Do Airedale Terriers Shed A Lot? Explained With Crazy Tips

Potential dog owners are curious about the shedding levels of their dream dog breed. So, let’s find out whether Airedale Terriers shed a lot or not in this article today.

Dogs are humans’ furry friends. Although we absolutely love them, there can be certain times when one could find it extremely difficult to have a dog at home, especially when it comes to maintenance.

If you have a dog that sheds often, you will indeed have to put great effort into maintaining them and keeping the house clean. If your family members have strict daily schedules, this will be hard for you.

Moreover, shedding has also become a common reason many people are reluctant to have dogs because they could easily cause allergies. If you decide to get an Airedale Terrier, the shedding will not be a problem for you. 

So, do Airedale Terriers shed a lot? The answer is no; they don’t. Airedale Terrier belongs to the hypoallergenic group; therefore, these dogs do not shed like crazy. However, you have to expect occasional shedding in Airedale Terriers because finding a dog that doesn’t completely shed sounds impractical.

This breed has a dense, wire-textured outer coat and a soft inner coat. You will see them shedding sometimes, but thankfully Airedale Terriers are not heavy shedders. 

Shedding is a natural process that you can see among dogs. When their fur is damaged, they want to get rid of it, which happens through shedding.

Read – Airedale Terriers’ Temperament And Personality Traits

Even though every dog goes through this process, the shedding frequencies and amounts will significantly vary from one breed to the other.

Therefore some dogs naturally shed more than others, whereas others shed rarely. In this article, we are talking about the Airedale Terrier, a breed that doesn’t shed a lot. 

Do Airedale Terriers shed?

As already mentioned, when we say Airedale Terriers don’t shed a lot, that does not mean they do not shed at all.

If you are expecting to get a dog that doesn’t shed at least a little bit, you might have to give up on that thought because, more or less, every dog sheds. As a matter of fact, Airedale Terriers also shed. 

The coat of this dog breed consists of two layers. They have a dense outer layer and an inner layer that is relatively smooth.

Airedale Terriers typically do not shed throughout the year, but you can see them shedding in specific periods. 

When do Airedale Terriers shed a lot?

Have you ever heard the term seasonal shedding? As the name implies, seasonal shedding in dogs refers to shedding that results from seasonal changes.

As you know, the environment changes from season to season, and it will impact the shedding process in dogs. Seasonal shedding occurs during the spring and fall and may last for two to four weeks.

Notably, dogs with double-layered coats are prone to seasonal shedding. Therefore if you have an Airedale Terrier, you will likely see them often shedding around April to May and September to October. 

If you have a female Airedale Terrier, pregnancy will make them shed more than usual. The hormonal changes could lead the dog to shed; moreover, if the temperature is uncomfortable, especially if it is too hot for your dog, it will also make them shed. 

Why does your Airedale Terrier shed like crazy?

Airedale Terriers are naturally minimal shedders. However, as mentioned earlier, there could be certain instances where this breed might shed somewhat more than usual.

However, it is highly unlikely that you will see an Airedale Terrier shedding like crazy. If they do, that could indicate something possibly negative.

There are dog breeds that shed heavily, but Airedale Terriers certainly do not fall into that category.

Heavy shedding in Airedale Terriers is not a natural function; instead, it is caused by some other reason. Below are some potential reasons that make your Airedale Terrier shed like crazy.

• Allergies 

Dogs are allergic to several things, and allergies could make them shed like crazy. If an allergen affects your Airedale Terrier, it could be the reason behind its heavy shedding.

To elaborate, Airedale Terriers, just like any other canine, can be allergic to many things, including dust and pollen.

Apart from such environmental allergens, dogs can also be allergic to cleaning products, bug sprays, and aromatizers.

Moreover, food items could also act as allergens; particularly, this breed is allergic to wheat and beef. So, Airedale Terriers might shed vast amounts when it suffers from an allergy. 

• Parasites and fungi 

Parasites such as fleas, mites, and ticks could also make your Airedale Terrier shed like crazy.

