Planning on adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family? If so, you’ll want to learn everything you can about the breed. This dog has been in existence since at least the 14th century, and today they are known as one of the most lovable dogs in the world.
They are also one of the top 10 sheds, with their undercoat growing up to 5 inches long! If you’re thinking about bringing home this precious pup, read on for everything you need to know about Bernese Mountain Dog shedding before you adopt one.
Tips For Managing The Mess
Brush Them Every Week
Brushing your Bernese Mountain Dog every week will help to reduce the amount of fur they shed. It also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be caught in their coat. Be sure to use a brush that is designed for dogs with long fur. Also, be gentle when brushing, as their skin is sensitive.
Brush them before bathing them to minimize shedding during bath time. Lastly, trim excess hair from around their feet and paws.
Use A Furminator On Your Bernese
The Furminator is a de-shedding tool that can be used on your Bernese mountain dog to help manage their shedding. This tool can be used year-round but is especially helpful during the summer and winter when their shedding intensity is at its peak.
Using the Furminator will help reduce the amount of fur left behind by your dog, and make cleanup much easier. You should use it once or twice a week, depending on how much your dog sheds. The Furminator works best if you brush your Bernese beforehand so that you have less fur to remove from the brush!
Diversify Your Brushing Tools
You’ll want to have a few different types and sizes of brushes on hand to help manage your Bernese Mountain dog’s shedding. A slicker brush is great for getting out the undercoat, while a bristle brush can help remove loose hair from the topcoat.
You may also want to try a de-shedding tool, which can be very effective at removing shedding fur. Be sure to brush your dog in the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging the coat. Brush them outside or with an open door so you don’t track excess hair around the house.
If you use a vacuum cleaner to clean up the fur, make sure it has a HEPA filter or a motorized brush head – regular vacuums will just push the fur around and send it into your air ducts. It’s best to wait until after they’ve had their bath before brushing them – this way they won’t groom themselves too much before drying off fully.
Bathe Them Less Often
You may think that bathing your dog more often will help reduce the amount of fur they shed, but this is actually counterproductive. Bathing your dog too often can strip its fur of natural oils, leading to dry skin and even more shedding.
Instead, bathe them every 4-6 weeks using a mild shampoo designed for dogs. Keep in mind that you don’t need to use conditioner because it could lead to excessive oil production, which would make the shedding worse.
Brush Them Daily: Daily brushing is one of the best ways to keep shedding under control. The act of brushing helps distribute the skin’s natural oils throughout the coat while removing any dead or loose hair. Plus, it feels good!
Use Grooming Mats
Grooming mats are a great way to help manage the shedding of your Bernese Mountain Dog. By placing them in strategic locations, you can help cut down on the amount of fur that ends up on your floor, furniture, and clothing. Additionally, grooming mats can help prevent your dog from slipping on smooth surfaces.
Mats come in all shapes and sizes so be sure to find one that is comfortable for both you and your dog. Mats are also easy to wash which is great if they get too dirty. We recommend using rubber backings with any mat so it stays put no matter how much your pup moves around.
Vacuum Regularly
One of the best ways to manage Bernese Mountain dog shedding is to vacuum regularly. This will help to remove any loose hair before it has a chance to become embedded in your furniture or flooring. Be sure to use a vacuum with good suction and attachments that can reach deep into your dog’s coat.
You may need to vacuum daily during peak shedding periods. Make sure you empty the vacuum cleaner bag after each use so you don’t spend all day picking up dog hair. Also, consider investing in a high-quality vacuum with both an upright and hand-held mode for maximum versatility.
Conclusion: Bernese Mountain Dog Shedding
- If you’re thinking of getting a Bernese Mountain Dog, be prepared for shedding. Their shedding intensity grows during the summer and winter, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant during these times of the year.
- To help manage the shedding, brush your dog regularly and vacuum it often. This will help to remove loose hair from their coat before it has a chance to fall out on its own.
- Some people opt to shave their Bernese Mountain Dogs during the shedding season.