Have you ever wondered how to stop dog shedding or what causes dog shedding in the first place? Show In most instances, shedding is the natural process of the coat ridding itself of hair that is old, detached, and in some cases, damaged. Once older hair is shed, room for new and healthy hair (which keeps your dog's coat full and warm) can be made. The shedding process is completely normal for all canines -- some more than others -- but it can certainly be frustrating for pet owners who feel like all they do is vacuum up piles of fluff! The frequency and amount of hair that is shed depends on several factors, including the dog's breed, weather conditions, diet, potential allergies, and much more. Regardless of the cause, it is possible to keep shedding under control through at-home grooming and proper diet. But if you are doing all of this and still find yourself wading through a sea of loose dog hair and dander, check out these tips and tricks to reducing shedding. Some Dogs Shed More Than Others: Choosing a BreedWhen choosing a dog, you should consider at-home grooming needs, the allergies of individuals in your household, and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on professional grooming. Different breeds shed at different times and rates throughout the year. Some dogs shed seasonally in the spring and fall, while other dogs shed all year long. One common misconception is that a hypoallergenic dog won’t shed or cause an allergic reaction. The reality is that truly hypoallergenic dogs are simply those that produce less dander. Keep Allergies in MindFor some people, being in the same room as a dog means itchy eyes and a runny nose. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, three in 10 people in the United States suffer from cat and dog allergies. While some people can reduce the symptoms of allergies through medication, others may be dangerously affected by shortness of breath or skin reactions, such as hives. Pet hair is not an allergen, but it can collect dander, urine, and saliva -- all of which cause allergic reactions. Rather than dealing with the potential dangers to those in your home with pet allergies, you may want to choose one of the breeds that don't shed, like Afghan Hounds, Poodles, Irish Water Spaniels, or Portuguese Water Dogs. How to Reduce Dog SheddingOf course, no one likes tumbleweeds of dog hair floating across the floor. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help keep your dog’s coat, undercoat, and dander under control all throughout the year, regardless of their breed. It may surprise you to learn that most of these tips to control dog shedding will cost you little to nothing to implement. Choose the Right BrushDepending on your dog’s coat type, you may need to brush your dog every day or only once a month! There are several different types of brushes:
Choose a Shedding ToolWhether your dog sheds seasonally or year-round, choosing a shedding tool that is designed specifically to remove dead hair from your dog’s coat can help reduce the tufts you find drifting around your home. Some shedding tools are brushes with closely spaced, stainless steel tines that work on removing the undercoat, while others are shedding blades with serrated teeth. Feed Your Dog a Healthy DietA dog who eats a complete and balanced dog food will consume the vitamins and nutrients they need to keep their hair follicles growing strong and resilient to breakage. Some dogs benefit from a dietary supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy hair growth, in addition to supporting joint, heart, and immune health. Before starting your dog on supplements, speak with your veterinarian to determine the benefits for your dog. Increase Water IntakeKnowing 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 their water bowl. The general rule is that a dog should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. This means that a 10-pound dog needs a little over a cup of clean water. Dehydrated skin is a major cause of hair loss and can easily increase the amount of loose fur you have to clean up around the house. Consider Frequent Bathing and De-shedding TreatmentsBathing your dog not only cleans their coat, but also helps to remove dead hair, which often intertwines itself with healthy hair. De-shedding shampoos and conditioners contain moisturizers and Omega-3 fatty acids that hydrate your dog’s skin and fur to create healthier, stronger follicles, while simultaneously detangling old, dead hair from new, healthy hair. These shampoos and conditioners can also help loosen and remove your dog’s excess undercoat. Bathing your dog regularly and grooming them using brushes or de-shedding tools once they're dry can significantly help to combat shedding. Visit Your VeterinarianSome canine medical conditions can cause excess shedding. Parasites, fungal infections, stress, and even sunburn are some of the more common problems that will cause your dog to have excessive hair loss. Hormonal issues due to thyroid imbalance can lead to inflamed skin and brittle hair as well. If your dog suffers from skin allergies, their chronic skin inflammation can result in itchiness. The more your dog scratches, the more hair will be pulled from their coat. Take your pup for a full checkup if they are exhibiting exceptional hair loss or losing hair in patches. Make More Time for FunRemember, regular brushing and grooming not only helps to keep their coat healthy, but also gives you and your pup an opportunity to bond. You can also follow up grooming time with a walk, a game of fetch, or by simply hanging out together. Trying one or more of our six tips to help minimize your dog’s shedding can save you time and money in the long run, as well as stop heaps of hair from piling up in your home. You can also use the time spent brushing and grooming your dog to do an overall health check: Look for any new cuts, lumps, dry skin, lesions, or parasites that may need to be treated by your vet. Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on June 30, 2021 Shedding is a natural process for dogs — though sometimes it’s frustrating for their humans. For most dogs, shedding is an essential part of their skin and fur health. Dogs rid themselves of old or otherwise damaged hair by shedding it. The amount of fur a dog sheds depends on the breed of dog, the time of year, and whether they have a single or double layer of fur. You can’t keep a dog from shedding. But you can choose a dog that doesn't shed as much. There's no such thing as a hypoallergenic dogs but some cause fewer problems than others. They have hair that is more similar to human hair, produce less dander than other dogs, and don’t shed. Because of this, they make ideal pets for people who experience allergies to pet dander or pet fur. They also make great companions for dog owners who don't like the mess that shedding can cause. These dog breeds include the:
Many dog owners seek out dogs that are bred with these breeds, like the poodle. However, there is no guarantee that a “doodle” mix won’t shed. It’s likely, though, that they won’t shed as much as most dogs. While you can’t stop shedding in any dog, there are steps you can take to make it manageable: Brush your dog’s coat. Every dog has a unique coat. It’s important to choose the right brush for their particular fur:
Use a shedding tool. Shedding tools are useful whether your dog sheds seasonally or year-round. Shedding tools make it easy to remove dead hair from your dog before they become tumbleweeds in your home. Shedding tools are brushes with stainless steel tines, which are perfect for pulling up and removing your dog’s extra undercoat fur. Using a shedding tool can help remove dead hair before it’s shed from your dog. Feed your dog a healthy diet. When your dog gets good nutrition, their hair follicles become more resilient. Strong follicles can help minimize extra shedding caused by undernourished fur. Keep your pup hydrated. Make sure your dog always has fresh water. It’s essential to their overall health, and it can also keep their skin hydrated. Dehydrated skin can exacerbate shedding and hair loss. Bathe your pooch regularly.Bathtime not only keeps your dog clean, but it helps remove excess and dead hair before it falls. A deshedding shampoo can help ease shedding even more. For some dog breeds, excessive shedding is a part of their daily life! As a dog owner, pay attention to the seasonal changes in your dog’s shedding, so you know when something is amiss with your pet. Hair loss that reaches beyond your dog’s normal shedding can indicate health issues such as:
Take your dog to the vet if you notice more hair loss than usual, inflamed skin, brittle fur, excessive scratching, or bald patches. Shedding can be a nuisance, but spending time grooming your pup has benefits beyond just reducing the amount of fur in your home. Taking the time to brush and bathe your pup can be fun and gives you time to bond. It also gives you a great opportunity to check your dog for new bumps, parasites, or dry skin. The result of grooming is a happy, healthy dog — and less shedding. |
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