Help for Dogs to Stop Shedding

Dogs are wonderful pets that can provide their owners security and companionship. The shedding of hair is one of the biggest problems associated with dogs and owners should be prepared to control this problem if they don't want to see dog hair constantly covering their furniture, carpet and clothing. Except for the rare hairless breed, all dogs will shed to some degree.

  1. Brushing

    • If you don't want dog hair to fall on your furniture, carpet or clothing, remove it from the dog before it has a chance to fall out on its own. The best way to do this is with regular brushing of the dog's coat, usually once a day.

      Pet stores sell brushes designed specifically for dogs. You also can find brushes designed for a dog's undercoat, where most of the hair is coming from.

    Bathing

    • Frequent baths followed by a brushing also help prevent excessive shedding. Use a mild shampoo designed specifically to keep a dog's skin from drying out. Use lukewarm water in the bath and only a few inches of a water in the tub. A large plastic cup works well to pour water over the dog to get it wet and to rinse it off. Have an old towel handy for drying the dog off and plan on the dog shaking itself dry.

    Good Health

    • Poor health can cause a dog to shed more than normal. If a dog's fur is thinning or showing bald spots, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

      Dog food fortified with omega 3 fatty acids can help a dog's skin and hair remain healthy. You can also buy an omega 3 fatty acid supplement that you can give your dog if you have a hard time finding food fortified with it.

      There are also supplements designed for dogs that their manufacturers claim will reduce shedding in dogs. Some of these supplements include Shed-Stop and Dinovite.