How to Prevent Dog Hair Shedding

Oh, how you love your dog's soft fur; just not on the carpet, the furniture and your clothing. Certain dog breeds shed more noticeably than others, but you are likely to experience some degree of shedding from any dog that shares your home. If this is an issue, you can take steps to prevent shedding to a great enough degree that you and your dog will be more comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Grooming implements, including brush and shedding blade
  • Fatty acid supplement
  • High-quality dog food
  • Flea and tick medication
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to a veterinarian to make sure the shedding is not caused by a medical issue. Have the dog tested and follow your vet's treatment course, if necessary.

    • 2

      Treat your dog for fleas and other parasites by using medication as required or prescribed. This will prevent scratching, which leads to shedding. Consult with your veterinarian about the appropriate anti-parasitic treatment for your dog.

    • 3

      Bathe your dog once a week with dog shampoo. This will remove some of the excess hair and help keep the skin healthy.

    • 4

      Use a shedding blade, an instrument with a plastic or leather handle that holds a loop of metal with dull teeth, on your dog's hair. Be sure to buy the implement that is right for your dog; various sizes are available. They work especially well on dogs with short coats but are less effective on long-haired breeds

    • 5

      Brush your dog with the appropriate grooming implement or brush. Generally, the longer your dog's hair is, the more widely spaced the bristles should be. Wire-pin instruments work well on medium to long hair, and flat-topped "slicker brushes"or de-matting brushes are used to remove tangles and mats.

    • 6

      Feed your dog more fatty acids, either through an enriched food or supplement. Consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet or adding a supplement to it. Fatty acids help dogs develop strong, healthy coats.

    • 7

      Choose a dog food that contains only high-quality ingredients, which is important for a healthy coat. All foods with meat byproducts should be avoided and protein sources should be listed specifically. The grain source should also be specific. Look for ingredients like "ground brown rice," for example, and avoid foods that contain corn, soy or wheat. Additional ingredients to look for that point to quality include fruits, vegetables other than corn, barley, flax seed oil, sunflower oil, oats and probiotics.