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Reducing Your Dog’s Shedding Now!
Every dog owner – or pet owner, in that case can relate when I say that we all have struggles and problems that we encounter each day because of our pets. These problems define us as pet owners and help us to be more responsible and caring towards our dogs. One common struggle shared by most if not all dog owners is the dreaded dog shedding.
We all have experienced seeing clumps of dog hair in every corner of our house and we all know that the culprit is none other than our beloved pups. But, did you know that there are ways to reduce the amount of dog shedding done by your dogs? Since this is a natural occurrence and can’t be prevented, the best that you can do is reduce the amount by following our tips, advices, and guides to reduce excessive dog shedding.
Dog Shedding, What Is It?
All animals with hair undergo shedding on a regular basis. This is a part of the natural life cycle of hair shafts in the follicles. Just like human hair, hair shafts go through several phases of growth and shedding. Though this is a natural occurrence, the growth and shedding of the dog hair will depend and vary on the dog’s breed, type, size, age, environment, hormones, and health. The factors mentioned affect the length and texture of the hair although genetics will always be a predominant factor.
Example of dog breeds that sheds less hair and have longer hair life spans are Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. Labradors and Huskies, on the other hand, have shorter hair life spans and thicker undercoats, resulting to a more frequent shedding. Generally, the seasons also contribute to the dog shedding since dogs grow more hair during winter and shed them all in the spring.
Reducing Dog Shedding
Dog shedding is really a natural process and there is no way to stop it. However, dog shedding can also be the result of poor nutrition, stress, or a medical problem. The moment you notice that your dog is shedding hair more than usual, it is best that you consult with a veterinarian to determine what could be the reason behind your dog’s excessive shedding. Worst case scenario, there might be an underlying disorder that is causing it. Here are some of the ways you can reduce the dog shedding.
Feed Your Dog a High Quality Diet
A healthy diet is an easy way to help your dog in reducing their shedding. Start by looking at the ingredients of your dog food since most dog foods only contain fillers as the ingredients. This does not provide nutrients for your dogs. Instead, look for dog foods which contain meat as the main ingredients because this is the type of dog food that contains the proper amount of nutrients needed for your pup. Keep in mind that this type of dog food will cost more than the average dog food but the nutrients included are easily digested and absorbed by the dog’s body.
Remember that a better nutrition and a healthy diet will surely help reduce dog shedding but will not totally stop it. Food allergies can also occur in dogs and may sometimes trigger excessive dog shedding so be careful with what you feed to your dog.
Occasionally Give Human Food as Snacks
Cucumber, lean meat, and sliced apples without the seeds and pit are all examples of human food that are safe to eat by dogs. These foods are rich in moisture and can help in keeping your dog hydrated which can further reduce the amount of shedding. Aside from this, these are nutrient filled foods that can also help in maintaining your dog’s fur or hair shiny and strong, which is helpful if you want to lessen the shedding done by your canine companion. Just remember that treats should be given only occasionally and not all the time since a healthy diet must contain high quality dog food.
Furthermore, not all typical ‘human food’ is safe to be consumed by your dog. Research online on what is safe for dog consumption and be mindful of food allergies that might trigger reactions.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
As mentioned earlier, keeping your dog hydrated can contribute positively if you want to reduce dog shedding. Give your dog easy access to a clean and fresh water supply daily to avoid dehydration. If your dog is not properly hydrated, it can lead to dry skin which is not only a factor in excessive dog shedding, but can also lead to illnesses. When leaving your dog for work or vacation, it is best that you leave them enough amount of water ready for them to drink. The same can be said after you have played with your dog or after a tedious walk in the dog park. Keep your pups hydrated everyone!
Grooming and Hygiene
Aside from food, keeping your dog clean can also help in reducing dog shedding. Brush your dog’s coat regularly to avoid hair lumps and remove dust, dirt, and other debris that might get stuck in your dog’s hair. Luckily we've got a nice selection of combs for dogs to help. Dogs with thick coats need constant grooming since they are more prone to shedding than other dogs. If you need something thicker the right solution might be dog tweezers. Giving them baths is also important to assure that your dog is clean and fresh outside. Be sure to keep them dry with a doggy towel.
If your dog is a heavy shedder, make sure that you use a proper and safe ‘de-shedding tool’ to remove the excess hair. Consult with your veterinarian on how to safely use these tools because you might injure your dog if you are not careful with it. Regularly checking your dog for fleas is also recommended.
It might be a bit frustrating to experience dog shedding, especially during shedding seasons. The mess is enough for dog owners to lose their nuts no matter how much they love their dogs. Still, this is part of our responsibility as pet owners and not taking care of this will do more harm than good. Follow our tips above to reduce dog shedding! Got other tips and advices to share? Tell us in the comments!
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