Do Great Danes Shed? Tips To Deal With Dane Shedding
For any dog owner, fur can be a nightmare. It sticks to your clothing, covers your furniture, and can even make its way into your morning coffee for a less-than-enticing first sip. When you think you have the hairy mess under control, the seasonal shed cycle starts again.
Though we love our pets, their hair habits are a significant drawback – and something to keep in mind if you’re considering bringing home your first dog.
Do Great Danes shed? Fortunately for Great Dane owners, this breed isn’t the worst shedder in the canine kingdom!
Keep reading for some tips on how to limit stray hair in your home.
About Great Danes
Great Danes are some of the most lovable faces in the animal kingdom. Their jowly muzzle, droopy eyes, and forehead wrinkles put a smile on any dog lover’s face.
Plus, the personality of these gentle giants is irresistible – if you want a couch potato who requires less activity than other high-energy breeds, a Dane is for you. Just be ready for their massive size!
Do Great Danes Shed?
You may be wondering, do Great Danes shed a lot? Though Danes have the appearance of short hair, this doesn’t necessarily mean they shed less.
They’re not as bad as a fluffy breed like a teacup husky or a Fluffy Frenchie with a heavy undercoat. But Danes aren’t immune to the same shedding process that most dogs undergo a couple of times per year.
If you or someone in your household is allergic to dogs, the dander is hard to avoid. However, you can cut down on the irritation by taking some simple steps.
Giant Breeds
The bigger the beast, the more hair they carry around. A Dane’s enormous size means that you’ll encounter more fur than a terrier that’s only ten percent of a Dane’s body weight.
On top of all that dog mass, there’s the fact that they can sprawl to impressive lengths over your bed and other furniture. So chances of your house having spots with no fur are pretty low.
Seasonal Patterns
Though shedding happens regularly, there are certain times of the year when it’s worse. The weather patterns and natural cycles of seasons trigger the dog’s coat to perform its biological function – to slough off the old fur and make way for new growth.
This won’t be the case when your Dane is a puppy, as they are still developing an adult body. At about two or three years old, you might notice a pattern when the weather changes.
Keep track of when this happens so you can be prepared for the heavy sheds and catch all that loose hair before it escapes onto your clothing.
The Solution to Your Great Dane Shedding
Unless you opt to adopt a hairless breed, you’re going to have to deal with the tufts of fur blowing around your home at some point. So, what can you do to keep it to a minimum? Here are some suggestions.
Regular Brushing
It doesn’t have to be every day or even every other day. A thorough brush twice a week (or more during shedding season) will help contain the shedding.
If you’re wondering – yes, the type of brush you use absolutely matters!
Rake brushes are:
- Long
- Have spiny teeth
- Are great for under-hairs
Bristle brushes are better for topcoats as they don't reach as deep. Dogs love the massage-like feel of their muscles and skin.
Slicker brushes are best used before grooming. They help get rid of dirt, debris, and trapped hairs which have already detached from the coat. Pin brushes provide the finishing touch. They are best used after the grooming process and help make your dog's coat glossy.
It’s also a good idea to brush your dog outdoors. There’s no need to clean up the mess since birds and squirrels love using the discarded fluff as nest insulation.
Diet
The kibble you feed your dog can have a big influence on their health, and the condition of their beautiful coat. Brindle, fawn, solid-colored, or spotted, your Great Dane deserves to eat quality food to sustain its energy and maintain its appearance.
If your pup has the stomach for it, consider adding human foods, like sweet potato, egg, peanut butter, or salmon, to their kibble for an extra boost of nutrition.
There are also supplements on the market specifically designed to add sheen to your dog’s fur. Oils, such as coconut and omega-3s, are thought to contribute to shiny coats and are yummy enough that you won’t need to force-feed Fido.
Health Concerns
Besides their diet, be aware also of allergies that may cause your dog to fuss with their coat.
The shedding will only get worse if they’re scratching – plus they’ll discard a lot of dirt and other outdoor grime along with the hair that comes off.
Keep your Dane up to date on their flea and tick meds, too, as this is one of the most common reasons for itchy skin.
Using a Groomer For Your Great Dane
For dog owners with less time on their hands, it might be worth the money to take your dog and get his coat worked on by an expert. They have the tools, knowledge, and experience to do the job thoroughly and efficiently.
So don’t feel guilty. Leave it to the professionals and save yourself some time and hassle. Your Dane will thank you for caring!
Housecleaning
Of course, no matter how well you keep up with the fur, some of it will make its way into the corners and crevices of your house, car, and furniture.
Consider investing in an automated floor vacuum, or at least a more powerful standard type. You won’t regret spending the extra cash to see your floors be clear of all that loose hair.
Final Thoughts On Great Danes Shedding
Do Great Danes shed? Yes, but not as much as other breeds. There are also various ways to manage your dog’s shedding.
Although Great Danes shed, their coats are short and easy to maintain, providing you give it regular attention. So relax and pet your Great Dane’s gorgeous coat, knowing you’re doing the best for them.
