All dogs shed hair. It’s fact of life for dog owners that cannot be avoided. What is in your control is taking certain steps to limit the negative effects of too much shedding. With a plan, some consistent follow-through, and the right tools, you can quickly get a handle on the situation. The best part is, not only will you have less loose hair around your home to contend with, your dog will also be more comfortable and generally happier.
The Right Tools for the Job As with any job, having the right tools is imperative. For controlling dog shedding, you’ll need a quality dog hairbrush made for your particular dog breed’s type of coat. For shorter hair, a standard brush will do. But for longer hair and double-coated breeds, you’ll want a brush that detangles and can handle the undercoat as well.
Golden Retrievers, which are very popular in the United States, have double coats, as do German Shepherds and several other popular breeds. If you have one of these breeds, it’s a good idea to invest in an undercoat rake, which has stiffer spines and can really dig out those densely packed short hairs before they cause problems.
You’ll find many companies selling quality slickers, combs, brushes, and rakes for dogs at any local or online pet store. In fact, products such as the Petsy and Shed Ender seem to come out every day. Some dog owners just use a brush every few days, and that’s fine for many breeds. If, however, you have a real problem shedder on your hands, it might be worth a few extra dollars every month to invest in a quality shed-reducing dog shampoo or solution. A line of de-shedding products called FURminator® gets high marks from pet owners for greatly reducing the volume of hair being shed by their dogs. It comes in both shampoo and liquid pre-brush formulas.
If you have a home with multiple shedding dogs, you may want to purchase a dog hair vacuum. Dirt Devil™ makes a full line of small corded and cordless handheld vacuums that are great at sucking up loose and embedded dog hair. Even with the best grooming regimen, if you have several dogs, there will be enough shedding to make it necessary to clean up that hair from time to time.
Watch What Your Dog Eats Nutrition plays another important role in reducing shedding in dogs. Most dog owners have heard that a high-protein diet promotes a shiny, healthier coat, and that’s true. But this kind of diet also works to strengthen hair follicles, which reduces shedding significantly, especially in breeds that are prone to heavy shedding. Look for dog food and treats that are designed specifically to prevent shedding. These will usually include ingredient lists that are top-heavy with omega fatty acids and plenty of animal protein sources.
Supplements can also help reduce your dog’s propensity for shedding profuse amounts of hair. Brands like Nutri-Vet’s ‘Shed Defense’ provide heavy doses of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which vets tout as integral in reducing shedding volume. A daily chewable tablet is all it takes!
Make it a Habit The biggest key to controlling your dog’s shedding is getting into the habit of brushing him down thoroughly every few days. For short hair breeds, twice a month is plenty (unless you notice an increase in shedding, which happens when dogs get stressed). For long-haired dogs and those with double coats, daily grooming is ideal, but probably unrealistic for most busy dog owners. Try to brush your pet at least every 3 days. If it helps motivate you, think about how much more comfortable your pooch will be and how much he loves your attention! To him, you’re just petting him and giving him affection when you groom his coat.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
