Chow Chows are beautiful dogs that make great pets, but do they shed? This is a question many potential owners have before bringing one of these dogs into their homes. There are a lot of myths out there about Chow Chows and shedding, so let’s take a closer look at the truth.
Do Chow Chows Shed?
The answer to this question is yes; Chow Chows do shed. Chow chows have a thick double coat, and as a result, they will heavily shed year-round. However, some Chow Chows may shed more than others, so it’s important to prepare for the amount of hair your dog may lose.
Chow Chows will experience the most shedding during the spring and summer months when they lose their winter coat. They will also shed more when they are not in good health or not groomed properly. However, even with proper care, all Chow Chows will shed.
Keeping your Chow Chow groomed is essential to minimizing the amount of shedding. You can do a few different things to keep them looking their best. Before discussing the grooming tips, let’s find out why Chow Chows shed.
Why Chow Chows Shed?
There are a few reasons why Chow Chows shed. Here’s a look at some of the most common ones:
The Chow Chow’s Double Coat
Chow Chows have a thick double coat, which means they will lose a lot of hair. The outer coat is coarse and wiry, while the inner coat is soft and dense. This double coat helps protect the dog from the elements.
While all Chow Coats have a double coat, not all are the same. Some Chow Chows have a smooth coat, whereas others have a rough one. The rough-coated Chows are considerably more widespread, but they shed as much.
The Changing Seasons
Chow Chows will shed heavier during different times of the year depending on the season, mostly during the spring and fall. During spring, these dogs will lose their thick winter coats, and during fall, they will lose their lighter coats.
Health Problems
Chow Chows may also shed more if they are not in good health. If they are suffering from a skin condition, for example, they will lose more hair. Poor nutrition can also lead to excessive shedding.
Your Chow requires vitamins and minerals to keep their coat healthy. The dog can develop health problems if it does not get enough nutrients. They might lose energy, have behavioural changes, and begin shedding excessively.
If your Chow Chow starts shedding excessively outside of the normal season, it is a good idea to take them to the vet. There could be an underlying health problem causing the excessive shedding.
Grooming Your Chow Chow
Chow Chows require regular grooming to keep them looking their best and minimize shedding. Here are a few tips on how to groom your Chow Chow:
Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to keeping your Chow Chow’s coat healthy and free of mats. Use a brush designed for double-coated dogs, such as a slicker brush or pin brush. Start at the head and work your way down to the tail, making sure to get all the way down to the skin.
Be sure to brush in the opposite direction of the hair growth to keep the coat healthy and tangle-free. Brushing will also help distribute the natural oils throughout the coat, which will keep it looking shiny.
Bathing
Chow Chows should be bathed only when necessary. Over-bathing can strip the dog’s coat of its essential oils, causing it to dry out and shed more. We recommend bathing your Chow Chow at least once every three months.
If your Chow Chow is an active dog that gets dirty often, you may need to bathe them once a month. This is because Chow Chow’s coat is fluffy and will hold onto dirt and odours.
When bathing your Chow Chow, use a dog shampoo designed for double-coated dogs. Ensure that the shampoo is pH balanced and biodegradable. Rinse the dog thoroughly to remove all the shampoo.
Drying
It is important to dry your Chow Chow after bathing thoroughly. Wet hair will quickly become matted, and mats are difficult to brush out.
We recommend using a dog towel or an absorbent cotton towel. Start by drying the dog’s head and work your way down to the tail. Get all the way down to the skin to remove any moisture.
If the dog is still wet after towel-drying, use a blow dryer on the low setting. Keep the dryer moving, so it does not burn the dog’s skin.
Conditioning
Conditioning the dog’s coat is important to keep it healthy and free of mats. When conditioning, use a coat conditioner designed for dogs.
Start by applying the conditioner to the dog’s coat and then use a brush to distribute it evenly. Leave the conditioner for about five minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this every time you bathe the dog.
Finishing Touches
After bathing and conditioning your Chow Chow, it is important to give them final grooming. This includes:
- Trimming the hair around the ears and pads of the feet
- Brushing out the hair on the tail
- Cutting the nails
- Cleaning the ears
- Checking for ticks and fleas
Are Chow Chows Hypoallergenic?
Chow Chows are not hypoallergenic. They shed a lot, and their dander can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are allergic to dogs, we do not recommend getting a Chow Chow.
To help minimize dog allergies symptoms, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep your Chow Chow groomed regularly to reduce the amount of hair and dander they produce
- Clean your home regularly to remove any allergens that may be present
- Clean your dog’s bedding regularly
- Use a HEPA air filter to help remove allergens from the air
- If you are going to be around your Chow Chow a lot, try wearing a dust mask to prevent breathing in any allergens
- Talk to your doctor about taking pet allergy medication before being around your Chow Chow
How to Clean Up After Your Chow Chow
Chow Chow hair and dander can be a nuisance to clean up. Here are a few tips on how to clean up after your Chow Chow:
- Vacuum regularly – This will help remove any hair or dander that may have been missed when brushing
- Wipe down surfaces – Dog hair and dander can easily get stuck to surfaces, so it is important to wipe them down regularly
- Use a damp cloth – If there is a lot of hair or dander on the floor, use a wet cloth to clean it up. This will help prevent it from spreading
The Bottom Line
Chow Chows are heavy shedders and are not hypoallergenic. They shed year-round due to their thick double coats. However, you can help minimize the amount of hair they shed by brushing them regularly, bathing them only when necessary, and conditioning their coat.
If you suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider owning a Chow Chow. But if you don’t mind dealing with a little bit of hair and are prepared to groom your dog regularly, then a Chow Chow may be the perfect pet for you.
For those looking for low-shedding breeds, several dog breeds may be a better fit, such as the Bichon Frise, the Havanese, or the Maltese. These breeds have coats that are much less likely to shed than a Chow Chow’s coat. So if you’re looking for a dog that won’t leave a trail of hair all over your house, you may want to consider one of these breeds instead.
