Cut Down Too Much Shedding in Dogs

Edited by Mian Sheilette Ong, Eng, Lynn, Robbi and 2 others

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When you have dogs in the house, you should expect shedding to occur. This condition involves the natural "hair fall out" or hair loss in all breeds of dogs, except for the hairless variety.

The amount of hair being shed depends on the breed of dog, the exposure to seasonal changes, and the present skin condition. You should always provide proper grooming care to your dog so that you can assess the degree of shedding that he or she has.

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There are shedding seasons that breeds undergo. During this time, you should expect substantial amounts of dog hair all over your house. You may worry that your dog is starting to lose hair, but this is just a natural change that they have to go through during the seasonal transitions.

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To help establish the ways to cut down too much shedding in dogs, you have to coordinate with your vet and with your groomer. If you pursue this endeavor, you won't have to worry about getting dog hair in and on everything, including coffee in the morning.

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Facts about shedding in dogs

  1. 1
    Shedding may be a natural event in the lives of dogs, but it still frustrates many dog owners
    .
    If you have health issues because of it, it is best that you research a breed that sheds very little or doesn't shed at all.
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  2. 2
    Doing so will help prevent you from having episodes like those who suffer from allergic asthma attacks
    .
    Generally, every animal sheds regularly. It's just part of their development and growth.
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  3. 3
    Like other animals, dogs have hair shafts that go through specific stages and this is connected to their health, environment, hormones, age, and breed classification
    .
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  4. 4
    Even if genetics is a huge consideration, the frequency and degree of shedding also has a say about the resulting structure and length of the dog's hair
    .
    Many breeds, such as Yorkies or Poodles, have hair shafts that live longer because their hair grows continuously.
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  5. 5
    Dogs like Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers have thicker undercoats and have hair shafts with short life spans
    .
    That is why they shed more.
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It is common for dog owners to hear about the term "shedding season" for their fur-babies.

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This term means that most dogs will shed off their hair more when fall and spring come. Most dogs have a double layer of coat - the second one being the undercoat. The undercoat is made up of secondary hair strands that grow around the primary hair strands.

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Undercoat strands are softer and shorter. Take note that seasonal shedding occurs because of the dramatic change in temperature. Dogs undergo the process of blowing coat, in which they shed their thick winter coats so that they can have a cooler, lighter coat.

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However, there are exceptions to the temperature influence. Breeds like the Shih Tzu and Bichon Frise have a small amount of undercoat, so they do shed a lot less during seasonal changes. On the other hand, breeds like Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, and Newfoundlands have thick, substantial undercoats, making them notorious shedders.

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It may be true that the given factors influence shedding, but there are also more specific factors, such as the dog's health that contribute to shedding excessively.

Take note of endocrine ailments, skin issues, metabolic problems, and nutrition deficiencies. These can also cause changes in your dog's hair growth rate, resulting in hair loss. If you suspect something like this, it is best that you get in touch with your veterinarian. Routine checkups and ideal nutrition are important so that early medical issues can be addressed immediately.

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How to cut down too much shedding

As a dog owner, you never want your dog to go bald. It can really be alarming to see clumps of hair everywhere inside your home. However, remember that shedding cannot be stopped. It will continue to happen because it's one of the healthy occurrences that happen in a dog's life. Minimize shedding so that your dog can be fluffier and you, less overtaken by all that hair in the house. The following are some of the ways to cut down on too much dog shedding:

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  1. 1
    Do not shave your dog
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    Doing so will interrupt the dog's ability to regulate body temperature.
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  2. 2
    Groom your dog regularly
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    Brushing and combing your dog will help you catch the dead hair strands. This is the best way to keep the dead hair from getting into and onto everything in your house. It also prevents harmful mats and promotes oil circulation in your dog's coat. Take note of the specialized brushes that help control excessive shedding. Consider de-shedding tools or rakes that reach the undercoat.
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  3. 3
    Provide high quality dog food
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    Choose dog food that has high levels of proteins and almost non-existent grains. These dog foods are much easier to digest and assimilate. The nutrients the dogs absorb quickly help in making their hair strands healthier and stronger, reducing shedding significantly.
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  4. 4
    Add healthy human grade food into their diet
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    You can incorporate organic eggs, raw meat (no bones), and steamed organic vegetables a few times during the week. These food items give more moisture to your dog's skin, helping their hair strands stay in their coats longer.
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  5. 5
    Provide additional omega 3 fatty acids
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    You can provide this through natural foods or in the form of supplements. The omega 3 fatty acid component reduces shedding significantly. It also improves the texture of the coat, relieves inflammation, and decreases dandruff.
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  6. 6
    Put fleas at bay
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    Fleas cause dogs to scratch a lot. The scratching leads to hair loss. If you control fleas, excessive shedding, dandruff, and irritation can be prevented.
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  7. 7
    Bathe your dog regularly
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    Loose hair usually falls out during bath time. However, do not bathe your dog too much because this will make their skin dry. This encourages more shedding. Get a dog guide for your specific breed. Also, consult your vet regarding the frequency of baths. Purchase a specialized grooming shampoo for your dog. This eliminates dead hair while your dog is bathing. Try a dry dog shampoo that helps you keep your dog's coat healthy. Use this only once every week.
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How to deal with the dog hair

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It's a given that whenever dogs shed, there will always be a mess. This gives you the opportunity to clean your house regularly. You can use a tape roller for clothes and upholstery. You can also use a powerful handheld vacuum to get into those tight corners. There will always be dog hair if you have dogs in the house, so you might as well clean up every day so that you won't be buried in tumbleweeds all week.

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Tips

  • Choose your dog breed wisely.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals on your dog's coat.
  • Always provide fresh water for better hydration.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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Article Info

Categories : Dogs

Recent edits by: Jen M, Robbi, Lynn

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