How To Stop A Dog From Shedding? All about Shedding Dog

If you’re a proud pet parent, chances are that one of your pet peeves is dealing with all the dog hair. Shedding can quickly become an issue that’s difficult to control and clean up around the house. It doesn’t have to be this way though – there are a few things you can do to prevent or reduce shedding in your home. In this blog post we’ll discuss tips on how to stop a dog from shedding so that both you and your canine companion can have peace of mind without any unwanted fur flying around.

What is dog shedding?

Dog shedding refers to the natural process where a dog sheds dead or damaged fur to allow new, healthy fur to grow. The amount of shedding a dog experiences can vary significantly based on factors such as breed, pregnancy status, and overall health.

Breed related shedding dogs

Breed-related shedding in dogs varies based on their coat type and characteristics. Let’s take a look at different breeds and their shedding tendencies:

Low-Shedding Dogs

• Poodles
• Greyhounds
• Giant Schnauzers
• Dachshunds
• Border Terriers
• Bearded Collies

Hypoallergenic Dogs

• Chinese Crested dogs
• Coton de Tulears
• Irish Water Spaniels
• Kerry Blue Terriers
• Lagotto Romagnolos
• Miniature Schnauzers

High-Shedding Dogs

• Labrador Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Great Pyrenees dogs
• Border Collies
• Siberian Huskies

Health related shedding dogs

Excessive hair loss in dogs, extending beyond normal shedding, can be indicative of various health issues, including:

• Parasites such as fleas, mites, or lice
• Bacterial or fungal infections
• Allergies, including food allergies
• Kidney disease or liver conditions
• Thyroid or adrenal gland problems
• Pregnancy
• Side effects from medication
• Anxiety or stress
• Cancer
• Immune diseases
• Sunburn or topical irritants

If you observe more hair loss than usual, inflamed skin, brittle fur, excessive scratching, or bald patches, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Can you prevent dog from shedding?

While it is not possible to prevent dogs from shedding entirely, you can select a breed that sheds less. Although there is no such thing as hypoallergenic dogs, certain breeds are less likely to cause allergies and shed less. These breeds typically have hair that closely resembles human hair, produce less dander, and have minimal shedding.

What natural supplements can you give shedding dog?

Fish oil is a natural supplement that contains three primary omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It can help reduce inflammation, provide relief for allergy-related itching, and ultimately prevent unnecessary shedding in dogs.

Best dog shedding shampoos

Here are some of the best dog shedding shampoos available:

• FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo: This highly effective product contains ingredients such as omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, Calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract. It promotes the health of your dog’s skin and coat.
• Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo: This popular shampoo offers a rich blend of antioxidants and moisturizers, including shea butter and omega-6 fatty acids. It helps control shedding and keeps your dog’s skin and coat nourished.

How to stop a dog from shedding?

To minimize shedding in dogs, follow these tips:

1. Regular brushing: Brush your dog frequently to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. During fall and spring shedding seasons, brush your dog at least twice a week, or more if possible. For breeds with a double coat, like Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Corgis, and Shetland Sheepdogs, use a grooming tool specifically designed for shedding hair.
2. Regular bathing: Give your dog frequent baths to get rid of excess hair. Heavy shedders should be bathed twice a month using COWBOY MAGIC® Rosewater Shampoo, followed by COWBOY MAGIC® Rosewater Conditioner. Remember to thoroughly brush your dog before bathing to remove as much hair as possible.
3. Blow drying: After bathing your dog, towel dry him and then use a hair dryer with warm air (not hot) to blow dry his coat. As the coat becomes drier, use a brush to help remove loose hair while drying. Make sure to brush from the skin outward to collect the maximum amount of hair. Continue brushing and drying until your dog is completely dry.
4. Additional brushing after drying: Once your dog is dry, brush him again to remove any remaining loose hair. This step is crucial to prevent finding loose hair on your carpet later.
5. Consider clipping: If you live in a warm climate or your dog has a thick coat that sheds often, consider having him clipped. Take your dog to a professional groomer and request a shortened coat, which will reduce the amount of hair that falls out naturally.
6. Omega 3 supplements: Adding Omega 3 fatty acids to your dog’s diet may help reduce shedding. Consult your veterinarian for Omega 3 products specifically made for dogs, or consider purchasing pet-specific supplements from pet supply stores or online.
7. Provide quality nutrition: Feeding your dog a high-quality dog food can improve overall nutrition and minimize shedding. Opt for the most premium food you can afford, as the quality of dog food directly affects shedding.
8. Consult a veterinarian: If your dog experiences excessive shedding or hair loss in patches, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian to rule out potential causes such as skin infections, allergies, or other health conditions, including cancer.

How to reduce shedding in dog?

To reduce shedding dogs, you can follow these steps:

1. Keep them cool: Dogs tend to shed more when they’re hot. Help them stay cool to minimize shedding.
2. Groom them often: Frequent grooming, including bathing and brushing, can help remove loose hairs and keep your dog clean.
3. Feed high-quality food: A good diet with real ingredients can significantly reduce hair loss due to food allergies.
4. Keep up with vet checkups: Regular visits to the vet can help identify any underlying issues causing excessive shedding.
5. Shave as needed: Shaving can be done during summer months but remember that it’s not a permanent solution and may have other risks.
6. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and diabetes can contribute to shedding. Keep your dog at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise.

Tips to control shedding in dogs

Choosing a breed dogs shed litter

When choosing a dog breed, it’s important to consider their shedding tendencies. Some breeds shed less, making them suitable for those who prefer minimal hair around the house. Examples of low-shedding breeds are Poodles, Greyhounds, Giant Schnauzers, Dachshunds, Border Terriers, and Bearded Collies.

If you or someone you live with has allergies but still wants a dog, hypoallergenic breeds are a good option. These breeds are less likely to cause allergies and include Chinese Crested dogs, Coton de Tulears, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers, Lagotto Romagnolos, and Miniature Schnauzers. On the other hand, high-shedding breeds tend to shed more and have softer, silkier coats. Examples of high-shedding breeds are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Alaskan Malamutes, Great Pyrenees dogs, Border Collies, and Siberian Huskies.

Choose the right shedding brush for dog

When selecting a shedding brush for your dog, consider the following:

• Pin brush: These brushes feature metal pins set into a rubber cushion, with rounded ends for gentle contact with your dog’s skin.
• Combo brush: This type of brush offers both a bristle brush and a pin brush on a single handle.
• Deshedding tool: Best suited for removing loose hair from your dog’s coat, these tools often resemble rakes.

Choose a shedding tool for dog

To effectively manage shedding and minimize stray tufts of hair in your home, it is advisable to select a shedding tool tailored for your dog’s needs. You can opt for a shedding brush, equipped with closely spaced stainless steel tines that efficiently remove the undercoat, or a shedding blade with serrated teeth.

Feed dog a healthy diet

Feeding dogs a nutritious diet composed of natural, real ingredients, such as beef, chicken, lamb, peas, spinach, carrots, and blueberries, can greatly contribute to their overall well-being. This dietary approach promotes heart health, boosts energy levels, enhances coat shininess, freshens breath, improves eyesight, and even influences a dog’s stool.

Increase water intake for shedding dog

Increasing your dog’s water intake can assist in reducing shedding. Dehydrated skin is a leading cause of shedding, so it is crucial to ensure that your dog consumes at least one ounce of water per pound of body weight to promote optimal skin hydration and a healthy coat.

Frequent bathing and de-shedding dog treatments

For optimal grooming maintenance, we recommend dogs receive a deshedding treatment at least once every quarter (3 months) or every 2 regular baths if you adhere to a standard 4-6 week bathing schedule. In essence, a typical deshedding program for most dogs entails 3-4 treatments per year.

Fatty acid supplement for shedding dog

Providing your canine with a fatty acid supplement, specifically Vitacoat Plus, can greatly contribute to maintaining a healthy coat, especially for dogs experiencing excessive shedding.

Allergy and flea control in dog

Consult your veterinarian for appropriate allergy relief and effective control of flea infestations in dogs. Utilize bioSpot SPOT ON or Advantage for prevention and management of itching, scratching, and flea-related issues.

Benefits of managing shedding in dog

Managing shedding in dogs offers numerous benefits. Beyond reducing the amount of fur in your home, the grooming process provides an opportunity to bond with your pup. Additionally, it allows you to thoroughly check your dog for any new bumps, parasites, or dry skin. By maintaining a regular grooming routine, you contribute to keeping your dog happy, healthy, and minimize shedding.

How to minimize shedding from dog in the house?

To minimize shedding from your dog in the house, follow these steps:

Cover furniture and car seats

Upholstery tends to attract pet hair, so using throws on your furniture and investing in car seat covers can help keep your home pet hair-free and more inviting to guests.

Vacuum often

Regular vacuuming is essential to keep your home free from dog hair. Be diligent in your vacuuming efforts, as frequent vacuuming is one of the best ways to maintain a hair-free environment.

Remove hair from upholstery and your dog’s bed ASAP

It’s easier to remove newly shed hair before it gets embedded in upholstery fabric. Use a tape roller, which is one of the best tools for removing hair effectively.