How can I reduce shedding on my Chinese Pug?

Question

My pug is shedding everywhere. I brush him. I have one of those tools that is suppose to help get the under coat. Any ideas will be appreciated.

Answer 1

As I understand, pugs have an overcoat and an undercoat. The undercoat is also called “down” — it’s lots of small hairs right next to the body designed to keep warm air close to the body. I also understand that through genetics, black pugs only have one of these coats, I think the outer coat. (I think the outer coat was bred to be darker and the undercoat was bred out — but i’m not sure on this)

Anyway, black pugs shed less than fawn pugs, apparently. I wish I had known this.

So, how do you keep your pug from shedding? Well, I have a couple techniques. You can try "Shed-X" and brush daily at least once but up to 3 times. Bathe once a week with a "shed control" shampoo. Then vacuum! This is what is meant by “containment.” I now have a dyson 14 animal vacuum, which i highly recommend. The next step after that is to brush frequently. If you can get the hair off in a controlled manner, you’re more likely to get it in the trash can, rather than on your floor or clothes.

I use a furminator along with the standard wire brushes you find in stores. The furminator essentially is a fine tooth comb combined with prongs that cut or pull the hair out. It does a very good job at gripping and thinning hair. However, It’s still not enough. Pugs shed A LOT, especially after a bath.

So, I just had to make a bunch of returns to Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and one of the things we picked up was a barber’s hair shaving kit. I just shaved them to 1/8 inch of hair, and, well, it’s kind of a butcher job (they hate the look, but usually don’t mind getting shaved).

I read online that ground flaxseed was great for reducing shedding, but I have not tried it yet.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

The common phrase used by Pug owners is "they shed like buffaloes" - it is a well-known breed trait.

Some places sell food additives, sprays & shampoos that are supposed to help minimize this - no personal experience with them, but you could try: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2001+113031

Answer 3

brush her more, for one thing. also, sometimes heavy shedding can signal health problems. take him to tthe vet for a checkup. one more thing is sometimes the food they are eating. you should also ask the vet if his food is the best kind for him