Do Boston Terriers Shed?

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There are a lot of things to love about Boston Terriers. They are smart, fun-loving, and like being around people. If you are concerned about a dog’s shedding level, you will be glad to know that Boston Terriers are minimal shedders. Learn more about this breed’s coat type and its proper grooming.

The Boston Terrier’s Coat

A Boston Terrier looks like it’s wearing a tuxedo, which is why it is sometimes called the “American Gentleman.” This handsome-looking dog has a short and smooth coat that makes it easy to groom. You only need to pay more attention to the wrinkles on their face because they can easily attract dirt. These should be wiped using a damp washcloth or gentle baby wipes.

This breed is often mistaken for being hypoallergenic because they have a fur coat, rather than a hairy coat which is a characteristic of non-shedding breeds. But because they still shed to a certain degree, they cannot be considered hypoallergenic. Besides, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. It’s just that some breeds don’t produce dander, a protein that causes allergy symptoms to humans.

If you are concerned about pet dander, you only need to vacuum and groom your pet properly. The Boston Terrier’s shedding is still manageable and you will not likely develop allergy symptoms with this breed as long as you clean regularly and brush him as needed.

Health Issues Related to Boston Terrier’s Coat

  • Baldness – many Boston Terriers suffer from the thinning of the coat. More often than not, it’s not a cause of concern since it is not painful. It’s called pattern baldness and is common in some breeds like Boston Terriers and Dachshunds. Some dogs just go bald in some areas of the skin but it does not need treatment, unless you see it’s itchy and causes discomfort.
  • Atopic dermatitis – this breed is more prone to atopic dermatitis than any other breed and it is because of their susceptibility to allergy. Many Boston Terriers suffer from skin allergy because of their sensitive stomachs. This results in skin itching, redness, and flakiness. If not treated immediately, it can lead to hair loss and secondary infections.

Boston Terrier Grooming

Boston Terriers do not require professional grooming because regular brushing and proper cleaning should keep their coat healthy and shiny. They need to be brushed once a week for 15 minutes or half an hour.

Like most dogs, a Boston Terrier will enjoy being massaged with a mitt. Massage your dog’s coat in a circular motion because it can stimulate the production of oily substance or sebum in their skin. This process also removes the dead hair.

Short-coated breeds like Boston Terriers don’t need frequent baths. Bathing them more than needed will leave their skin dry and itchy because it washes away the sebum into their hair follicles. This oily substance keeps their skin soft and moist and also serves as their protection from dirt and bacteria because of its antibiotic properties.

Boston Terriers are prone to skin dryness and it can be prevented by using the right shampoo for them. When washing your pet, always use a gentle shampoo because a strong product could end up irritating your fur baby’s skin.

Tips to Minimize Boston Terrier’s Shedding

Boston Terriers will shed to a certain degree, which means no matter what you will still pet hair from everywhere around your house.

  • Be aware of allergies – some foods can cause allergies in dogs which may result in excessive shedding. Foods rich in protein, like lamb, chicken, and eggs are the leading causes of canine food allergies. The symptoms to watch out for are chronic ear problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Cover your furniture – you can purchase covers that can protect your sofa from pet hair and wear and tear. When it comes to fabrics, the ideal materials for a house with pets are polyester and ultra-soft flannel.
  • Give your buddy a high-quality diet – poor diet is one of the causes of excessive shedding in pets. If a dog relies on dry dog food and sheds more than he usually does, you may need to alter his diet and add moisture to it. Consider giving him water-rich foods like Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, and strawberries.
  • Inspect for fleas – flea-infestation can cause skin problems with symptoms ranging from itchiness and redness to hair loss and intense shedding. A dog infested with fleas will often shake his head, bite himself, or scratch uncontrollably. It will also have pimple-like bumps and you could see black specks all over the skin. This is a sign of flea infestation because these black specks you see are actually excrement of fleas. It can be treated with tick cleansing shampoo.
  • Blow-dry – you may use a regular blow-dryer on your pooch after washing him but do it with caution. The nozzle should be kept a few inches away from the dog’s fur. If it’s too near, it could burn the dog’s hair and your dog will be irritated with the heat coming from the blow-dryer.
  • Consider supplements – pet parents of Boston Terriers found it effective to use corn and fish oil as part of their dog’s diet. Some owners also feed their fur babies drained tuna in oil. Avoid grains and fillers because the majority of Boston Terriers are allergic to it and it may cause shedding.

Conclusion

A Boston Terrier is one of the best breeds to have if you want a low to minimal-shedding buddy. It is also easy to groom. The only concern you have is feeding since this dog is prone to canine food allergy. You will not have to deal with too much pet hair since this breed does not go through seasonal shedding or blowing of the coat. Regular vacuuming and proper grooming should do the job.

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