How to reduce dog shedding naturally
Is your dog shedding? Like, a lot? Here’s how to help!
Did you know that all dogs shed their fur? Some dogs shed so little that you'll never notice it, and other dogs shed so much that it's nearly impossible to keep your house free of dog hair. The amount of shedding generally varies from one dog breed to another. No matter which type of dog you have, if the shedding has gotten too much, use the below tips to help reduce the amount of dog hair in your life.
Tip #1: Feed your dog a high-quality diet
One of the best ways to reduce excessive shedding in dogs is to start with a healthy diet. Most Cheap dog food is majoritively made mainly of fillers that dogs have difficulty digesting, such as corn and grains. Look instead for a dog food that lists meat as the main ingredient.
Better quality foods cost a bit more upfront, but they're better for your dog for a variety of reasons. The nutrients in meat-rich dog foods are more easily digested and absorbed, so they promote better pup health overall and help control shedding and dry skin.
Keep in mind that better nutrition can help reduce shedding, but it won't eliminate shedding completely.
- Dogs with food allergies or sensitivities are particularly prone to diet-related shedding. You may need to experiment with a few different foods before you find one that's right for your dog; consult your veterinarian for advice and recommendations.
- Do not feed your dog additional vitamin supplements unless recommended by your vet. "Hypervitaminosis," or vitamin poisoning due to excess consumption, can result in serious health issues for your dog.
Tip #2: Bathe your dog more regularly
It's a good goal to bathe your dog every 4 weeks if inside and every 2 weeks if outside, most of the time. This helps clean their coat and remove all of the dead hair. When they’re in the bath, be sure to use special deshedding shampoos and conditioners or ask your groomer about using them. These help hydrate their skin and fur so that it's healthier, stronger and less likely to fall out. Professional grooming services make your life easier when it comes to this fun task!
Tip #3: Brush Your dog
No, your dog didn't bribe us to say this. Grooming removes excess and loose fur and redistributes your dog's skin oils into its fur, helping it stay in place. Aim to brush your dog at least once a week. It’s also a time to bond with your pet and make them feel good which makes you both feel good!
Depending on your dog's fur type, you can use a bristle or slicker brush, or a rake.
- Bristle Brushes or Rubber Curry Brushes are best for short-haired, smooth-coated dog breeds such as most Terriers, Pugs, and Greyhounds. These brushes look similar to bristle brushes for human hair or a rubber brush with fingers.
- Slicker Brushes are good for many dog breeds with medium or curly hair, including retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and St. Bernards. These brushes have tiny, tightly-packed short wire pins.
- Rakes are best for dog breeds with long hair and thick undercoats, such as Collies, German Shepherds, and Chow Chows.
Thinking of Shaving your dog's fur down?
It can be tempting to want to just shave it all off but, you should talk to your groomer or vet first to weight in the health impact it could have on your breed of dog. Most dogs with a major shedding problem are double-coated, which once shaved, may never grow back, or if it does grow back may do so in patches, different color or different lengths. This is known as post clipping alopecia, it is life long and cannot be treated unfortunately. A shaved double-coated dog will be unable to regulate their temperature, which could be life-threatening in the cold of winter or the heat of summer.
If your groomer or vet says you have a double-coated pet, we recommend opting for a de-sheding bath and a blow-out afterwards to help with shedding. For other coat types you'll still get better results from any other route, but it's at least safe to consider.
Dog Shedding can be a thing of the Past
Help your pets shedding by getting them food that’s not just full of corn and grains, brush them regularly , give them a bath regularly and don’t shave them. Here’s a doggo for reading!
