Disclosure: Our recommendations are based on our testing, research and analysis. We may earn a commission on products purchased using links on this page.
Nearly all dogs shed their coat; it’s a natural process that every dog undergo, even the most shed-resistance dogs such as poodles will shed occasionally.
By Guest Blogger, Andrew Garf
Weather and seasons, combined with overall health conditions, play a significant role when it comes to how much hair falls out. You can’t stop shedding altogether, but with these dog shedding tips you will learn how to keep your dog healthy and well-groomed so that you can reduce it.
1. Feed a High-Quality Diet
Better quality dog foods cost a bit more for better reasons. The nutrients in meat-rich dog foods promote better health and help control shedding and dry skin.
2. Add Fish Oils or Olive Oils
Fish oils and olive oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to reduce inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve overall coat condition. The recommended dosage to give is one teaspoon (5 mL) per 10 pounds of body weight.
3. Give Your Dog Moisture-Rich Foods
Occasionally, providing moisture-rich foods such as sliced apples, bananas, and cucumbers help to keep your dog stay hydrated. They also contain healthy nutrients that help your dog’s coat stay smooth and shiny and help reduce shedding.
Give your dog clean, fresh water as much as he wants to drink. Lacking clean, fresh water can lead to dry skin, which can cause excessive shedding and illness. Adding clean, fresh water together with moisture-rich foods into your dog’s diet can increase the water intake for your dog that helps your dog stays hydrated.
5. Brush Your Dog Regularly
Regular brushing is essential to remove excess and loose fur and spread healthy skin oils, resulting in a glossy coat. There are different types of dog brushes; depending on your dog’s fur type, you can use a bristle brush, slicker brush, or a rake. Don’t forget to use the best stick vacuum for pet hair to clean the fur.
– Bristle brushes are best for short-haired, smooth-coated dog breeds such as Terriers, and Pugs.
– Slicker brushes are best for medium or curly hair dog breeds such as Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels.
– Rakes are best for long hair, thick undercoat dog breeds such as Collies and German Shepherds.
6. Give Your Dog a Regular Baths
Regular bathing is useful to keep the loose hair fall out in the tube instead of on your furniture or car. However, it is important to research or ask your veterinarian first to learn the suggested bathing schedule for your dog’s breed since over-bathing leads to dry skin, which causes fur to fall out even further.
Be sure to brush your dog thoroughly before bath. Before bathing your dog, towel-dry him, and then blow-dry his coat using the lowest heat setting available.
As your dog’s coat becomes drier, you can brush your dog to help remove the loose hair as you dry. Keep brushing and drying until your dog is no longer damp.
7. Control Fleas
Fleas are the cause of many dogs’ skin problems. Keeping your dog free of fleas will prevent excessive shedding. Some of the most popular solutions to control fleas are natural flea remedies, flea collars, flea powders, flea shampoos, and topical treatments.
8. Visit Your Vet Regularly
A regular visit to your veterinarian is essential to help identify problems early and provide more effective treatment. It is recommended to bring your dog for a regular checkup at least once a month.
Author Resources: Trainyourgsd provides free health and grooming tips and resources for avid dog lovers.
Down to earth, common sense, proven DOG advice
Welcome to Spike’s Dog Blog by Acme Canine. Throughout the site, you will find a variety of helpful dog training articles, insightful dog behavior tips, and truthful product reviews from nationally-recognized canine trainers and professionals.
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Disclosure: Our recommendations are based on our testing, research and analysis. We may earn a commission on products purchased using links on this page. Dog grooming is an essential part of being a dog owner. It keeps your pet lovely and fluffy but also prevents fleas and other health risks that can cause discomfort to…
Like humans, dogs get dry skin. A dog’s dry skin is caused by either an allergy, a parasite or a bacterial reaction. There are several ways to treat dry skin.