When parasites grow on your dog’s skin as they suck the blood out of the dog’s body, it will always be itchy.

When the dog constantly licks and itches its body, it will increase the shedding amounts. Also, fungi, such as ringworm, could cause rapid hair loss.  

• Trauma and stress

If your Airedale Terrier recently faced a traumatic experience or the dog is stressed out for some reason, that will also lead them to shed a lot.

Suppose we try to explain this scenario scientifically. In that case, when your dog is stressed, they release higher amounts of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline which could result in shedding a lot. 

• Chronic illnesses 

If your Airedale Terrier is undergoing certain chronic illnesses, this could also be a reason behind its crazy shedding.

Illnesses, including kidney diseases, liver diseases, and thyroid issues, can increase the shedding amounts more than usual. 

• Poor nutrients

Your Airedale Terrier’s diet significantly maintains their health, including having a healthy coat. Quality is crucial when selecting food for your Airedale Terrier.

So, make sure you give quality dog food regularly to your pet dog. When you add human food, be mindful of what is suitable for the dog and what is not.

Also, pay attention to the correct quantity. If they lack adequate nutrients in regular meals, heavy shedding could happen. 

How to minimize your Airedale Terrier’s excessive shedding?

If your Airedale Terrier sheds excessively, it could typically happen due to any of the abovementioned reasons. What can you do to minimize this? 

• Follow a grooming schedule 

Airedale Terriers are low-maintenance dogs, but that does not mean you can ignore their grooming requirements.

A consistent grooming schedule significantly matters, keeping your Airedale Terrier’s coat nice and clean.

Most importantly, it minimizes the shedding frequency also the tendency to get parasites and fungi. 

• Give them a well-balanced diet 

Diet can also impact the shedding in your Airedale Terrier. Therefore make sure to give them a balanced diet rich in nutrients.

Pay attention to the brand and quality if you feed them dog food. Additionally, you can add recommended vitamins for their meals to maintain the coat’s health.  

• Take them to a vet 

If things seem to be out of control, take your Airedale Terrier to a vet as soon as possible.

If the lack of grooming or nutrients causes heavy shedding, it can be managed, but if the dog has a sickness, it will require medical attention.

If the dog indicates other symptoms apart from shedding, for instance, lethargy, nausea, or lack of appetite, do not hesitate to get professional help. 

Tips for maintaining your Airedale Terrier’s coat

The short wire textured coat of Airedale Terriers makes them minimal shedders and low-maintenance dogs.

However, As mentioned, grooming plays an essential role in minimizing the unwanted shedding in your Airedale Terrier.

Even though this breed does not require rigorous grooming, consistency of grooming matters; you must pursue a proper grooming routine to ensure the dog has a healthy coat.

So here are some tips for maintaining the coat of your Airedale Terrier. 

• Bathing, brushing, and trimming

Unless there is a specific need, Airedale Terriers do not need frequent baths; bathing them once a month would be sufficient.

When washing their hair, always use recommended dog shampoo, rinse it well and comb them once dry.

Brush your Airedale Terrier a few times a week, which will help remove the excess dirt and oil in their skin.

Using a steel pin brush is more appropriate because it helps brush them well without damaging fur. Also, trim the hair as needed, so it allows to grow healthy hair and minimize shedding frequency. 

• Skin and coat supplements 

There are several vitamins and supplements that you can give to your Airedale Terrier, which will help them to have a healthy coat.

Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E and A, Biotin, and Zinc, are the essential nutrients for your dog’s skin and coat. You can add them as capsules to the meals.

If you do not have explicit knowledge of using these, take advice from a veterinarian first. 

Final Thoughts 

Airedale Terrier undoubtedly is a correct choice for someone looking to have a dog breed that does not shed a lot.

Still, you should not forget that despite this being a minimal-shedding breed, there could be exceptions.

Natural occurrences, sicknesses, lack of nutrients, and lack of grooming are all such factors that could increase the shedding frequency of an Airedale Terrier.

So it is essential to be aware of them and take precautions to avoid the unnecessary shedding of your Airedale Terrier.

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