How Much Does a Mastiff Shed? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Tips

The Old English Mastiff, or Mastiff, is most known for its large size and intimidating appearance. However, people who personally know Mastiffs will more often know them as docile, gentle giants. They make wonderful pets for experienced dog owners, but they’re often not a good fit for allergy sufferers because they do shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding periods.

Finding loose hairs throughout the house is a common expectation when living with any kind of dog. However, there are some things you can do to make shedding more manageable while living with a Mastiff.

A Mastiff’s Coat Type and Shedding

Mastiffs have a double coat that consists of a top coat with coarse, short hair and a dense undercoat. They are moderate shedders throughout the year and will shed their undercoat more heavily during seasonal changes, which can vary depending on climate and individual dog. Mastiffs are heavy seasonal shedders, and it can become an issue, especially if you live in a smaller home.

Tips for Reducing Shedding in Mastiffs

It’s important to first note that it is impossible to stop a Mastiff from shedding completely. However, there are certainly some things you can do to reduce shedding and make it more manageable.

1. Brush Regularly

Mastiffs have short hair, so you won’t have an issue with tangles or mats. However, it’s still a good idea to brush your Mastiff regularly to remove loose and dead hair from their coat. Brushing your Mastiff about every other day can help reduce shedding on furniture and other areas of the house. It’ll also make cleanup easier by gathering all the loose hair in one location.

Brushes that work well on a Mastiff’s coat include rubber curry combs, pin brushes, and bristle brushes. Grooming gloves are also helpful for picking up hairs in harder-to-reach places like the underarms.

2. Use a De-Shedding Tool

You can find several different kinds of grooming tools specifically designed to help reduce shedding. One example is a de-shedding rake. This tool has narrow teeth on the end that reach to the undercoat and pick up loose hair. Another type is a de-shedding tool or blade-style grooming tool, which is designed to remove loose undercoat hair more efficiently in certain coat types. Different tools vary in shape and coverage, so choosing the right one depends on your dog’s coat and grooming needs.

3. Use Shampoo and Conditioner for Shedding

Some shampoos and conditioners have formulas that nourish the coat and may reduce shedding caused by dryness or irritation. When choosing dog bathing products, it’s helpful to select gentle and veterinary-approved formulas that are appropriate for sensitive skin, especially if your dog has allergies or skin issues.

Ingredients such as omega fatty acids can support a healthy coat and skin barrier.

Add Fish Oil Supplements to Your Mastiff’s Diet

Unhealthy skin and coat conditions can contribute to increased shedding in dogs. So, make sure to check up on your Mastiff’s skin and coat health periodically. Look for any dry spots, flaking, inflammation, and skin irritation. Your Mastiff’s topcoat will feel coarse, but it shouldn’t feel dry and brittle.

Adding supplements to your Mastiff’s diet under the guidance of your veterinarian may improve your dog’s skin and coat. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help nourish and moisturize the skin and coat and alleviate itchiness from dry skin. If you’re interested in adding supplements to your Mastiff’s diet, consult a veterinarian before making any changes. Some foods and supplements can interfere with certain medications or are unsuitable for dogs with certain chronic health issues.

Conclusion

Mastiffs are moderate shedders that also tend to shed heavily during seasonal coat changes, which can vary depending on the individual dog and environment. Brushing them regularly can help reduce shedding around the house, and using specialized grooming tools can help manage heavy shedding seasons. If you notice that your Mastiff’s heavy shedding is due to skin and coat issues, consult your veterinarian to see if adding nourishing supplements to their diet would benefit their skin and coat health and reduce shedding.

• Related Read: How Well Can a Mastiff Swim? Facts & Water Safety Tips

Featured Image Credit: Waldemar Dabrowski, Shutterstock