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As a pup parent — or dare we say, “pawrent” — you’re probably all too familiar with your dog shedding hair on a regular basis. You’ll also be aware that it’s a completely natural process, which in most instances, is no cause for alarm. Dogs shed their hair as it becomes damaged or dies, freeing up room on their coat for new healthy hair. All dogs go through this cycle, but the extent to which they shed hair depends on several factors.
Firstly, some dogs shed hair in a seasonal pattern. A dog’s coat regulates its temperature, so in the summer months, it’s highly likely that your pup will shed more. They will then grow a thicker coat back as winter approaches and the climate grows colder.
The second major factor is the breed of the dog. Generally, the longer a dog’s coat, the more they shed. “High shedder” breeds include German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards. On the other end of the spectrum, “low shedders” include Irish Terriers, Maltese, and Miniature Poodles, to name a few.
Even with these factors in mind, some dogs do shed excessively. It can be a sign of illness or another underlying health problem. If a dog is allergic to a medication, food, or material around the house, it can provoke heavier shedding than normal. Skin conditions can similarly result in excessive shedding. This can be because of skin parasites, ringworm, dermatitis, or fungal conditions. What’s more, dogs can even experience elevated levels of shedding due to higher stress levels.
If you ever feel like your pet is shedding excessively and you’re not sure what to do, take them to the vet for a check up. Aside from this, there are some useful tips you can adopt to rein in the shedding and free your home from all the surplus hair. Read on to find out how!
If you’ve been wondering what helps with dog shedding, you’ll be happy to know that there are some effective strategies you can employ. A good starting point is ensuring your dog has a healthy diet. By feeding your dog the right foods, you can improve their overall health and help prevent excess shedding due to inadequate nutrition. Remember, the healthier the dog, the healthier its coat. The healthier the coat, the less it sheds.
There are even some dog foods on the market that specifically help to alleviate excess shedding. Generally speaking, foods that are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, but low in additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients are the best option for your pup’s coat.
The next area to address is allergy and flea control. Both allergies and pests like fleas can irritate your dog’s skin. This leads to more scratching, which in turn can cause a higher rate of shedding. If your pooch is only shedding hair in specific areas, it could indicate an allergic reaction. Take them to a vet if this occurs. Alternatively, if there’s lots of scratching and pests are visible in your pup’s fur, it likely points to fleas. When this happens, invest in a flea collar and some flea shampoo, then give your dog a good wash. Alternatively, you could schedule regular appointments with a mobile dog grooming company like Barkbus! Our pet stylists will come straight to you and provide a stress-free dog grooming experience! It’s one of the best dog shedding solutions.
Frequently washing your fur baby not only improves their hygiene, but also removes dead hairs before they fall out and litter your home. Some shampoos are designed to aid the shedding process and help rid your pup of excess hair. Make sure not to bathe your dog too often though, and never use human shampoo. Both actions can be bad for your pup’s skin, and lead to even more shedding.
Olive oil, or other products that are high in omega-3, such as fish oil, are the most effective home remedies for dog shedding. Omega-3 is a fatty acid that’s very good for a dogs’ health as a whole. In particular, it is extremely effective at maintaining the quality of your pup’s coat and skin, which results in less shedding. If you’d like to try this out, add some olive oil into your pup’s food.
There are many great supplements that will help mitigate your dog’s shedding. Most of these contain omega-3, as outlined above. Bear in mind that there are two types of omega-3: plant-based and marine. The plant-based supplement is harder for a dog’s body to process, so it’s best to use marine omega-3 when possible. If combined with a healthy, balanced diet, this type of supplement can dramatically reduce your dog’s shedding.
With the right tools, you can minimize the amount of hair your furry friend leaves around the house. If you’ve ever wondered how to deshed a dog, here are the main items you’ll need.
Brushing your dog’s coat often is one of the best ways to prevent shedding all over your household. There’s a range of great brushes available to help you capture dead hair before it falls out.
