Top 5 Ways to Stop Dog Shedding Naturally
By: Afshan Aziz
Tags: Dog Care, De Shed Treatment, Dog Shedding, Dogs, Shedding

In October 2015, my father brought a police dog into our home. She was a German Shepherd with the sweetest and the most social behavior. Apart from working with my father, ‘Lola’ likes to reign around the house. She sheds anywhere she likes in the house. So, I decided to dig into some home remedies to control the shedding.

What are the reasons behind dog shedding?

Shedding is the process of getting rid of old hair as well as a form of temperature control. Dogs will have less shedding in winter for preservation. Excessive shedding is completely normal. However, some health problems may cause your pooch to shed more than it should. Your veterinarian can tell whether it is a normal shedding or some kind of medical disorder. These medical disorders could be the result of poor nutrition, stress, or allergies. The reasons behind bald patches and abnormal shedding are:

· Thyroid, adrenal and kidney problems due to dehydration and poor nutrition

· Bacterial and fungal infections

· Parasites in the coat resulting in licking and itching

· Reduced immunity

· Sunburn

How to Control Dog Shedding Naturally?

To reduce dog shedding is time-consuming. Following preventative measures and proper grooming can result in significant improvements. Remember, you cannot stop dog shedding but all you can do is reduce it.

1. Proper Nutrition:

Feeding your dog the recommended and right food at the right time is essential. To keep the hair follicles growing strong, high-quality foods is helpful. These high-quality foods include fish oil and olive oil. Fish oil and olive oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids which condition the hair and skin. Omega-3 fatty acids balanced with Omega-6 fatty acids will aid the immune health of the dog. Supplements enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for joints and the heart. Always follow the given instructions for the intake of supplements. According to most experts, the appropriate intake is 1 tsp. for about 20 pounds of weight per day. These high-quality foods are expensive. But, it is much better to spend less on vet bills and more on the health of your pet. You’ll be glad for upgrading your dog’s meals after seeing the results.

2. Hydration is Important!

Your pet needs proper hydration for healthy skin and hair. A dog’s water intake can be tricky, so you need to keep an eye on the water bowl. Each pound of the dog’s body weight counts for an ounce of water per day. Water enhances the strength and growth of the hair. Hydration also reduces itching and flaking of the skin. It results in a shinier, healthier coat.

3. Brushing/De-shedding Treatments:

Brushing and de-shedding your dog seems pretty simple, but it’s a lot more than you think. There is a technique that comes with using a de-shedding tool. A de-shedding tool is in the form of a brush with stainless steel tines rowed with sharp teeth. The technique is to brush in the same direction with long strokes and from head to tail. Make sure to not press down on the brush as the sharp teeth could cut into your dog’s skin. Depending on the coat type, brush your dog for the amount of time needed. During seasonal shedding, you might need to spend more time brushing. A Labrador usually needs 45–60 minutes during the spring season. Continue the brushing until there is no more fur in the brush. Stay consistent so you have to clean up much less around the house. The most trusted brands for a de-shedding tool are the Pet Neat, Furminator, and SleekEZ.

4. Thorough Bath:

Most of the time loose fur gets stuck into the coat of the dog. Bathing your dog will get rid of the loose fur and dead hair. You are, certainly, not planning to use human shampoo on your dog. If so, it can lead to a damaged, dry coat resulting in more shedding. What you need is either a non-drying shampoo or hypo-allergic shampoo. Using a non-drying shampoo and a conditioner will moisturize the dog’s skin. The coat will look better, fluffier, and shed less. The hypo-allergic shampoo contains moisturizing agents that improve the condition of bad skin. You can also use oatmeal and aloe shampoos for a healthy coat.

5. Visiting the Vet:

Some medical conditions cannot be treated in the above-mentioned ways. Skin allergies, parasitic/fungal infections, hormonal issues, and sunburn are some of the conditions causing chronic skin inflammation. All these conditions result in itching, hence your dog will scratch more hair from the skin. Consulting with a veterinarian can help prevent any skin disease.

We hope the above mentioned natural ways will make you more confident to control your dog’s shedding. Grooming your pup at home will allow you to bond with him/her. If shedding is getting excessive, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional groomer. You can also opt for a proper treatment plan.