Spring Shedding Season in Columbia
Late March through May is peak blowing-coat season for most double-coated dogs in the Mid-Atlantic. If your house is suddenly covered in tumbleweeds of dog hair, your dog isn't sick; they're cycling out their winter undercoat. The fastest way to get ahead of it is a professional de-shed.
Here's what a Bark Social de-shed includes, how often to book during shed season, and why it costs more than a standard bath.
What a de-shed appointment actually includes
A full de-shed is roughly 90 minutes to two hours and is built around a high-velocity dryer that blows the loose undercoat out of the dog after a deep-conditioning bath. The dryer is the magic. No amount of at-home brushing produces the same result, because brushes work the surface and the dryer works to the skin.
The appointment also includes a thorough de-shedding shampoo and conditioner, a hand brush-out with an undercoat rake, ears cleaned, nails trimmed, and sanitary trim. You'll see the volume of undercoat we pull. It is genuinely impressive, and a little alarming.
How often during shed season
Every four to six weeks during the peak window. Most Columbia-area double-coated dogs benefit from two to three de-sheds in the spring and another one or two in the fall.
Outside of shed season, a maintenance bath plus brushing every six to eight weeks is enough for most double coats. The intensity ramps up specifically when the seasonal coat is blowing.
Why it costs more than a standard bath
The high-velocity dryer alone takes more time than an entire standard bath. The shampoo and conditioner used for de-shedding are more expensive than standard product. The brush-out before and after the dryer is hand-intensive work, and we double-staff de-shed appointments on the largest breeds.
What you're paying for is fewer mats, less coat in your house, and a dog who is dramatically more comfortable during a stretch when many double-coated dogs are itchy and over-warm.
Book a spring de-shed at the Bark Social Columbia salon. Our grooming team is near Merriweather with one-on-one care and clear service tiers, and our spring calendar fills fast. Reserve now before April.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does a de-shed appointment take?
A: 90 minutes to two hours for most double-coated dogs. Large breeds and severely matted dogs may take longer. We'll give you a pickup window at drop-off.
Q: Will the de-shed stop the shedding entirely?
A: No. It dramatically reduces it. You'll go from clouds of hair on the floor to manageable amounts. The shedding cycle has to run its course; we're just helping it run faster.
Q: What about single-coated dogs?
A: Single-coated dogs (Poodles, doodles, Maltese, most terriers) don't need de-shedding. They need regular full grooms on their normal schedule. We can advise at booking.