If your dog has longer hair, the ShedMonster De-Shedding Tool for medium to long coats may well be the product for you. This lightweight dog shedding brush can remove dead hair, matted hair, and knots. It has been found to reduce shedding by up to 90%.
However, if your pup has a shorter coat, you can try the SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool for dogs. This brush has a wave-patterned blade that will remove up to 95% of dead hair. As an added bonus, you can also use it to remove hair from your furniture.
Another product that can help dog shedding is a high-quality shedding shampoo. There are many to choose from, depending on your dog’s breed and medical background. The FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo is one of the most effective products around. It contains ingredients that work to improve the health of your dog’s skin and coat, including omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, Calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract.
Another popular shedding shampoo is the Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo. Your dog will benefit from a rich range of antioxidants and moisturizers like shea butter and omega-6 fatty acids that are part of the formula.
As previously stated, your dog’s breed directly correlates with their level of shedding. We go into more detail below.
If you’re keen to get a dog that doesn’t leave lots of hair around the house, it’d be wise to opt for a low-shedding breed. These dogs often have shorter, coarser hair. Dogs that don’t shed include:
If you’re allergic to dogs, or you live with someone that is, but you’d really like a pup to call your own, you can get a hypoallergenic breed. These dogs are far less likely to stimulate allergies. Dogs in this category include:
As the name suggests, high shedding dogs typically shed the most hair. They often have softer, silkier coats, which can make them more appealing to some people. Dogs in this category include:
A dog shedding a lot could be related to its health, as mentioned earlier. This makes it important to be aware of any conditions that might cause shedding. Read on to learn more about some of the most relevant health issues but prioritize taking your dog to the vet if you have concerns over their wellbeing.
Your dog might be shedding more than usual because of an allergic reaction to something. There are four categories of dog allergies:
If your dog’s skin seems irritated and they are itching more than normal, make an appointment with the vet. They can quickly identify whether or not it’s an allergy and advise on the best course of action.
The pregnancy cycle can result in varying degrees of shedding amongst dogs. This is partly due to the stress of pregnancy and labor. Subsequently, the lactation they experience to feed their puppies can deprive new mother dogs of the nutrients they need for a healthy coat.
Excessive shedding in dogs can sometimes be a sign of a serious illness. Conditions like thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and genetically related skin problems can all stimulate hair loss in dogs. If you have any concerns about this, visit a vet at your earlier convenience.
Dogs can sometimes suffer skin trauma, which can also accelerate shedding. This can include sunburn, contact with irritants and caustic materials, or other substances that can affect the dog’s skin.
Parasites and fungal infections can also result in your dog shedding more hair. Keep an eye out for symptoms like inflammation, ticks or mites in their hair, and excessive scratching. Fungi-induced ringworm can lead to irregular hair loss. Pay the vet a visit if these symptoms occur.
Given that some shedding is unavoidable for dog-owners, it’s a good idea to learn the most effective ways of cleaning up dog hair. We explore how to control dog hair in the house further below.
While air purifiers won’t help you to actually clean your dog’s hair, they will lessen the potential impact it may have on your allergies.
Vacuuming frequently is one of the most effective ways of clearing up dog hair. It’s a lot more effective than sweeping, which typically results in loose hairs floating around your home.
Lint rollers are as affordable as they are effective. They are perfect for a quick clean-up on clothes and upholstery in particular. Their portable nature also means you can carry them with you when you leave the house, just in case you need to get rid of some dog hair while you’re on the go.
Give your pup a designated blanket as a preventive measure. By training your dog to sit on their blanket and not your furniture, you can keep most of their hair in one spot. It makes cleaning much easier.
Another terrific way to control dog shedding is by making regular appointments with professional groomers. At Barkbus, we specialize in carefully removing excess and dead hair to keep your dog feeling and looking great!
Book your appointment with Barkbus today!
