Do Beagles Shed? Expert Tips to Keep Your Home Clean!

Beagles are adorable and friendly dogs that make great family pets. But before you bring one home, you might wonder how much they shed and how to deal with their fur.

In this article, I will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to reduce shedding and keep your home clean.

The Nature of Beagle Coats

Beagles are a double-coated breed, possessing a dense coat that serves multiple functions. The outer coat is made of short hair that protects the beagle from environmental elements, while the undercoat is thicker and helps regulate body temperature in both cold weather and warmer climates. This double coat is a natural process that allows beagles to adapt to varying temperatures, contributing to their versatility as a breed.

Shedding Seasons and Patterns

Beagle breed shedding is not just a random occurrence; it follows a specific hair growth cycle. Throughout the year, beagles will shed moderately, but during shedding seasons—typically spring and fall—they become heavy shedders as they prepare their summer coats or develop thick winter coats to cope with the changing weather. Regular grooming, including brushing with a hound glove, can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair and help maintain a healthy coat.

How much do Beagles shed?

Beagles have a double coat that consists of a dense undercoat and a coarse topcoat. This type of coat helps them stay warm and protected in different weather conditions, as they were originally bred for hunting. However, it also means that they shed a lot.

Beagles shed all year round in moderate to heavy amounts. Spring is when they let loose, as they prepare for the warmer months by shedding their winter coat. This is also known as a blowing coat, and it can last for several weeks.

Most of the time, you may find that your Beagle’s shedding is not that noticeable because their fur is short, and they are small dogs. But come springtime, you may want to bust out the lint roller, as their fur will be everywhere.

Why do Beagles shed?

Beagles shed for several reasons, some of which are natural and some of which can be influenced by external factors. Here are some of the main reasons why Beagles shed:

• Seasonal changes: As mentioned above, Beagles shed more in spring and fall to adjust their coat to the changing temperatures. This is a natural process that helps them regulate their body heat and stay comfortable throughout the year.
• Hormonal changes: Beagles can also shed more due to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, lactation, or spaying/neutering. These changes can affect their coat quality and growth cycle, causing more shedding than usual.
• Stress: Stress can trigger excessive shedding in Beagles, as it can affect their immune system and cause skin problems and skin irritations. Stress can be caused by various factors, such as moving to a new home, traveling, separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in the family.
• Health issues: Hormonal imbalances, skin infections, and other health issues can lead to excessive hair loss, such as allergies, parasites, infections, or thyroid problems. These issues can irritate their skin and make them scratch or lick themselves more often, resulting in hair loss.
• Nutrition: Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy coat and skin for Beagles. A high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients and fatty acids can promote healthier skin and a shinier coat, potentially reducing excessive shedding. On the other hand, a poor diet that lacks essential nutrients can lead to dry and brittle fur that sheds more easily.
• Grooming: Regular brushing removes dead hair and distributes natural oils across the beagle’s coat, contributing to a healthier skin condition and minimizing shedding.

How to reduce shedding in Beagles?

While you cannot stop your Beagle from shedding completely, you can take some steps to reduce it and make it more manageable with proper care. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Brush your Beagle regularly: Brushing your beagle several times a week is the most effective way to remove dead hair and maintain coat health. It can also stimulate blood circulation and distribute natural oils on their skin, which can improve their coat condition and prevent dryness. Use a brush designed for short-haired dogs, such as a rubber curry brush or a slicker brush.
• Bathe your Beagle occasionally: Bathing your Beagle once every month or two can help wash away dirt and debris from its coat and skin, which can reduce shedding. However, do not bathe them too often, as it can strip away their natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. Use a natural shampoo that is suitable for their skin type and rinse well after washing.
• Use de-shedding tools: De-shedding tools are specially designed to remove excess hair from your Beagle’s undercoat without damaging its topcoat. They can be very effective during the shedding seasons when your Beagle blows their coat. Use them gently and carefully on your Beagle’s body after brushing them with a regular brush.
• Feed your Beagle a high-quality diet: Feeding your beagle a balanced diet with the right nutrition, including foods high in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, can support a healthy coat and reduce shedding. As mentioned above, nutrition is crucial for your Beagle’s coat health. Feed them high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs and avoid cheap or low-quality brands that contain fillers or artificial ingredients. You can also supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, which can boost their coat.
• Exercise: Regular exercise improves blood flow, which can lead to healthier skin and less shedding.

