4 Expert Tips to Control Your Dog’s Shedding
Despite what you may have heard, all dogs shed — in fact, shedding is normal and healthy! Shedding is part of the natural cycle of hair growth — when the hair stops growing, it is shed to make room for new hair. But that doesn’t make it any less frustrating to pet parents. Keeping dog fur off clothing, furniture and the floor can feel like a never-ending battle!
Breed matters when it comes to the amount of shedding you have to manage. Some dogs shed seasonally in the spring and fall, while others shed all year long! For example, Alaskan Malamutes blow their entire coats twice a year, but other breeds, like the Italian Greyhound or French Bulldog, shed far less. While routine care is still important for their long-term health, they don’t need to be groomed as often.
Generally speaking, breeds with a double coat shed the most. When you add long hair into the mix, like the Border Collie, you’re looking at some of the worst shedding culprits.
Your dog’s coat plays an important role in regulating their body temperature; it provides insulation that keeps them warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. It also protects their skin from extreme temperatures, sun damage, and water. You should never shave a double-coated dog as a way to control blowing coat. Many well-meaning pup parents think that shaving their double-coated breed will help keep them cool, but it will actually do the opposite!
While you can never completely stop your dog from shedding, you can take some proactive measures to control it. Here are four tried and true tips recommended by experts:
How to reduce dog shedding
REGULAR BRUSHING
Between baths, regular brushing removes loose hair before it ends up flying around your house. Brushing also distributes the oils on your dog’s skin more evenly, helping the fur stay in place longer. Even just one minute of brushing every day will save time and effort spent dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming. And, as an added bonus, brushing can be a great way to spend time with your pup!
PROFESSIONAL SHEDDING TREATMENTS
Scenthound’s Shedding Treatment promotes healthy skin and coat, and helps remove loose hair. Specially formulated de-shedding shampoo and conditioner, fortified with moisturizers and omega fatty acids, hydrate your dog’s skin and coat to create healthier, stronger hair follicles.
The pros at Scenthound are trained on how to use the right tools and techniques to remove as much loose undercoat hair as possible, without damaging the topcoat. This process stimulates the hair follicle, which releases oils that improve coat health and add shine. It also removes dirt, dry skin cells, and dandruff, and can help prevent painful matting.
Adding the Shedding Treatment to your pup’s monthly grooming routine is one of the most effective ways to combat shedding. Plus, you’ll save 25% with our Monthly Shedding Program! Start by finding a Scenthound near you.
HEALTHY DIET
For dogs (and humans, too!), the right diet can help keep shedding down. Getting in all of the essential vitamins and minerals, especially iron, helps hair remain in place.
The best way to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrition is by feeding them high-quality dog food. A dog who eats a complete and balanced diet will get adequate vitamins and nutrients to keep their hair follicles strong and resilient.
Some dogs may benefit from an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to promote healthy hair growth, in addition to supporting joint, heart, and immune health. Your veterinarian can point you towards the right foods and supplements for your dog.
HYDRATION
Just like diet, being properly hydrated can impact your dog’s shedding. Getting enough water is not only essential to their overall health, it also counteracts dehydrated skin which is a major cause of hair loss.
It’s important to make sure your dog always has access to clean, fresh water. Tracking the exact amount your dog is drinking can be tricky, but the general rule is that your pup should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. A hydrated dog is a healthy dog whose shedding will remain under control.
Shedding is simply a fact of life when you have a dog in the family, but with the right strategy, you can minimize its effects. When you combine a balanced diet, proper hydration, and routine basic grooming and brushing, you get a happy, healthy dog — and less hair flying around your house. Shedding can be a nuisance, but I think we can agree — the love of a dog makes it totally worth it.
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Dr. Jim MacLean
Chief Veterinarian, Scenthound
Dr. MacLean’s first job was working as a grooming assistant when he was 15 years old. Since then, he has worked in every aspect of small animal veterinary hospitals, has practiced in small animal medicine and surgery for 26 years, and has owned and started multi-doctor veterinary hospitals.
With a mind for both medicine and business, Jim received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from VMRCVM at Virginia Tech in 1994 and his MBA from Georgetown University in 2011.
Coming full circle, he joined the Scenthound pack to bring his expertise and experience to the grooming world. As chief veterinarian, Dr. MacLean guides Scenthound from a health and medicine perspective and helps achieve our mission to improve overall pet health on a broader scale.