What are Some Natural Ways to Decrease Dog Shedding?

How many times have you stood up from your bed or couch only to find massive clumps of dog hair stuck to your furniture or clothing? Adopting a dog is all fun and games until you have to clean up their fur from all the surfaces of your home.

It is important to realize that shedding is a natural process for dogs. Even though it may be frustrating for pet parents at times, shedding is an essential part of maintaining good skin and fur health for dogs. Pups shed mainly to rid themselves of old or damaged hair.

No matter how big or small, all dogs shed. The amount of shedding that occurs depends mainly on the breed of the dog, the time of years, and the layer of fur they have. Some dogs shed profusely while others shed seasonally.

While it would be incredible to put a complete stop to your dog’s shedding, it isn’t exactly a very realistic approach. However, the good news is that there are certain steps you can take to effectively reduce their shedding in your home.

Here are some natural ways to decrease dog shedding. 

Brush Your Dog Regularly

Brushing your dog’s hair regularly is an incredibly important part of decreasing their fur shedding. You need to make a habit to brush your dog’s fur daily or every two to three days, especially when the season is changing. This might seem like quite a demanding task, but it hardly takes about 5 to 10 minutes to brush your dog. In fact, it can be more frustrating if you’re infrequent about brushing your pup.

Every dog has a unique coat, which is why it is more than necessary to select the correct brush according to their particular fur. Bristle brushes are a fantastic option for all coat types. Considering opting for a long bristle brush if your dog has a long fur coat. On the other hand, opt for a stiff brush for a short-haired pup.

Slicker brushes are a great choice for dogs whose fur is prone to tangle and matting, while wire-pin brushes are the ideal pick for curly or woolly fur. You can also opt for rubber combs if you have a short-haired dog. Not only do rubber combs help get rid of dandruff, old hair, and dead skin, but they also provide a relaxing sensation to dogs.

Bathe Your Dog Frequently

Most people bathe their dog once every few weeks or once a month. Well, if you want to reduce your dog’s shedding, you should consider washing its coat at least once a week. Doing so helps loosen up your dog’s fur so that it can get washed away in the shower rather than ending up all over your home. Make sure to brush your pup’s coat thoroughly before and after the shower to get rid of any excessive fur. Also, avoid using heat, such as a dryer, to dry your dog as it can increase the chances of shedding.

Give Your Pup a Healthy Diet

Some pups tend to shed excessively due to nutritional deficiencies. So, if your dog is shedding more than usual, then you should probably consider going over its diet. Having a proper, healthy and nutritious diet can help decrease your dog’s shedding as good nutrition makes their hair follicles more resilient. The stronger the follicles, the more minimal the shedding due to undernourished fur.

If you’re not sure about the reason behind your dog’s excessive shedding, then you should try switching foods or mixing a tablespoon of olive oil in your pup’s food daily. Since olive oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it is great for conditioning your pup’s skin and coat.

Provide Your Dog with Nutritional Supplements

Along with providing your dog with a healthy diet, you should consider given it vitamins and minerals. Pay a visit to your vet to discuss what specially-formulated dog vitamins, supplements, and omega-3 fatty acids you should give your dog to keep it healthy and prevent it from shedding fur.

Use a Shedding Tool

Shedding tools are probably the most useful investment you can make if you get a dog. It doesn’t matter if your dog sheds seasonally or throughout the year, a shedding tool makes it extremely easy and convenient for you to get rid of dead hair from your dog’s fur. In the simplest sense, a shedding tool is a brush with steel tines that are ideal for removing extra hair from your dog’s undercoat fur. All in all, a shedding tool can help in getting rid of dead hair before your dog starts shedding it.

Keep Your Pup Hydrated

Apart from providing your dog with a healthy diet, make sure that your pup has a constant supply of fresh water. Not only is clean and fresh water essential for their health, but it also helps keep their skin hydrated, reducing the chances of shedding and hair loss.

Groom Your Dog

Grooming your dog from time to time is essential. Keeping your dog’s fur short can help reduce the amount of fur that your dog sheds. You can either make a regular grooming appointment for your dog, or invest in grooming equipment to conduct a bonding grooming session at home. Additionally, remember not to cut your dog’s fur too short as it is its only form of UV protection.

The Bottom Line

Shedding can be a huge nuisance, but there are some effective natural ways to decrease dog shedding. Helping your dog maintain a healthy diet, conducting a regular grooming session, and meeting your pup’s nutritional requirements can help maintain a healthy fur coat and keep it from shedding.