If you answered YES! to is dog shedding too much? Then you like many dog lovers need these 8 ways to manage shedding and fur from fur babies.
Dog hair on clothing seems to be the siren of pet lovers. Shedding is perfectly normal among healthy dogs, they are simply dropping their old hair to make way for the new batch as part of their natural hair growth cycle. But sometimes it seems that dog shedding is too much. Dog shedding can wreak havoc on our homes, clothes, cars, and more. Which causes some to seek dog shedding help. So we gathered these top tips, dog shedding tool recommendations and dog shedding home remedies to manage the natural process of dog shedding.
Is My Dog Shedding Too Much?
First, it is difficult to know if your dog is shedding too much since there is not necessarily a shedding normal, advises Dr. Cruzen DVM. The amount of shedding that is “normal” depends on the breed of a dog or cat and an array of variables including anatomy, physiology, and genetics. Some dogs and cats are just heavy shedders, the length of hair is not necessarily a predictor of the amount of shedding as we can tell by Labradors, voracious dog shedders without long hair. With these tips, you can at least get some dog shedding help.
Why Does My Dog Shed Excessively?
It may seem like your dog is shedding excessively or it may be real and there may be a cause that you can address. There are several reasons why a dog may shed excessively:
Seasonal shedding: Many dogs shed their coat heavily in the spring and fall as they prepare for warmer or cooler weather.
Poor nutrition: Dogs that are not receiving a balanced diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals can experience hair loss and excessive shedding.
Skin allergies: Allergies to environmental factors, such as dust, pollen, or certain foods, can cause a dog’s skin to become itchy and inflamed, leading to excessive shedding.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or cancer, can cause a dog to shed excessively.
Stress: Stress and anxiety can cause a dog to lose hair and shed excessively.
Genetics: Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to shedding than others, such as Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
Parasites: Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause skin irritation and hair loss, leading to excessive shedding.
Hormonal imbalances: Dogs with hormonal imbalances, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid, can experience hair loss and excessive shedding.
Poor grooming habits: Dogs that are not regularly brushed or bathed can develop mats and tangles in their coat, leading to excessive shedding.
It is important to note that some amount of shedding is normal for dogs, and the amount can vary based on breed, age, and other factors. However, if you notice excessive shedding, bald patches, or other signs of skin irritation or discomfort in your dog, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Top Tips to Manage Dog Shedding
1) Groom Your Dog Regularly
When you feel like you need dog shedding help a quick brush will do wonders. Dogs’ coats will change with the seasons. To not only keep their coat healthy but to capture the dog fur that comes off, you can use a handy dog shedding tool to facilitate the dog shedding so you do not have to otherwise find the dog hair on carpets and clothing.
Try brushing your pet once a day for not only bonding but increased circulation and health. If you cannot get to it then regular stints at the pet groomer will also help considerably.
2) Dog Shedding Tools.
There has been a lot of innovation with respect to dog shedding tools which seem to all have been developed out of necessity to get you some dog shedding help so why not take advantage and get the best one’s.
For a short-haired dog, we liked the Furliminator and think it will be a welcome addition to your grooming routine while for long-haired dogs we like the undercoat rake or the Furliminator for long-haired dogs.
We also really like tools that serve as alternatives to brushes like shedding blades or gloves, or curry combs for short-haired dogs as long as they are used gently. Some of these these are inspired by the horse world and have proved successful in shedding out horses so why not try with your dog for some shedding help?
3) Nutritional Supplements for Dog Shedding
If your dog is shedding too much it may be because of his diet. A poor diet can increase dog shedding due to impurities in the ingredients that put additional stress on kidneys and liver resulting in shedding and other health issues along with having a poor balance of health oils that will result in a healthy coat to prevent your dog from shedding too much.
Some articles mention black strap molasses as a home remedy with a dosing of 1 teaspoon/10lbs daily. If your pet’s hair is healthy, then it’s less likely to fall out prematurely. If your dog or cat is deficient in some of the nutrients required for a healthy hair coat, then molasses can help with B vitamins, copper, iron, antioxidants.
There are several other products on the market to stop shedding but most just contain a variety of omega oils and you can capture the same benefits by adding flax or fish oil to your pets food. Some pet lovers also swear by biotin which we do not believe impacts shedding in an of itself but will support healthy hair as it grows.
4) Dog Shedding Home Remedies.Various home remedies abound to stop shedding including adding apple cider vinegar to your pet’s diet in the following dosages:
- 1 tsp for dogs up to 14 lbs
- 2 tsp for dogs 15 to 34 lbs
- 1 tbsp for dogs 35 to 84 lbs
Apple cider has many health benefits for dogs and those that deal with dog shedding include serving as probiotic and assisting with creating a healthy gut biome just as in people. A healthy gut has many benefits including an effect on natural shedding. Apple cider has the added benefit of fending off fleas and ticks.
