In this article we will talk about does a Rhodesian Ridgeback shed. As pet parents, we are often keen to avoid the shed hair of our beloved pets as much as possible.
People with allergies and carpets can suffer! You should be aware of the challenges that each breed of dog can present before you choose a new furry friend.
Short Haired dogs shed much less than longhaired dogs, but they will still shed mild to moderate amounts as they age – even during the winter.
In spring, their coats prepare for summer and they shed a little more. The dogs require little maintenance, grooming, and time to maintain, regardless of the season.
Other articles you would like: How Long Do Rhodesian Ridgebacks Live? and Are Rhodesian Ridgebacks Dangerous?.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback Coat
Short, dense coats of single hairs should be characteristic of ridgebacks rather than long coats of double hairs.
Instead of appearing wooly or fluffy, it looks sleek. A shade of tan is usually the dominant color, but can also be wheaten, tan, or red with a few patches.
Ridgeback coats are known for their hair ridges, which are lines of hair that grow in the opposite direction from the rest of their coat.
As a lot of pure breeds have disappeared, it may not be present in all Ridgebacks as it tapers in a line from the shoulders to the area near the hips.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding
Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed very little compared to other dog breeds, even though they’re big dogs with lots of furs. The double-coated animals are especially vulnerable.
Short, dense, smooth coats are characteristic of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Thus, both shedding and grooming are relatively low maintenance. They do shed, however, so don’t think they don’t.
Keeping your clothes hair-free and cleaning your home can be a challenge when your dog sheds excessive hair, but it’s also crucial to the health and happiness of your Ridgeback coat.
A dog’s hair growth cycle is incomplete without shedding. In order to ensure that there is sufficient room for new hair to grow, dogs shed their hair to get rid of dead or damaged hair.
The Ridgeback is a single-coated breed, which sheds hair regularly. In spite of the fact that they shed all year long, their hair loss is likely to be relatively minor – and easily managed.
Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding Care
Every dog needs to be groomed on a regular basis. Anyone who has owned a dog knows how important it is to brush or comb them regularly. A Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat needs regular brushing, especially if it’s a large breed.
Their thick coats make drying after washing much longer than usual since they have such thick coats.
Consequently, grooming your dog properly should always be given extra attention.
In addition to shedding during the coldest months of the year, the Rhodesian Ridgeback coat is another interesting fact.
It is therefore necessary to groom them four to eight times a year. Regularly inspecting their coats should also ensure that they are in good health.
Also, make sure their ears are clean and clear of earwax. We’ll talk more about their ears and eyes later on. Make sure to choose a mild shampoo that won’t irritate your dog’s skin and keeps their coat healthy.
Once a week, give your dog a thorough bath and rinse the soap off thoroughly. Dry them gently after you have washed and rinsed them. Any dog, including the Rhodesian Ridgeback, needs regular grooming to stay healthy and happy.
The following grooming tips will help you keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback healthy:
- Two to three times a week, brush your dog.
- You should immediately take your dog to the veterinarian if there are any signs of skin irritation or infection.
- You should trim your dog’s claws regularly to prevent them from growing too long.
- Hot tubs and swimming pools should never be used to bathe your dog!
- Always have someone watch your dog when he or she is taking a bath.
- Use natural bristle brushes instead of nylon ones.
- The right shampoos and brushes are essential before grooming your dog.
Why Does My Rhodesian Ridgeback Shed?
As with all other dog breeds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed naturally. In much the same way as humans, they lose hair that has been damaged or deteriorated. Health, breed, and location, however, can determine how often and how much they eat.
Dogs living outside will shed seasonally, as we have previously discussed. As fall approaches, your Rhodesian Ridgeback’s coat will thicken.
The heavier coat will remain with them throughout the winter until they shed it in favor of a lighter one in the spring.
Compared to dogs living outside, dogs living inside will shed less and experience fewer fluctuations in their coat thickness. Even so, Rhodesian Ridgebacks still shed light throughout the year.
Why Does My Rhodesian Ridgeback Shed Excessively?
There are some types of shedding that are not problematic. Even though Rhodesian Ridgebacks have short coats, the AKC acknowledges they still shed naturally.
