What Helps Dog Shedding? Tips to Keep Your Pup's Coat in Check
October 29, 2020If you're a dog owner, you're probably familiar with the constant battle against dog hair. Shedding is a natural and healthy process for dogs, but it can become a nuisance when your home is covered in fur. The good news is that there are effective ways to manage and minimize dog shedding. In this article, we'll explore what causes dogs to shed and provide you with practical tips to help keep your pup's coat in check.
Understanding Dog Shedding
Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand why dogs shed. Shedding is a part of a dog's natural growth cycle. It helps them get rid of old or damaged fur and allows new fur to grow. Several factors influence the amount a dog sheds, including breed, age, health, and season.
Tips to Reduce Dog Shedding
1. Regular Brushing:
One of the most effective ways to reduce shedding is regular brushing. Brushing your dog removes loose fur, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils for a healthier coat. The frequency of brushing depends on your dog's breed and coat type, but a few times a week is a good starting point.
2. Quality Diet:
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, particularly Omega-3 fatty acids, can improve your dog's skin and coat health. Consult your veterinarian for diet recommendations tailored to your dog's needs.
3. Hydration:
Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated. Water helps maintain skin elasticity, which can reduce excessive shedding.
Knowing how much your dog is drinking can be tricky, but if your dog is shedding more than usual, you may want to keep an eye on the water bowl. The general rule is that a dog should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. Dehydrated skin is a significant cause of hair loss and can increase the amount of loose fur you have to clean up around your home.
4. Regular Baths:
Bathing your dog with a mild, dog-specific shampoo can help remove loose hair and dirt. However, avoid over-bathing, as it can strip natural oils and worsen shedding.
Vital Pet Life’s Oatmeal Aloe Shampoo includes oatmeal, aloe vera, yucca, chamomile, and jojoba oil, which will help soothe their skin and help reduce shedding.
5. Environmental Control:
Keep your home clean by vacuuming regularly and washing your dog's bedding. This can help reduce the amount of loose fur in your living space.
6. Consult Your Vet:
If your dog's shedding seems excessive or is accompanied by other symptoms like itching or bald patches, consult your veterinarian. It could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
7. Supplements:
Ask your vet about supplements that can promote coat health, such as Omega-3 or Omega-6 fatty acid supplements.
Salmon oil for dogs can be beneficial for reducing dog shedding because it provides essential Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which contribute to overall skin and coat health.
8. Allergy Management:
If you or someone in your household has allergies to pet dander, consider allergy-friendly cleaning routines and air purifiers to minimize reactions.
Remember, while you can't entirely eliminate shedding, these tips can significantly reduce it, making your life and your dog's more comfortable.
What De-Shedding Tool Should You Use?
Standard brushes for dogs remove some shed hair, but de-shedding tools are far more effective and very common for this. They can be found in any pet store, and you’ll usually find a variety to choose from. Manufacturers make brush-like dog de-shedding tools for different coat types and lengths, along with tools for different sizes of dogs. Make sure you select the right de-shedding tool for your individual dog’s coat.
Choose the Correct Brush
The amount of time that you spend brushing your dog will vary depending on his coat type. It will take a while in the beginning, especially if they have a thick double coat. It would be best if you continued brushing until you’re not getting any more fur in the brush; this is the only way to reduce your dog’s shedding. Of course, any amount of brushing will help but the more, the better. After all, whatever fur you do manage to remove from your dog is that much less that you will have to clean up around your home.
When to See the Vet
Some medical conditions can cause excess shedding. Parasites, fungal infections, stress, or sunburn are some of the more common problems that will cause your dog to have excessive hair loss. Hormonal issues due to a thyroid imbalance can lead to inflamed skin and brittle hair. If your dog suffers from skin allergies, his chronic skin inflammation can result in itchiness. The more your dog scratches, the more hair will be pulled from his coat! Take your pup for a full checkup if he is exhibiting exceptional hair loss or is losing hair in patches.