How to Prevent Dog Shedding

Need to know how to prevent dog shedding? Keep reading for three practical ways to avoid the frustration of finding your fur baby’s hair…EVERYWHERE.

It’s that time of year where your dog is shedding more often than most. Winter has ended, and the excess hair your dog has grown is not needed anymore. At least that is the situation in most cases.

There are many reasons for a dog to shed, but at least we can make it a bit more bearable with these useful tips!

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Though your dog’s shedding may seem like nuance or cause worry at times, it’s a blessing in disguise.

Your dog’s fur protects their body temperature and skin from the sun and wind. Shedding is a healthy cycle that occurs when your dog’s coat goes from thick in the winter too much thinner in spring. The fur has got to go somewhere!

The frequency of shedding depends on the breed; however, it may also be caused by a skin condition or dietary issue. These are issues you can contact your veterinarian about if you have reason to be worried.

Some reasons for excess shedding or patches may include:

• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Parasites such as fleas or lice
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Medication side effects
• Excessive licking
• Immune disease
• Sunburn
• And more

Furthermore, if you notice any of the following conditions or another that causes you to worry, visit your vet to check in on your dog. It may be as simple as changing their food or giving them a supplement.

Keep in mind; some breeds shed more than others – so let’s get into how to prevent dog shedding in any case!

1. Brush Your Dog Regularly

Brushing your dog regularly is a BIG way to prevent dog shedding. Not only does it collect broken hair that will soon fall out, but it is a great way to bond with your dog.

Brushing your dog’s coat helps prevent shedding by redistributing the skin oils in your dog’s fur to help it stay in place.

Try implementing brushing your dog as a part of your daily routine. They say it takes 20 times to create a habit!

Furthermore, the type of brush you use to brush your dog will have a lasting effect on preventing shedding. You can ask your vet which brush they recommend for your dog. However, here are some different types to consider:

• Bristle brush: A universal brush, which is a good tool to use on almost any length of hair. They are ideal for smooth-coated, short-haired breeds such as Pugs, Greyhounds, and many Terriers.
• Wire-pin brush: Perfect for curly and woolly coats that go from long to short.
• Slicker brush: These are great for removing tangles and mats as they are made with fine wire bristles. These brushes are best for breeds with a wavy coat, such as Retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, and Cocker Spaniels.
• Massage Brush: These help massage your dog’s skin to help remove fall-out from both short-haired and long-haired dogs.

If you feel that a regular brush is not enough to get rid of excess shedding, you may want to find a shedding tool that specifically tackles loose hair.

2. Feed Your Dog Nutritious Food

Like humans, the food your dog eats is a crucial component to their health, including their skin and hair. Your dog’s diet should include the right amount of nutrients, including a balance of healthy fatty acids.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 promote healthy skin and hair growth, joint support, and heart and immune health. You can add a small amount of olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food to add healthy fats, but we recommend hemp oil to prevent dog shedding.

However, you must consult with your veterinarian before adding or taking away anything from your dog’s diet. They are the best source of information about your dog’s health and well-being.

By over-feeding your dog supplements, you may cause hypervitaminosis or vitamin poisoning. This can result in serious health issues for your dog!

How Hemp Oil Helps Prevent Dog Shedding

Hemp oil is an entirely safe oil to give your dog by adding it to food or directly to their coat. It’s a superfood that provides an almost perfect ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It is one of the most natural ways to add omega to your dog’s diet.

It also helps with inflammation and other skin conditions that can cause excess shedding.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Furthermore, even though you may be buying good quality food, your dog may still shed excessively. If this occurs, your dog may have an allergy or sensitivities to their diet. You may need to try a couple of different types before you find the right one. You can ask your veterinarian for advice on finding the right food for your dog.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Make sure that your dog is drinking enough water. Just like us, hydration causes dry skin for dogs. The general rule of thumb is one ounce of water per pound of body weight – per day.

You want your dog’s coat to be healthy and hydrated to prevent any shedding from dry hair. Check-in on your dog’s bowl now and then to make sure they are drinking enough water.

If you are unsure of your dog’s diet or nutrition intake, ask your veterinarian for more advice!

3. Bath Your Dog

Giving your dog baths will help with what would have eventually fallen on the couch or stuck to your clothing. It is beneficial to help prevent dog shedding.

Use a shampoo and conditioner treatment with moisture and omega fatty acids to hydrate your dog’s skin and fur and create healthier follicles. For example, a shampoo enriched in hemp oil will both moisturize and soften your dog’s hair and skin!

Furthermore, brush your dog’s hair after each bath to get rid of any loose hair. This is one of the best ways to prevent excess shedding.

In regards to frequency, it depends on the breed of your dog. You don’t want to bath your dog too much as it can cause dry skin, which will create more shedding. You can do some research about your dog’s breed for more information, or ask your veterinarian.

4. If All Else Fails

Sometimes we have to accept that a dog sheds. There are ways to decrease overall shedding; however, it is a healthy nuance for your dog to have.

Here are some options to make cleaning up your dog’s shedding easier – because we all have to do it!

1. Brush your dog outside: If the weather allows, bring your dog outside for an even cleaner brushing. This way, you won’t have to worry about the cleanup.
2. A pet vacuum: Investing in a good vacuum made for pet hair is a great way to facilitate the cleanup.
3. Couch covers: This is one of the easiest ways to clean up shedding. All you need to do is pull it off the couch and clean it – then all is good as new!
4. Pet-friendly furniture: If you’re not keen on covering your furniture, opt for pet-friendly furniture instead. Choose leather like-fabrics over softer fabrics for an easy clean or short hair rugs over longer ones. This is especially great if your dog likes to cozy up on the couch during movie night!

Do you have your own effective way to prevent dog shedding? Share your remedies in the comments below!