What Can Be Done to Stop Dogs From Shedding So Much?

Dogs shed their fur often so that they can replace the old hair with a new coat. Dogs with longer and thicker fur may shed more often. You cannot stop your dog from shedding its fur, but you can help reduce the amount of hair in your home so that it does not bother you as much. A dog will shed its fur for other reasons as well. If your dog appears to shed fur more than usual, it may be a sign that the dog has health issues that require immediate attention.

  1. Brush Your Dog

    • Dogs need daily brushing to help reduce the fur that you find your home. Brushing the fur removes the excess hair so that the coat remains soft and clean. Drs. Foster and Smith suggest using the right brush to remove the excess fur. Brushes contain different types of bristles and sometimes you may need to use more than one type of brush. Ask your local pet store if they have a brush specifically for dogs and hair removal. Always brush the dog in the direction of the fur growth.

    Diet

    • A dog will shed its fur if it is not receiving the proper amount of nutrients. Dogs need protein and a well-balanced diet to remain healthy. Sometimes cheaper foods do not contain enough nutrients that your dog needs. Ask your veterinarian for information on high quality foods. Dogster states that the food should list meat as the first ingredient. While the high quality food may cost more, you will not have to feed the dog as much for it to become full and satisfied.

    Supplements

    • An omega supplement helps to keep your dog's coat shiny and healthy. Ecolife lists omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids as the two essential acids that will help to prevent shedding. Adding 1 tsp. of olive oil to your pet's food daily can add these essential supplements to their diet, but it can take as long as three months before you see successful results. Dogster also states that olive oil can result in loose stools, so always consult your veterinarian before you begin adding supplements to your dog's diet.

    Allergies

    • Food and flea allergies often cause hair loss in dogs. Veterinarians can perform an allergy test or examine your dog to determine if allergies are a culprit. The veterinarian can also prescribe medicine to help soothe the itching feeling. Drs. Foster and Smith suggest using a flea preventative once a month to help combat allergies. Eliminating the allergies or reducing them significantly will result in less hair loss. Excessive fur loss can also be attributed to an illness, so always consult your veterinarian to ensure that your dog remains healthy.

    Clean Up

    • When you notice excessive dog fur in your home, clean it up as soon as possible. Vacuum the floors frequently, use lint rollers to remove hair from upholstery and wash fabrics often. K9 Magazine lists sweeping loose dog hair from hardwood and vinyl floors with a dampened mop and removing loose hair from furniture with a damp sponge to help keep your home clean. Cleaning up the dog hair ensures that your home remains clean and it helps you to determine how much fur your dog sheds daily so that you can monitor it closely.