Shedding: It’s something that every dog owner has to deal with at some point. Some dogs only shed a little bit, making cleaning much more manageable.
But if you have a long-haired dog or one with a double coat, the relentless shedding can be a huge hassle!
As a dog owner, shedding is a fact of life you put up with to have your canine companion by your side. But let’s face it:
If you could reduce shedding and make things easier, you’d jump at the chance!
Luckily for you, there are many ways to keep shedding to a minimum!
It’s impossible to stop shedding altogether, but you can take steps to minimize it as much as possible and spend less time cleaning. Here’s how!
10 Ways to Reduce Dog Shedding
#1. Keep Up with Bathing Duties
Your dog will hate it, but bathing regularly is a must! Bathing helps remove gunk, eliminate dead skin, and remove loose hair.
Depending on the type of dog you have, bathing can be a complex process. But the work is worth it!
Bathing improves your dog’s coat and helps keep most of it off your floors and furniture.
There’s a delicate balance between bathing too much and not enough. Typically, experts recommend bathing your dog every four weeks.
You may want to aim for every three weeks during the summer when shedding peaks.
Either way, stick to a routine to make those intense shedding sessions a thing of the past.
#2. Use a High-Quality Shampoo
To have the most positive impact, use a high-quality shampoo when you bathe your pooch. Cheap shampoos can do more harm than good.
They can dry out the skin, a host of issues. Skin irritation and scratching will only lead to more shedding.
Instead of the cheap stuff, use a premium formula that contains gentle ingredients. Natural coconut oil and soothing oatmeal are popular choices.
You can also think about adding a conditioner into the mix to rehydrate your dog’s coat after every bath.
Many de-shedding products are available, too.
A de-shedding shampoo contains healthy ingredients that nourish the skin, promote a healthy coat, and address excessing shedding.
Related: Best Smelling Dog Shampoos
#3. Make Brushing a Regular Thing
The best thing you can do to reduce the shedding mess is remove loose fur before it falls out.
You can do that with regular brushing. Consider brushing your dog once or twice a week.
Not only can you remove loose fur, but you can also address tangles and keep your dog’s coat gunk-free. It even helps distribute natural oils for more hydration.
#4. Use the Right Tools
When you brush, make sure to use the right tools!
Standard combs and pin brushes work fine, but they usually don’t pull as much loose hair out as you want.
Think about investing in other tools. De-shedding tools help lift fur from the undercoat. Meanwhile, slicker brushes and standard bristle brushes can address tangles.
Related: Best Dog Detangler Sprays to Loosen Knots
Want to make things much quicker? Try a dog hair blower! These vacuum-like machines blast a powerful jet of air at your dog.
While predominantly used for drying, you can use it outside and blow away shed fur in minutes.
Many groomers utilize blowers for that reason, eliminating loose fur before it can get all over the place.
#5. Perfect Your Dog’s Diet
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” That truth is evident with dogs! A poor diet can cause excessive shedding that seems to have no end.
The best way to address that problem is to provide better dog food.
Prioritize balanced nutrition. Every nutrient your dog consumes has a purpose, and a nice balance ensures everything stays healthy. That includes the coat.
What type of food is best?
Ideally, you should aim for a product with no fillers, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives.
Fillers are empty calories with no nutritional value, and many dogs are sensitive to anything synthetic.
Replace substandard food with a premium option can make a big difference.
#6. Provide Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Some dog food manufacturers also make formulas targeting coat issues.
They usually have healthy omega-fatty acids to keep the fur in good shape. But even if you don’t have dog food with those fatty acids, you can get them in supplement form.
Whether it’s a treat or a splash of fish oil, these supplements are game-changing!
Both plant and marine-based omega-fatty acids will keep the skin supple, protect the hair follicles, and reduce irritation.
They also have other perks like better immunity, enhanced cardiovascular health, and more.
#7. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Sometimes, the solution is as simple as a lack of water. Dogs obviously need water to survive, so you probably make it available.
But are you giving your dog enough?
Dogs need about an ounce of water per pound of body weight to stay healthy. Anything less than that, your dog can experience dry skin and various health problems.
Keep your dog’s bowl full. You can also invest in a waterer with a reservoir to ensure that water is always available, even when you’re not around for refills.
If they’re not keen on drinking, try getting a pet fountain. The moving water could entice them to drink more.
#8. Provide Flea Medication
Does your dog scratch often? Fleas and dogs go hand-in-hand, but that constant scratching could contribute to the shedding problem.
Hair naturally falls out when dogs are too rough with the skin. Furthermore, many dogs suffer from flea allergy dermatitis that causes more hair to fall out than average.
Address those skin issues head-on. Provide flea and tick medication to keep all bugs away from your dog’s skin.
You can also use flea shampoos and sprays to keep itchy skin at bay.
#9. Vacuum Regularly
Here’s an easy tip: vacuum your house regularly!
This suggestion doesn’t address shedding with your dog, but it can help you gain some perspective on the issue.
Shedding always happens, but it only becomes an issue when it accumulates. That’s when you notice it most.
Vacuuming your floors and furniture more regularly can keep your home clean, making the shedding far less noticeable.
Just make sure your dog isn’t bothered by the loud noise and develops fear for the vacuumcleaner
#10. Visit a Vet
Finally, don’t hesitate to visit a vet if you feel that the shedding is off. Many health conditions can lead to excessive shedding.
If your dog loses more hair than usual, turn to your vet for guidance. They can rule out medical issues and provide recommendations to keep this issue under control.
Maintaining a Relatively Fur-Free Home
It’s impossible to stop your dog’s shedding entirely. You’ll still have to pick up some stray hairs during our regular cleaning routine. But these tips make a world of difference.
Taking care of your dog’s health, keeping up with a strict grooming routine, and more can help you say goodbye to the fluff and hello to a clean home!
Also Read: Do French Bulldogs Shed?
