How to Control Shedding

Do you love your dog but hate his hair everywhere? We put up with hair on the furniture, in our cars and on our clothes just because we love them. Some dogs have been advertised as non-shedding, but that’s not true. All dogs shed in order to get rid of old, damaged and extra hair, and some shed more than others.  Breeds such as poodles, schnauzers and certain terriers are considered light shedders. Dogs with undercoats, such as huskies, labs and German sheperds, shed a ton. Shedding usually occurs during spring and fall as the seasons change, but some dogs shed year round. While you can’t stop your dog from shedding, try the following tips to control it.

1. Brush daily. This is the best thing you can do to control the amount of hair in your house. Brushing loosens the hair so you can remove it before it falls on your furniture or clothes. It will also keep your dog’s coat soft and clean.

2. Choose the best brush. A slicker brush with stainless steel pins will smooth your dog’s coat and collect hair. If your dog has a double coat, try an undercoat rake or shedding blade to quickly remove the dead hair without hurting the top coat. A mat breaker will help you brush through tangles and snarls without hurting your dog’s delicate skin.

3. Use a deshedding shampoo. This type of shampoo removes excess hair and strengthens the hair shaft without drying out the skin. Many formulas contain Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Oatmeal shampoo will also help soothe the skin for a shiny coat.

4. Bring your dog in for our Desert Dry Grooming. If you’re short on time or don’t have deshedding tools and products, drop your dog with us. We will brush, clip and dry shampoo him so the fur doesn’t fly in your house.

5. Feed a diet that encourages a healthy coat. Some manufacturers brand food specifically for healthy skin and coat. Look for a high-quality, nutritious food with fatty acids and digestible protein sources.

6. Give your dog fatty acid supplements. Increasing your pup’s intake of Omega 3 and Omega 6 will encourage a sleek, shiny coat and healthy skin.

7.  Keep allergies and parasites under control. Allergens along with fleas, ticks and other external parasites cause extreme itching which leads to lots of scratching and flying hair.

8. Remove pet hair quickly. Pet hair works its way into the fabric of your upholstery and your dog’s bed. Newly shed hair is easier to vacuum up or get off with a brush or lint roller.

Excessive shedding can be caused by ringworm, skin infection, mange, cancer, thyroid imbalance and stress. If your dog is losing lots of hair or has bald spots, take him to the veterenary for a check up.

Dawg Gone Good’s Top 4 Shedding Control Products

1. Furminator, a deshedding tool that easily removes loose undercoat to reduce shedding by 90% after 4 to 6 weeks.

2. Ark Natural’s Don’t Shed on Me, an all-natural spray-on mist with lactic acid to reduce excessive shedding and moisturize the coat.

3. Taste of the Wild, a grain-free food with an Omega fatty acid blend to maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat.

4. Happy Tails Canine Spa Fur Butter, a deep conditioning treatment that combats itching and leaves the coat silky and easy to brush.

Legal Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a vet’s professional diagnosis and treatment.