Stress in dogs, like people can be responsible for excess shedding. According to VCA hospitals, show dogs that become nervous in the show ring often “blow their coat”. Dogs also shed a lot when in the veterinary clinic. Although less noticeable in outside settings, such as visiting a new dog park, shedding increases when a dog is anxious.
Stressful situations maybe possible to avoid but we can assist our pets with managing stress by using natural products like Calm CBD Hemp Spray. Our CBD Hemp spray for dogs is a breakthrough in helping to manage physical and dog anxiety and dog distress.
This revolutionary formulation is nano hemp that is water-soluble hemp and combines our premium US grown premium Hemp with Natural Terpenes and best-of-class ingredients carefully selected for their organic, natural wellness benefits. You can spray in your dogs mouth for a quick sense of calm or spray on a Calming CBD dog chews. to make a calming CBD pet chew.
6) Bathing Your Dog
I am not sure if you have ever noticed but a bath does facilitate a lot of hair loss. Dead hair will come off in the bath which can provide dog shedding help as you won’t be cleaning it off of yourself or furniture.
However, with baths keep in mind that natural and healthy shampoos are the best as artificial ingredients may cause irritation that is visibly present or not and cause greater hair loss.
Also be sure to rinse dogs well. Any soap left on the hair will also cause irritation. Near then end of the bath dogs may be getting antsy which can be difficult but very worth riding it out to ensure that all soap is removed from the skin.
Finally we are beach lovers and find the beach a welcome place to enjoy with our dogs. At the same time be sure to wash all excess sand off of your pets so they do not have skin irritation and clogged follicles which will increase shedding.
7) Choose the Correct Brush
We talk a lot about brushes and the different types in our article on five top pet grooming tips and choosing a brush for a long haired dog article since all dog brushes are not created equal and each has a particular job. When seeking dog shedding help use the correct brush to get the most effect.
8) Consider Fabrics and Materials in Your Home
Dogs simply do not stop shedding, it is a natural function but you can get dog shedding help by choosing the correct fabrics for your home. Leathers and microfibers will make is easier to clean furniture and hard floors as opposed to carpet will serve you well when trying to manage shedding.
In our house we also try to pick clothes that match our dogs coat 🙂
Conclusion
Unfortunately there is no getting around dog shedding. Dog shedding is a natural process that cannot be eliminated but certainly controlled and made more manageable. Dog shedding help does come in the form of home remedies, dog shedding nutritional supplements and just managing dog shedding with some good old home décor selections to make life easier when it does occur.
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You may also be interested in the Ultimate Guide to Heartworm
Diatomaceous Earth for Dogs and Cats FAQ
Diatomaceous earth is great for dogs and is safe to ingest and put on their skin, sniffing diatomaceous earth is not a problem but dog owners do need to be careful that dogs do not inhale DE further. The silica in DE can be harmful to dog and cat lungs, especially pets with respiratory issues. The many benefits of DE make it a useful pet wellness tool.
Since DE is an excellent addition to food due to its ability to kill parasites, bind collagen and support a healthy coat and joints, licking DE is not only beneficial but suggested. DE is safe for dogs but dog lovers should get food grade DE to be safe.
Diatomaceous earth will not harm dogs. DE is non-toxic and actually helpful for dogs due to its many wellness attributes. Pet lovers have found many benefits to adding DE to their pet’s food to help support a healthy coat and fend off parasites and on externally to help with fleas and ticks.
Dog Shedding FAQ
There are several reasons why your dog may shed excessively some common reasons include:
Seasonal shedding: Many dogs shed their coat heavily in the spring and fall as they prepare for warmer or cooler weather.
Poor nutrition: Dogs that are not receiving a balanced diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals can experience hair loss and excessive shedding.
Skin allergies: Allergies to environmental factors, such as dust, pollen, or certain foods, can cause a dog’s skin to become itchy and inflamed, leading to excessive shedding.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or cancer, can cause a dog to shed excessively.
Stress: Stress and anxiety can cause a dog to lose hair and shed excessively.
The months that many dogs tend to shed the most are during the spring and fall months, which are transitional periods between warm and cold weather. During the spring months, dogs shed their winter coat to make way for a lighter, cooler summer coat. This shedding is triggered by the longer days and warmer temperatures of spring, which signal to the dog’s body that it is time to shed.
Similarly, during the fall months, dogs shed their summer coat to make way for a thicker, warmer winter coat. This shedding is triggered by the shorter days and cooler temperatures of fall, which signal to the dog’s body that it is time to grow a thicker coat.
Dogs do tend to shed more when they are sick. Illness or certain medical conditions can cause dogs to shed more than usual. For example, dogs with certain skin conditions, such as infections or allergies, may experience hair loss and increased shedding. Similarly, hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can cause dogs to shed excessively.
It is important to note that while shedding can be a symptom of illness or disease in dogs, it is not always a cause for concern. Many dogs shed regularly as part of their normal hair growth cycle, and shedding can also be influenced by factors such as diet, grooming, and environmental conditions.
