5 Tips to Help You Manage a Shedding Dog
When looking to bring a canine into your home, one of the most significant factors influencing your decision is shedding. You may wish to look for a dog that sheds little to stop your allergies from flaring up.
Plus, if you’re someone who’s regularly on the go and not got the time to do regular housework, then you will want to opt for a hypoallergenic or low shedding breed. But, it’s essential to know that every dog does shed fur, even if it’s a little.
In all honesty, it’s something you can’t avoid altogether, but you can maintain and prevent lots of hairs from accumulating in your home. After all, the team at Jet Pet Resort sees thousands of dogs each year, sees many different types of dog coats and cleaned up after many shedders.
But, before we give you some solid advice on how to manage your dog shedding, let’s explore why they do so and when they’re more likely to shed.
Why do dogs shed?
If you’ve noticed your dog shedding, you’ve gone to google and come here to find a solution to your problem. Well, don’t worry, shedding is not too much of a problem for dogs as it’s something natural they all go through. The amount they shed, though, depends on the time of year, breed and the coat they have.
What months do dogs shed the most?
Many dogs shed in-between seasons. The most common seasons they shed is during spring and fall. They tend to shed during these periods so that their bodies don’t overheat from a thick coat in warmer seasons. Similarly, dogs tend to shed more during fall because they’re making room for a thicker winter coat.
What are the worst shedding dogs?
If you’re looking to bring a dog into your home that is not a heavy shedder, then you will want to avoid certain breeds that shed a lot. Generally, you will want to avoid dogs that have a thick or double coat.
The dog breeds with these qualities and shed a lot are Siberian Husky, Rotweiller, German Shepherd, Pomeranian, Bernese Mountain Dog, Beagle, American Eskimo, Border Collie, Pembroke Welsh Sheepdog, Labrador Retriever, Chow Chow, Shetland Sheepdog, Akita and many more.
What causes a dog to shed excessively?
While shedding is normal, sometimes dogs can shed more than usual. If you think your dog is shedding more frequently, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
- Imbalanced diet: If your dog is consuming cheap dog food and is not getting the high-quality materials in its diet that it needs, then it might be shedding due to malnutrition.
- Stress: Has your dog had a chance to their routine? Sometimes when dogs become stressed from a new routine, a new animal is brought into their home or anything else, they may shed more due to stress.
- Parasites on their skin: Have you noticed your dog scratching or itching its fur? Sometimes it might have parasites, ticks or infection, causing them to shed more.
- Underlying illnesses: Sometimes, common diseases link ringworm, thyroid problems, Cushing’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and many more can cause excess shedding.
If you feel like your dog may have any of these, you should immediately consult your veterinarian.
5 top dog shedding tips
Now you have a basic insight into why your dog might shed, let us share with you 5 epic tips on keeping their shedding to a minimum.
Brush your dog regularly
You must start brushing them from a young age, no matter what breed your dog is. The earlier you start, the more likely your dog will get used to being brushed and consider it a regular part of their routine. ‘The amount of loose hair that you will comb out and the brush’s massage help the coat and fur stay healthy.
This results in less time at the groomer and the vet. The frequency is dependent on how much hair your dog has. Remember, dog grooming is also a bonding experience with your dog. Make special time for it, and it can be a therapeutic experience for both of you!
Increase your dog’s omega intake
Many dog foods claim to supplement their formulas with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, but the amount is usually not enough to do any good. Omega-3 and Omega-6 can really improve your dog’s skin and coat. High-quality fish oils and premium canine skin supplements should contain a combination of both Omega-3’s and 6’s. Most dogs find these very tasteful, and you should start to see a difference in as little as a month.
Monitor your dog’s diet
If your dog is eating food containing corn, wheat, soy or by-products, some of the excess fur on your dog is likely due to their diet. Consider changing the diet to a protein-rich diet (protein is the first ingredient) vs. a grain diet. With this premium food diet, you should see an improvement in the coat, and you will feed less! So the cost is offset. You may also want to look into a raw food diet.
Speak to your local veterinarian
If your dog is shedding more than usual, it could be a cause for concern. Similarly, if you notice your dog becoming more irritated by their skin, such as having biting, itching or scratching their fur, you should consult a vet. Your dog must have regular vet checkups to help keep you aware of any underlying issues your pet may be experiencing that could contribute to any shedding issues.
- Get A Good Vacuum
Only after replacing their vacuums several times, many pet owners discover that it would have been cheaper to get a better vacuum right from the beginning. No matter what you do, your dog is going to shed. With that in mind, invest in a good vacuum. Ensure that the vacuum you choose will stand up to heavy dog hair pickup, make the process easy, and won’t be more than work than it needs to be.
There you go! Five easy-to-change tips to help you manage your dog’s shedding and to get your dog’s coat looking better than ever before. And remember, no matter how your dog’s fur is today, we can always make him or her look like a million bucks after a trip to our spa.
Whether you want to treat your dog to a bath, a massage, or even the works with a full groom, we can handle it! It’s the perfect way to pick your dog up after their stay with us. Check out the Jet Pet Resort Spa menu.
FAQS
Is coconut oil good for dogs shedding?
To prevent your dogs skin from flaking, coconut oil is a great way to add moisture. It makes their coat rich, contributes to healthy skin and reduces the amount of shedding.
What vitamins help with dog shedding?
As highlighted above, you must give your dog food that’s high in omega 3 fatty acids to add nourishment to their coat. In particular, you could give your dog food such as salmon or tuna to help with its coat.
Do eggs stop dogs from shedding?
Eggs are a great source of protein and contain lots of amino and fatty acids. If you feed your dog them, it will help protect their skin and coat.