Having dogs as pets can be a great source of joy and excitement but they are also a source of a mess as well. It can be frustrating to leave the house only to realize that your favorite shirts, trousers, or coats are covered in dog hair.
Cleaning the house becomes a detailed task since removing fur from furniture or rugs takes a lot of time and effort. Here are some actionable healthy tips on how to stop a dog from shedding.
Table of Contents
Tips on How to Stop a Dog From Shedding
Choosing The Right Breed
As most know, some dog breeds tend to shed more than others. This is due to their origin, genes, and their coats. By choosing a species that has smoother and more settled fur, you can control the shedding. Some low-shed breeds include Afghan hound, Scottish Terrier, Poodle, and Yorkshire.
Supplements
Fatty acid supplements play a vital role in improving the quality of the fur coat and shedding. The most beneficial for your dog’s diet are supplements that include Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids. They can be found in fish oil capsules, coconut oil, and many dog treats.
While these supplements are ideal for a dog’s coat quality, it also helps boost your dog’s immune system and aid with heart and joint health.
A Healthy Diet
A poor, unbalanced diet or vitamin deficiency can be the culprit of excessive fur shedding. It causes a dry coat and loads of dandruff that can lead to an even heavier shed. Nutrition control is equivalent to shedding control for dogs. Switching to nutrient-rich dog food with high amounts of protein and vitamins will ensure that the dog’s internal health and external coat remain top-notch.
Increase Water Intake
Ensure your dog is provided with a clean and unlimited amount of drinking water. Increasing water intake will prevent dry, brittle hair that leads to breakage. Consider investing in an automatic water bowl to make sure your dog has excess water at all times to stay hydrated.
Aware 0f Allergies
The first step to excellent pet care is understanding your dog’s needs. Excessive shedding in dogs is sometimes due to an allergic reaction, which causes skin infections, dehydration, and lack of appetite.
When you visit your vet for general checkups, ensure that they test and inform you about any allergies. They will provide you with the right allergy-friendly food and supplements to feed your dog.
Bathe Often
Bathing your dog frequently will remove dirt and debris from their fur and also prevent infections. It will also ensure that dead hair is separated during lathering and washed out during rinsing.
Using an oatmeal shampoo will also remove dead skin cells and loose hair by gently exfoliating the skin to decrease the chances of excessive shedding.
Grooming
An essential aspect of shedding control for dogs is brushing them out at least three times a week. By doing so, you are gently freeing away the loose hairs and preventing shedding inside your home.
How Can I Manage My Dog’s Shedding?
Learning how to manage dog shedding can be a tiresome task, but it is essential to keep a clean and tidy house. Understanding shedding seasons, grooming techniques, bathing and brushing frequently, and spiraling down the nutrition hole can be time-consuming.
However, there are some essential pet hair remover tools and de-shedding techniques that are easy to use and effective to manage the amount of fur your dog sheds around the house.
An essential part of pet care is to ensure that loose hairs are brushed out so that their fur doesn’t get matted, collect dirt or debris, and cause skin infections.
Pet Rollers
Using an extra sticky lint roller is a great and effective way for picking up lint, dirt, dust, and excess hair around the house. It’s safe to use on clothes and upholstery without leaving behind any messy residue. Also great for the most gentle of fabrics. This tool will help you clean quickly and clean thoroughly whether on the go or in the comfort of your own home.
Hair Removal Tool
A hair remover tool such as the EzLint Pet Hair Remover is an easy and convenient solution to all your pet hair problems. It’s great for removing unwanted pet hair from your clothes, surfaces, rugs, carpets, and other areas where a lint roller just won’t cut it. It will allow deep cleaning and prevent smells and germs from spreading.
Choosing The Right Brush
Different dog breeds have various upkeep requirements. However, they all need to be brushed at least once a month. Depending on the amount of shedding your dog goes through, you can choose from a variety of brushes to fit your dog’s specific coat to remove hair and help massage your dog’s skin. A slicker brush can be great for dematting, hair removal, and making your dog’s coat look great. Brush your dog regularly to keep your home clean and hair free.
Protect Your Furniture and Car Interior
Your car and furniture around your house can be a magnet for dog hair. You can use custom covers on fabric furniture and car seats that will contain and prevent the hair from getting into the nooks and crevices. These covers are generally easy to take on and off to be cleaned and ensure that these areas stay clean.
Clean Home Often
Even with all the precautionary measures taken, you still might be unable to keep fur out at all times. Finding fur on every belonging of yours and throughout your house can be frustrating, but it is essential to clean often. This will prevent diseases or allergic reactions from occurring within you and also help prevent fur balls.
To make the cleaning process easier, you can invest in an excellent vacuum to make the cleaning easier. By training your dog, you can also vacuum your dog directly to eliminate the cause at the root.
When Do Dogs Shed The Most?
Shedding is a normal process that every furry pet, dog, or cat goes through. Certain dog breeds tend to shed more than others, and it typically depends on the type of fur coat they have.
Usually, dogs tend to shed a lot during changing seasons. This is because of the change in temperature and light, which changes their hormonal patterns. In winter, dogs require heavier coats to protect themselves from excessive cold, which then gets shed when the season changes into warmer temperatures.
Shedding also occurs when your dog is growing in new, healthier fur. The dead, damaged hair falls due to healthier hair growth, ensuring an ideal coat.
Why is My Dog Shedding So Much?
If your dog’s shedding a lot, it might be because of your choice of breed. Huskies, German Shepherds, Chow Chow, Labradors, and Great Pyrenees are among the breeds that tend to shed excessively due to their origin of birth, genes, and having layers of fur coats.
If your dog usually does not shed as much, it may be a symptom of a disease, illness, or skin infection. Hence, it is ideal for visiting and consulting a vet and getting a professional opinion.
Can I Prevent My Dog From Shedding?
Technically, it is impossible to prevent a dog from shedding since it is a natural process that every mammal goes through, including humans. However, understanding what helps with dog shedding and how to prevent dog shedding will help you manage and control the spread of fur. Moreover, you can choose a breed that sheds less than others.
When Should I Be Worried About Hair Loss?
If you notice an excessive shed from your dog or increased scratching, start with a detailed grooming session to determine why. Be aware of the following signs below, as they may signal that its time to visit the vet:
- Red or itchy patches on the skin
- Baldness
- Fleas
- Irritation during brushing
- Dandruff
- Foul smells
Symptoms of many illnesses in dogs manifest themselves in hair loss. Whether it is lack of nutrition, dehydration, skin infections, or gut issues. While excess shedding can also occur because of hormonal changes or pregnancy, it is just as important to understand the cause and ensure that your furry friend remains in top-notch health.