Many dog owners think that Goldendoodles are a non-shedding breed. This isn’t always true. Most new Goldendoodle owners will be surprised to find fur all over their couch and clothing. The truth is that all dogs will shed some amount of fur, but there are some Goldendoodles that shed more or less than others. This depends on the amount of Golden Retriever genetics that they are born with, as compared to their Poodle genetics.

However, if your Goldendoodle shedding is getting way out of hand, you might begin to get concerned. So, why is your Goldendoodle shedding and what can you do to control it?

Do Goldendoodles shed?

Goldendoodles are a low-shed breed. Because they are a crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, there are genetic factors that can contribute to the degree of shedding from dog to dog. Some will shed as much as Golden Retrievers, while others will shed very little like a Poodle.

The curlier a Goldendoodle’s coat is, the lower the amount of shedding. Those with wavy and straight coats will shed moderately, while those with an improper coat will shed excessively. Generations also play a huge part in determining whether or not your Goldendoodle puppy will shed his fur:

  • F1 – breeding a purebred Golden Retriever to a purebred Poodle
  • F2 – breeding two F1 Goldendoodles
  • F3 – breeding one F1 Goldendoodle to a Poodle
  • F4 – breeding one F2 Goldendoodle to a Poodle
  • F3 – breeding beyond F2

A Goldendoodle’s generation can greatly affect his amount of shedding. Naturally, the ones with more Golden Retriever genes will be heavy shedders. If you want a low-shedding pet, you should get an F1 Goldendoodle.

Common reasons for Goldendoodle shedding

Not all Goldendoodles are equal in terms of shedding, but they’re all equal in terms of cuteness. Below are some of the common reasons why your Goldendoodle might be shedding more than usual:

  • Goldendoodles will lose extra fur during summer or in high temperatures to naturally cool their bodies
  • Parasites can cause shedding
  • Certain grooming products and medications can trigger shedding
  • Dogs naturally shed as a result of stress, allergies, and poor nutrition
  • Excessive bathing and grooming can damage your Goldendoodle’s coat
  • Pregnancy and lactation

If you’re concerned about your Goldendoodle’s heavy shedding, the best thing to do is to consult your veterinarian.

However, if your Goldendoodle is still a puppy, you should expect them to frequently shed their coat during their first year or so. This is because their coats gradually change into a darker, more golden color as they age.

How to stop Goldendoodle shedding

There’s no magic spell that can stop your Goldendoodle from shedding forever, but there are some strategies that you as a pet owner can do.

  • Brush your Goldendoodle daily

    Brushing your dog’s fur thoroughly every day can help reduce the amount of shedding. Brushing removes the shed hair and dander trapped underneath their coat. It also improves blood circulation to improve healthy hair growth. When brushing your dog’s fur, do it in an area that’s far away from your clothing and furniture. You can brush your Goldendoodle’s hair outdoors so that the shed hair stays away from your home.

  • Increase water intake

    If your Goldendoodle is shedding more than usual, keep an eye on his water bowl. Dehydrated skin can cause hair loss, increasing the amount of shed hair that you have to clean up. Dogs need one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. A 10-pound Goldendoodle will need to drink around one cup of water (283 grams) daily to maintain a healthy coat.

  • Bathe your Goldendoodle

    Bathing your Goldendoodle doesn’t only freshen up his coat, but it also removes dead skin and shed hair. Use a de-shedding shampoo that contains moisturizers and omega fatty acids, as these can help strengthen hair follicles and create healthier hair.

  • Feed your Goldendoodle well

    Goldendoodle shedding might be a result of low nutrition. Always make sure quality and the best dog food for Goldendoodles. If your dog lacks vital nutrients, he will have a brittle coat that will shed more than usual. You can supplement his diet with fish oil, olive oil, or omega-3 to help nourish his coat, thus reducing the amount of shedding.

  • Ask your veterinarian

    If you think that your dog’s shedding is due to a serious health issue, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. He/she can help you rule out medical concerns like allergies, thyroid problems, etc. Take your Goldendoodle for a check-up before he starts losing hair in patches.

Dog Care at Sandiego Goldendoodle

At Sandiego Goldendoodle, we make it our mission to give all of our dogs the best care. Our team of animal health experts and dog-lovers have spent years studying dog health and training. We make sure that all of our dogs are healthy and happy at the farm.

We have dogs that are waiting for you to take them to their forever home. Visit our website to see our breeds for sale.

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