How to groom your Beagle

Besides reducing shedding, grooming your Beagle can also keep them healthy and happy. Grooming involves taking care of their nails, ears, eyes, teeth, paws, and nose. Here are some tips on how to groom your Beagle properly:

Trim your Beagle’s nails

Long nails can cause pain and injury to your Beagle, as well as damage your furniture and floors. You should trim your Beagle’s nails once every two weeks or whenever you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a nail clipper designed for dogs and be careful not to cut the quickly, which is the blood vessel inside the nail. If you accidentally cut the quick, use a styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.

Clean your Beagle’s ears

Beagles have long floppy ears that can trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, leading to infections and odors. You should check and clean your Beagle’s ears once a week or more often if they are prone to ear problems. Use a cotton ball or a soft cloth moistened with a dog ear cleaner and gently wipe the inside of the ear flap. Do not insert anything into the ear canal or use alcohol or vinegar, as they can irritate the skin. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or bad smell, consult your vet.

Brush your Beagle’s teeth

Dental hygiene is important for your Beagle’s overall health and well-being. Plaque and tartar can build up on your Beagle’s teeth and cause gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, and even organ damage. You should brush your Beagle’s teeth at least three times a week or daily if possible. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste that is safe to swallow. Gently brush the outer surfaces of the teeth in a circular motion. You can also give your Beagle dental chews or toys that can help clean their teeth and freshen their breath.

Brush your Beagle’s coat

Brushing your Beagle’s coat regularly can help remove loose and dead hair, distribute natural oils, prevent mats and tangles, and keep their fur shiny and healthy. Use a brush suitable for short-haired dogs, such as a rubber curry brush or a slicker brush², and brush your Beagle in the direction of hair growth. You can also use a de-shedding tool during the shedding seasons to remove excess hair from the undercoat.

Bathe your Beagle occasionally

Bathing your Beagle once every month or two can help wash away dirt and debris from their coat and skin, which can reduce shedding. However, do not bathe them too often, as it can strip away their natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. Use a mild dog shampoo that is suitable for their skin type and rinse well after washing. Dry off your Beagle with several towels or a blow dryer on a low heat setting.

Clean your Beagle’s eyes

Beagles have expressive eyes that can get watery or crusty due to dust, allergies, or infections. You should check and clean your Beagle’s eyes daily or as needed with a soft cloth or cotton ball moistened with warm water or saline solution. Gently wipe away any discharge or dirt from the corners of the eyes. Do not touch the eyeball or use any soap or chemicals on the eyes. If you notice any signs of eye problems, such as redness, swelling, cloudiness, or excessive tearing, consult your vet.

Care for your Beagle’s paws

Your Beagle’s paws are exposed to various surfaces and elements that can cause wear and tear, cracks, cuts, or infections. You should inspect and care for your Beagle’s paws regularly by trimming any excess hair between the toes and pads with scissors or clippers, checking for any foreign objects or injuries on the pads and nails, applying a paw balm or wax to moisturize and protect the pads from dryness or cracking, and wiping the paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any dirt or salt.

Care for your Beagle’s nose

Your Beagle’s nose is one of their most important assets, as it helps them sniff out everything around them. However, their nose can also get dry, cracked, or sunburned due to various factors, such as weather, allergies, or infections. You should check and care for your Beagle’s nose regularly by applying a nose balm or butter to moisturize and heal the nose, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures, and wiping the nose with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or discharge. If you notice any signs of nose problems, such as bleeding, discharge, or loss of smell, consult your vet.

Conclusion

Beagles are wonderful dogs that deserve proper grooming and care. By following the tips in this article, you can reduce their shedding and keep them healthy and happy. Grooming your Beagle can also be a fun and bonding activity for both of you. Remember to praise and reward your Beagle for being a good sport during the grooming sessions. Enjoy your time with your furry friend!