How to Control Shedding

As a pet owner, you may become dismayed when you see the amount of hair your pet leaves around your home. Unfortunately for you, shedding is a natural process with nearly all species of cats and dogs. Shedding helps to remove dead skin cells, as well as keep your pet's coat healthy. You can't eliminate your pet's shedding. However, by grooming your pet's hair and feeding it well, you can control the shedding before it becomes a problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet brush
  • Dog shampoo
  • Dog food
  • Dog supplements
  • Cat food
  • Cat shampoo
  • Cat wipes
  • Furniture covers
  • Vacuum
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Instructions

  1. Dog Shedding

    • 1
      Brushing can help with shedding.

      Groom your pet daily, Doctors Foster and Smith advise. Regular brushing will not only remove shedding fur, but brushing will also reduce the amount of shedding.

    • 2
      Take care of your dog's coat.

      Bathe your dog. According to Vetinfo, a dog will need bathing once a week during summer months to hydrate its skin and prevent drying. If your dog's skin is dry, it can result in excessive shedding.

    • 3
      Consider what you feed your dog.

      Modify what your dog eats. Dog food rich in healthy proteins can benefit your dog's fur. Also, providing your dog with a fatty acid supplement can help reduce shedding, Doctors Foster and Smith suggest.

    • 4
      Your dog's shedding may be due to stress.

      Observe your dog's stress levels. An overly stressed dog can shed more. Talk to your veterinarian about treatment options if your dog is stressed.

    • 5
      Make sure your dog remains healthy.

      See your dog's veterinarian regularly. If your dog has allergies, ensure that it's receiving the proper medication to control the allergies. Allergies can cause shedding.

    Cat Shedding

    • 6
      Provide healthy food.

      Give your cat food containing Omega 3 and 6, indicates Hartz. Foods rich in Omega 3 and 6 can help with shedding, as well as give your cat a soft coat.

    • 7
      Regularly brush.

      Brush your cat. Depending on the breed of your cat, daily to weekly brushing is necessary. Long-haired breeds require more brushing.

    • 8

      Bath your cat once every six weeks. If your cat isn't a fan of water, you can use cat wipes to remove dirt.