Special to the Star-Herald
Wow, we have had some really nice days lately. Unfortunately, on one of them I drove through the middle of Presque Isle, only to count three dogs unrestrained in the back of trucks, weaving from side to side, not offering to jump, but I know all it would take is one running cat or a corner taken too quickly by the driver. Unrestrained dogs in the back of vehicles not only puts the dog at risk, but other drivers, as well and “IT IS ILLEGAL!” I know that in a lot of cases these dogs love to ride back there and their owners, wanting to take their dogs, put them into the back of the vehicle and away they go. That is fine, but they must be restrained. I have seen some people do this driving down the interstate at 70 mph!
Are your dogs shedding? Mine are starting. Shedding is directly connected to daylight and how much time your dog spends in it. As the days lengthen, it triggers the shedding of the undercoat. When a dog scratches, they are helping to facilitate the loosening and removal of any dead hairs. Dogs that are kept indoors may shed all year round due to the warmth in your home. The dog’s undercoat is designed to help keep him warm, but if your home is warm, he does not need it and so sheds it as it comes in.
Unseasonably warm weather may also cause a dog to begin to shed. Dogs may also begin to shed after going through a period of stress, such as giving birth, undergoing surgery, illness, or being placed in a kennel or other strange environment. So, what can you do about it? Well, the bad news is, there isn’t anything you can do to stop it, but it is possible to reduce the mess by removing the loose hairs. You can do this by brushing your dog daily to catch the loose hair before it hits the floor. Baths will help to loosen the hair and remove it, and if your dog is willing, you can try using the vacuum on it. Ok, yeah, my dogs would freak out and run, but it would be worth a try.
As frustrated as you may get with your dog’s shedding, shaving your dog is not the solution to your shedding problem. It is not recommended and will not keep your dogs cooler in the summer months. Here are just some of the problems with having your dog shaved: House dogs who have had their coats cut short or shaved off can easily become chilled in air-conditioned homes, if done too late in the season, the dog may not have enough time to grow back his coat before winter hits; without their coats, dogs can become severely sunburned; shaving a dog makes him susceptible to more bug bites, because the bugs can get closer to the skin, if he is in a fight with another animal, he will most likely sustain more severe injuries because he will not have his coat to act as a buffer; cutting off a dog’s coat does not make him cooler, and in fact can actually make him hotter. Just as a dog’s coat is designed to help keep him warm in the winter by insulating him, in the summer it is designed to help cool him. We are all designed the way we are for a reason. If you are considering shaving, why not go with a nice grooming and a clip. There are many qualified groomers in the area who would be more than happy to help you with your shedding dog. When in doubt, ask a professional.
I had great news from our shelter … our dog population is low. Unfortunately, our cat population is still very high. As for dogs, low one minute can be full to the brim the next. If you are looking for a dog and don’t find exactly what you are looking for, wait. It is so important to find the dog that is just right for you and your family and believe me, the right one will come along, so be patient. In the end, it will all be worthwhile.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please contact the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Don’t forget to check out our adoptable pets at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please be responsible and have your pets spayed or neutered.
