I just need some information haha. Kairi is 4 and a half months old and up until last week had never lost any hair at all. Last week she starting shedding and we are starting to see the white fluff balls on our hardword floors. I brush her with a slicker brush twice a day and get a brush full of soft white hair each time. I was just wondering if she is just losing her soft puppy fur or if this is considered blowing her coat. It doesn't seem to be in the vast quantities that we have been warned about occurring twice a year but I just wanted to make sure. If this is just average shedding that will happen daily from here on out I will be putting my dyson animal to good use it seems

Sounds more like she's blowing, though I think that was about the age where Ghost lost her puppy coat as well. Ghost is in an all out blow right now, and we've been getting pretty similar weather to you guys. We can pretty much stuff a pillow every time we brush Ghost, and she's been that way for a couple of weeks now. Good luck, at least you have a vacuum that's up to the challenge

Yes it has been very hot and muggy here so I guess the summer is finally here. No going back haha. Yeah right about now I am quite thankful for my anniversary present and for hardwood floors. How long do coat blows usually last? I know it depends highly on the dog from what I've read on here.

Well, you can speed up the blow by brushing A LOT - I am talking multiple times a day - otherwise it could take a while.

Furminator!!!

We have a furminator too but I didn't know if it was safe to use while she was still a puppy. I've noticed she has been scratching more since she starting shedding. Is this normal?

A real blow can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks (sometimes less sometimes longer).

I would never use a furminator nor would I recommend using one. Basically - you're taking a clipper's blade to your dogs coat. For double coated breeds it breaks the guard hairs and can make the coat grow in funny over time. I would also never use it on areas of her where her coat is extremely short (legs and face)

If you choose to use the furminator I would probably only use it about 10 minutes every few days. A rake and comb do a great job and brushing is an extremely great way to bond with your dog and shouldn't be rushed.

I too do not like the furminator.

Sounds like the beginnings of a coat blow! They can last from like 3 weeks to FOREVER! lol. Well they seem like forever. Siku, I swear, has been blowing coat for the past 4 months! Elara just started blowing coat a week ago. Just in time for our 4 days of shows of course!!! Grrrr!!!!

I love the furminator for my lab it works great. I don't use it on Balon, he is shedding but not much, I can get it off with a slicker brush.