth. Look for products containing omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, and other beneficial nutrients for the coat.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming your floors regularly will help keep the amount of hair in your home to a minimum. Be sure to clean under furniture and in other hard-to-reach places. If your beagle likes to lay on the floor, you may want to invest in a pet-specific vacuum cleaner.

Grooming Your Beagle

Regular grooming is one of the best ways to reduce beagle shedding. It will help keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles.

There are a few different things you can do to groom your beagle:

Brushing

The essential part of grooming your beagle is brushing its coat. This will help remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Brushing will also stimulate the skin and help distribute the natural oils that keep their coat looking good.

There are a few different types of brushes you can use, depending on the type of coat your beagle has. A slicker brush is suitable for short-haired beagles, while a pin brush is better for long-haired beagles.

During non-shedding seasons, you can brush your beagle once or twice a week. But during the shedding seasons, you should brush them as often as possible, at least once a day.

When brushing your beagle, make sure to brush in the direction of the hair growth. This will help loosen any loose hair and distribute the natural oils evenly.

Bathing

Bathe your beagle as needed, but not too often. Over-washing can strip their coat of its natural oils, which will make it more likely to shed.

If your beagle does get dirty, you can bathe them using a gentle dog shampoo. Be sure to rinse all the soap off their coat and avoid getting soap in their eyes.

Trimming

If your beagle has a lot of hair around its ears and paws, you may need to trim it occasionally. This will help keep it from getting matted and tangled.

You can use scissors or clippers to trim your beagle’s hair. Be careful not to cut too close to the skin, or you may cause them to bleed.

If you’re not comfortable trimming your beagle’s hair yourself, you can take them to a groomer for a professional trim.

Are Beagles Hypoallergenic?

Beagles are not hypoallergenic, and they can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to dogs and are considering getting a beagle, there are ways you can groom your dog to reduce the chances of having a reaction. These include:

  • Avoid contact with your dog’s saliva, which can also cause reactions.
  • Wear a dust mask when you are grooming your beagle to reduce the amount of dander in the air.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe down your beagle after it has been outside. This will remove pollen, dust, and other allergens from its coat.
  • Feed your beagle a hypoallergenic diet, which will help to reduce the amount of dander it produces.
  • Ask your vet about allergy medications that can help you manage your allergies.

The Bottom Line

Beagles are moderate shedders. They shed throughout the year, but they typically shed more heavily during the spring and fall. These dogs can also develop allergies, so it is essential to be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction and seek medical help if necessary.

If you are allergic to dogs, this does not mean you cannot get a beagle. There are ways to groom your dog and reduce the amount of dander it produces, which will help to minimize your chances of having an allergic reaction. Talk to your veterinarian about the best way to manage your allergies.