It’s totally normal for your dog to lose some of its hair by shedding. However, it can get annoying when you end up spending the entire day vacuuming piles of fluff! If you are worried that your dog may be shedding excessively, and you want to reduce the frequency and amount of hair it sheds, here’s what you need to know.
Why Do Some Dogs Shed More Than Others?
There are some breeds of dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, and Newfoundlands which tend to shed a lot. On the other hand, there are others, like Dachshunds, which seem to not shed at all. There are reasons for this difference in shedding patterns.
The main reason why there is a difference in the frequency and amount of hair shed by different dog breeds is the variation in coat type. There are some dogs, like Golden Retrievers, which have a thicker double-coat. As a result, these dogs shed a lot more hair, and they shed throughout the year.
There are also some breeds of dogs that shed seasonally. For most of these breeds, shedding occurs in the spring and fall. During spring, their coats become lighter as they prepare for the hotter summer sun. Similarly, towards winter, the coat will become thicker, and the shedding frequency will increase.
How To Manage Shedding
If you have ascertained that your dog is healthy but it still sheds too much for your liking, there are some tactics that you can use to control it. Read on to find out more about how to stop dog shedding.
Control Dog Shedding With Diet
Diet plays a part when it comes to your dog’s shedding patterns. You should ensure that your dog receives a well-balanced and healthy diet. This can go a long way when it comes to controlling its shedding frequency.
Feeding your dog a diet that is rich in essential fatty acids and high-quality protein helps to reduce excessive shedding. If the dog does not receive adequate amounts of these nutrients, it will not be able to maintain a healthy coat and it might shed excessively.
Control Shedding With Grooming
Grooming is one of the best dog shedding remedies. If you don’t know how to do it at home, it’s best to take your dog to a groomer. However, you should also brush frequently at home. This is good for their coat and skin. If you don’t have too much time on your hands, brushing twice a week will do the trick.
The Best Tools to Manage Dog Shedding
There are a few essential items that you can buy to manage your dog’s shedding. Most people use a slicker brush and a metal comb. You can also buy a hand-mitt. It is handy for short-haired dogs like Dobermans and Dalmatians. If you are not sure which tool to pick, you can always consult a dog groomer or breeder. They can help you choose the best one.
While a little bit of shedding is normal, you definitely don’t want it to get out of hand. The first step to get things under control is to find out if your dog is shedding normally. Once that’s sorted, use the tips in this article to ensure you don’t have to rid your clothes, car, and home of dog hair frequently.