Home Remedies for Shedding Dogs

They may be man's best friend, but there are downsides to owning a dog. One of the most common complaints among dog owners it the "S" word: shedding. All dogs shed, some much more than others. There are no magic fixes for shedding, but there are tips you can try to help reduce the amount of hair around the house.

  1. Diet

    • Many brands of dog food feature products specially formulated to help reduce shedding. Good quality dog foods will list meat as a main ingredient. Try feeding your dog one of these foods or any diet high in protein and fatty acids. Some pet owners have also had success adding a raw egg yolk or a teaspoon of olive or flaxseed oil to their dog's food. Omega fatty acid supplements are also available at most pet supply stores and may help control shedding.

    Grooming

    • Keeping your dog well-groomed is essential in helping to control shedding. Dogs should be groomed daily to keep their coats shiny and healthy. You can help your dog maintain a healthy coat by brushing him every day in opposite directions. Use a shedding blade to remove excess hair. Pay extra attention to your dog's undercoat, which is an especially high-shedding area. Visit your local pet store for a variety of shedding tools and brushes.

    Bathing

    • Bathe your dog occasionally with a gentle, non-drying shampoo. Oatmeal shampoos clean without drying out your dog's skin. As you shampoo the dog, you'll also remove any loose hair, and your dog will be left with a clean, shiny coat. Bathing too often, on the other hand, will dry out your dog's skin and coat and cause even more shedding to occur. Dogs should not be bathed frequently. Bathe in room-temperature water and never blow dry with high heat.