My Boxer Is Shedding

Although boxers are a short-haired breed, they still shed their hair, especially in the fall and spring. However, in general, your dog does not require too much grooming and brushing the dog regularly helps minimize the shedding.

  1. Brushing

    • Regular brushing with a slicker brush helps to remove the dead and loose hair and prevent it from adhering to clothes, furniture and upholstery. After you finish brushing, give the coat a sheen by using a pin brush. This brush helps to spread the natural skin oil on the coat and improves circulation in the skin.

    Grooming Glove

    • The grooming glove is another handy tool for reducing shedding in boxers. As the name suggests, the glove is put on the hand and run over the coat. It catches loose hair strands and prevents them from flying around the house and getting stuck on furniture and clothing. Grooming with a grooming glove can take place any time of the day, even as you pet your dog.

    Frequency of Brushing

    • "Dog and Kennel" suggests brushing the dog three times a week when not shedding and increasing the number of brushings to more than three during the shedding season. The magazine further recommends rubbing the coat with a chamois cloth after brushing to give it a sheen.

    Bathing

    • Boxers are naturally clean dogs that have a tendency to preen, just like a cat. They often lick themselves to keep their coat clean. Bathe your dog when it appears dirty or has an odor. However, in summer when the shedding is high, give your dog a bath using a dog shampoo and conditioner. If necessary, bathe the dog once a week in summer. To prevent drying up of the skin, use an oatmeal shampoo, suggests Doctors Foster and Smith's website.

    Fleas

    • External parasites, such as fleas, can also be a reason for shedding in boxers, especially during the summers. Check the dog for fleas and use appropriate flea treatment, such as anti-flea shampoo, after consulting your vet.

    Seasonal Flank Alopecia

    • Some breeds are prone to losing hair from their flanks during the shedding season, and a boxer is one such breed. The loss of hair is restricted to both flanks, leaving bald areas. The hair usually grows back, but at times it may not. The cause of seasonal flank alopecia is not known, but according to Veterinary Partner website, it could be hormonal in nature. If your boxer shows signs of losing hair from the flanks, get in touch with your vet. There is treatment available which makes use of melatonin supplement.