It is important to determine if the amount of shedding your Rhodesian Ridgeback is doing is normal or excessive if it is shedding. There is no need to worry if the dog’s coat appears healthy and full, and sheds only a small amount of hair.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common problem in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Hypothyroidism manifests itself in Rhodesian Ridgebacks in part through excess hair loss, according to the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States.
Aside from hair loss, skin discoloration and weight loss are also symptoms.
It is, fortunately, possible to treat hypothyroidism with medication that will restore the dog’s coat once the condition has been diagnosed.
It is recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian if he/she is experiencing excessive shedding, unexplained weight loss, and unnatural changes to the color of his or her skin.
Grooming
The dog’s grooming may be the cause of excessive shedding in your Rhodesian Ridgeback. According to the AKC, brushing should be done at least once a week.
During a grooming session, a dog’s excess hair can be removed with consistent brushing, which will result in less additional shedding. Shedding can also be reduced by bathing regularly, either monthly or bimonthly.
Allergic Dermatitis
Nearly 5 percent of Rhodesian Ridgebacks suffer from allergic dermatitis, according to the National Rhodesian Ridgeback Council of Australia in 2006. Food allergies, atopic dermatitis, and flea bite allergies affect the breed.
The infected area of the dog will itch if it comes in contact with an allergen, just like in humans. In response to scratching, dogs lose hair if they scratch excessively. A negative reaction to an allergen can be alleviated by determining it and separating it from your dog.
How To Minimize Rhodesian Ridgeback Shedding
There are some things you can do to reduce the shedding of your Rhodesian Ridgeback and help keep your home more comfortable.
Diet
A good diet is essential for the health and coat of your Ridgeback.
The first and main ingredient in your Ridgeback’s diet should be meat or fish, as well as those essential fatty acids, for a nutritionally well-balanced diet.
You should also consider purchasing dog food that promotes and supports a healthy coat and skin if you really want to provide the best diet for your Ridgeback.
In addition to a balanced diet, treats are also an important part of a Rhodesian Ridgeback’s life. Several dog treats are even available today that help to reduce shedding while keeping your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and lustrous.
Regular Grooming
It is important to brush all dog breeds regularly, including Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Regular brushing helps prevent knots, mats, and tangles, as well as stimulating new hair growth.
Your Ridgeback’s coat should be brushed at least once per week. If possible, set aside ten minutes a week for doing this. You can keep your dog’s coat looking healthy, shiny, and glossy by grooming it every week for just ten minutes.
Invest in the best brush for Rhodesian Ridgebacks while we’re on the subject of brushing.
For a breed like the Ridgeback with a single coat, and smooth hair, there are a few very affordable options available.
Regular Bathing
It is very rare for Rhodesian Ridgebacks to emit smelly doggy odors because they are extremely clean dogs. This is great news for Ridgeback owners, but occasionally bathing your furry friend won’t hurt.
Keeping your Ridgeback’s coat thoroughly clean by bathing once a month will help minimize shedding hairs.
The monthly bath of your Ridgeback should be done with a high-quality shed control dog shampoo. You should not over-bathe your Rhodesian Ridgeback, even though bathing is an important part of their grooming routine.
Increasing shedding may be caused by over-bathing. Nonetheless, it can also reduce your dog’s health by removing essential oils from the coat and skin, resulting in dryness and lack of moisture.
Considering Rhodesian Ridgebacks’ high energy level, it’s not surprising that they require a lot of daily exercises.
There are no limits to how many things you or your family can do together, whether it’s a long walk in the park, off-lead play in a park, scent and puzzle games in the garden, or even play-fighting with your kids in the living room.
The most important thing is to provide your Rhodesian Ridgeback with enough exercise each day.
Watch For Parasites
All dog breeds can suffer from external parasites such as fleas and ticks. Hair loss, bald patches, and excessive shedding are some of the most common signs of flea and tick infestations.
These nasty creatures can infest your dog’s coat and skin, but fortunately, there are some affordable treatments available to help prevent them.
In order to determine the best treatment for your Rhodesian Ridgeback, you should speak with your veterinarian.
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For more information about the Rhodesian Ridgeback Breed, check out the video below:
