How Much Do Papillons Shed? Determining Factors & Grooming Tips
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Fur-laden clothing and furniture usually go hand in hand with owning a dog, but some dogs shed a lot more than others, depending on their breed, coat, and health. If you suffer from pet allergies or don’t have the tolerance for loose pet hair adorning your home, it’s important to know how much your new dog is prone to shed. All dogs do shed to some degree, but how much does a Papillon shed? Papillons generally are light to moderate shedders, but how much they shed can depend on a few factors, such as climate, diet, and health.
How Often Do Papillons Shed?
Papillons are classified as seasonal-to-frequent shedders, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Papillons have a single coat, which means that they are likely to shed less than a dog with a double coat. There are two periods in the year when Papillons will shed more than usual, but the rest of the year, they will typically shed lightly. Overall, their shedding isn’t too noticeable and is generally manageable.
What Factors Influence a Papillons Shedding?
As we mentioned before, even though Papillons are considered light shedders, many factors influence how much they shed, so one Papillon may shed more than another. These factors include the following:
1. Time of Year
Dogs shed more or less depending on the time of year. Shedding season occurs during the changeover from winter to summer and vice versa. Papillons develop denser coats to keep themselves warm in the colder months. To make way for the new fur to grow as the seasons change, they shed their seasonal coat. Grooming is considerably more crucial throughout these two seasons of the year.
2. Diet and Exercise
A Papillon’s health greatly depends on their diet and the amount of exercise they get. They require the right nutrients from a high-quality and well-balanced diet to maintain their active lifestyles. Papillons will show signs of ill health without certain nutrients, one of which is an unhealthy coat. Their fur may grow brittle and frail, which will make it shed more often than it needs to.
The Papillon, or any dog for that matter, is likely to have issues with their skin and coat if they are overweight or underweight. That’s why diet and exercise go hand in hand in managing your dog’s health and weight maintenance.
3. Life Stage
It might not seem like the stage of life a dog is in would matter much, but it certainly can, particularly as they are growing from the puppy to the adult stage. When puppies grow into adults, they shed their puppy coats. They may shed heavily during this time, which can linger for many days. Like any dog, Papillons are also more likely to shed more as they age. Excessive shedding is often one of the signs of aging in dogs as their skin and coat become weaker.
4. Skin Conditions
Several skin conditions can affect dogs. Some can be mild and easy to manage, such as allergies, while others may be more serious, like mange. Several skin conditions can result in excessive or complete loss of fur, and the same can be true when pests like fleas and ticks infest their coats. Pests can cause dogs to scratch or lick excessively, which can harm their skin and coat.
Is the Papillon Hypoallergenic?
Before we answer this question, it’s essential to know that there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Every dog sheds to some degree, and even though a Papillon sheds less than some dogs, it is not considered hypoallergenic. Allergies are caused by a protein found in the saliva and dander of your pet, so even a hairless dog can trigger allergies.
However, if you suffer from pet allergies, that does not mean you can’t own a Papillon. Because they don’t shed often, there may be less of a chance of spreading allergens. Vacuuming your home more frequently, purchasing an air purifier, and taking medication prescribed by your doctor can help you manage the symptoms.
Grooming Your Papillon
Papillons require minimal grooming, but keeping up with a grooming routine can reduce the amount of loose hair around your home. It would be best if you gently brushed your Papillon’s coat once or twice a week using a soft, slicker brush or comb to remove the loose hairs.
Brushing your Papillon regularly will also help maintain their skin and coat health, keeping it shiny and moisturized as it distributes the skin’s natural oils. Naturally, you may want to do this outside to prevent the hair from falling on your furniture or carpet. When you are done brushing your Pap’s coat, you should wash your hands thoroughly.
Besides regular brushing, your Papillon will only need to be bathed occasionally every few months or so. If your Pap has gotten dirty, you can wipe their coat with dog wipes or a damp cloth in between baths. When it is bath time, ensure you use a good-quality, dog-friendly shampoo that won’t be too harsh on their skin. Human shampoos can dry out the skin and cause irritation, which will lead to increased shedding and scratching.
Tips for a Healthy Coat
As we mentioned, the amount your Papillon will shed can depend on its health, which includes the health of its skin and coat, so here are some tips to keep your Papillons coat in tip-top condition:
- Nutrition is likely the most important factor in a healthy coat. Ensure your Pap is being fed a high-quality, vet-recommended diet.
- Brush your Pap’s coat regularly to distribute oils and remove dead hair.
- Do not bathe your dog too often because it can lead to dryness and irritation. Avoid bathing your Pap more than once a month.
- Protect your Pap from parasites. Ticks and fleas will cause your dog to scratch and bite, which will damage their skin and increase shedding.
- Ensure your Pap has regular health checks to prevent or treat any health concerns early.
- Talk to your vet about supplements that may benefit your dog’s skin and coat.
Conclusion
All dogs shed to some extent, but some will undoubtedly shed a lot more than others. Papillons are considered light shedders because they have a single coat. However, some factors can influence the amount a Pap sheds, such as climate, health, age, and skin conditions. Regular grooming, a healthy diet and exercise, and parasite prevention can help your Papillon maintain a healthy coat, which will reduce shedding.
Featured Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock
