We’ve all been there, our sweet pupper running around the house and over the sofas leaving a ton of fur behind.
Of course, that’s the price we pay for having a four-legged friend but it doesn’t mean there aren’ strategies that you can use to manage your dog’s shedding.
In this piece, we’ll dive into eight strategies you can use to help prevent your dog from shedding all over the home and causing a mess.
Minimizing Shedding in Dogs
We’ve all been there, our sweet pupper running around the house and over the sofas leaving a ton of fur behind.
Of course, that’s the price we pay for having a four-legged friend but it doesn’t mean there aren’ strategies that you can use to manage your dog’s shedding.
In this piece, we’ll dive into eight strategies you can use to help prevent your dog from shedding all over the home and causing a mess.
1. Frequent brushing
Brushing may sound counter-intuitive as it’ll help your dog shed fur easily but it’s actually the best way to control your dog’s shedding. By brushing at least twice a week, you can control the removal of your dog’s fur instead of letting it fall off anywhere as it rolls around.
Different brushes are appropriate for different breeds, here are a few to consider:
- Bristle brush: are great for all coat types and if your dog has longer coats than one with wider spaced bristles works best.
- Slicker brush: utilizes fine wire bristles which are great for removing any mats or tangles in any coat types.
- Wire-pin brush: works well for any dog’s with wooly or curly coats that are medium or long.
- Combs: stimulate natural oil secretion in your dog’s coat which helps keep shedding to a minimum and it’s great for removing hair on any short-haired breeds.
2. Use shedding tools
Dog’s that shed need a shedding tool that can help remove dead hair effectively from their coats. Invest in shedding tools that look like brushes but have closely aligned steel tines that are more effective in pulling dead hair from the undercoat of your dog.
3. Frequent baths
Frequent baths are the perfect way for your dog to shed less throughout the year. If your dog is a heavy shedder with long coats then they should be bathed at least twice a month. For shorter hair varieties, you can give a bath less often. When you bathe your dog, be sure to use both shampoo and conditioner and to give your dog a thorough scrub so that any dead and loose hairs can be removed.
After bathing your dog, be sure to towel dry and then give your pupper a nice warm blowdry using luke-warm air. As your dog’s fur dries out, this is the perfect time to brush the fur and remove any loose hair.
4. Clipping
Dogs with long coats in hot climates should also be clipped so that their coat can be shortened to help them regulate their body temperature better. The added benefit of this is shorter coats which means less shedding. If a dog sheds excessively in any environment, the last measure can be clipping their fur.
5. Use supplements
Supplements have also been shown to be effective when it comes to limiting shedding. Omega 3 fatty acids, in particular, can help ensure your dogs ha a healthy coat and there are many other supplements available at pet stores that help promote healthy skin and hair.
6. Healthy food and exercise
In addition to supplements, it goes without saying that a healthy diet coupled with exercise can do wonders for your dog's coat healthy and shedding. Quality dog food can help keep loose hair to a minimum and any nutritious animal protein helps keep dogs fur healthy and shiny. Exercise is also beneficial in maintaining overall health that reflects in better shedding.
7. See a vet
Finally, if your dog sheds a lot then it’s important to take it to the vet. This is important if there are signs of excessive shedding that has led to your dog showing signs of hair loss in patches. Generally, these are signs of health problems such as a dog having skin infections, allergies, or even cancer.
8. Home remedies
Home remedies that aren’t directly related to your dog can also help in mitigating the damage caused by shedding. Invest in good vacuum cleaners that are pet-friendly and designed to handle pet hair. Lint rollers and coveralls for furniture can help too. Adjusting designs to avoid elements such as carpets that can be a fur magnet can help as well.
Final thoughts
Dogs shed and it’s an inevitable aftereffect of being a pet owner but all hope isn’t lost and a pet owner can control how shedding occurs.
Remember that as long as you keep groom your dog regularly along with bathing him/her often half the battle is won. Lifestyle changes can supplement this through a better diet and exercise, along with targeted supplements that can help keep your dog’s coat healthy.
If all this fails and your dog continues to shed excessively then it may be symptoms of broader health issues, and you should consult a vet immediately.