How To Stop Dog Shedding: 4 Must-Follow Steps
Almost all breeds of dogs shed their fur throughout the year, including short-hair, mono-coat breeds like Greyhounds and Boxers. The shaggy long-hair pooches with double coats, on the other hand, are the ones you have to pay special attention to. These pups are known for depositing tufts of fur all around the home, all year round. It's worst in the springtime and late autumn, when most breeds blow out their thick coats, leaving large volumes of stray hairs drifting everywhere. If you have a dog who routinely sheds all over your clothing and furnishing, here are four must-follow steps on how to stop dog shedding.
Brush Your Dog Every Day or Week
Grooming your dog is one of the most essential tasks you should do to reduce shedding and maintain the health of his coat. Brushing aids in the removal of dead fur—this means there will be a lot fewer hairs flying about the house! Furthermore, by eliminating dead fur, you prevent any matted growths, which will demand even more intensive dematting and likely professional grooming if allowed to develop. Also, combing your dog's fur enables you to infuse the natural oils from their skin into their hair, keeping their coat shiny while also strengthening it.
The majority of dog breeds require only a weekly or biweekly brushing. However, during the springtime shedding period, this might increase, particularly for breeds with dense undercoats, such as Siberian Huskies and Samoyeds. Dogs with long, smooth hair, such as Afghan Hounds and Lhasa Apsos, might require brushing every day.
Use a De-Shedding Rake
A de-shedding rake differs from a standard detangling brush. It’s one of the most effective methods for reducing shedding as it tackles your dog's undercoat, where the majority of fur is lost from. Normal brushing only targets your dog's top layer of fur. As dogs shed year-round, you could opt to incorporate a twice-monthly or weekly de-shedding treatment into your pup’s grooming routine.
Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Bathing your pup on a regular basis is a great idea for a variety of reasons. It leaves your pup's skin and coat fresh-smelling and clean! It also eliminates dead skin and fur, which if left alone can cause matting and lead to a range of ailments. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners will aid in keeping your dog's coat tidy and silky. This will make brushing your dog a painless and enjoyable activity for both of you!
If your pup is especially likely to shed, swap out your standard dog shampoo for a specialized de-shedding one. These shampoos, which are high in omega fatty acids, help support thick and resilient hair follicles, minimizing shedding in the long run.
Provide Nourishing and Well-Balanced Food
A dog's coat is almost completely composed of protein. That's why vitamins and minerals like omega fatty acids and biotin are necessary for its good maintenance. To preserve your dog's fur in its finest condition, be sure to provide him with a well-balanced diet. If your pup's food lacks essential nutrients, his hair may turn dry, thin, brittle, or break off. Examine the contents of your dog's food and consult your veterinarian if in doubt to ask if some extra supplements are required.
