How To Deal With A Shedding Dog

Most dogs go through a shedding phase at different times round the year. Some shed their coats in spring to grow a lighter coat for the approaching warmer weather, while others shed in the autumn to prepare their skin for heavier winter coats. Shedding is natural and healthy, but excessive shedding indicates a health problem. Extreme shedding occurs due to coat problems that are a result of skin allergies, skin parasites and poor nutrition. Hence, it is essential to recognize your dog’s shedding cycles and the amount they shed at each time of the year. It is best to contact a veterinarian, in case you find your dog’s coat is getting dull or shedding excessively. To treat your dog at home, read the following lines to find tips for dealing with these shedding problems.

 

 

Groom your dog properly and constantly to maintain the health of its coat and skin. Since your dog would be shedding hair, it is best to remove the hair by yourself and throw it in the trash, than letting it fall out naturally and spread all over your house. Brush your dog once a day, as this will largely reduce the unwanted hair over your clothes, carpet and furniture. Brushing also depends on the breed of dog you own, as some require brushing once in a week, while others on a daily basis. Use a slicker brush to groom your dog, to prevent hair from falling to the ground and saving you from vacuuming the place thereafter.

 

It is extremely important to give a healthy diet to your dog to prevent it from facing problems with its coat. The amount of fat content in dietary foods becomes essential to maintain a healthy coat of hair. The oil is not only important for shiny hair canine, but also for the dog’s skin that holds the hair follicles in place. This, in turn, helps in reducing the amount of hair shed during the shedding season. Also, a proper diet would mean wellbeing of the sebaceous gland which requires oil to produce hair.

 

Dogs suffering from extreme shedding problems should be switched on to dietary supplements. Supplements containing omega 3 and 6 fatty acids work best in this case. Lack of these omega 3 and 6 fatty acids can result in dry, dull coats and excessive shedding. These supplements take around one month to show noticeable improvement in the amount of shedding.

 

A healthy skin is important for a dog’s health, as dry skin can lead to dog shedding problems. Hence, ensure that your dog does not suffer from any skin conditions, as these can be very itchy or painful and can prompt your dog to scratch himself excessively. Use a medicated shampoo or an oral medication to treat these dog infections.

 

Physical problems such as ringworm, skin infections, stress, thyroid imbalance and cancer can also cause large, abnormal amounts of shedding. Bald spots can be seen, when your dog’s hair loss is abnormal. It is best to take your dog to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.