How to Reduce Dog Shedding and Keep a Healthy Coat

It is frustrating when your dog’s beautiful thick and shiny coat becomes thin and dull. But is it preventable? Here’s all you need to know about shedding and how to maintain a healthy dog fur.

Shedding is natural for dogs. It’s an essential part of their body systems that allows them to adopt weather conditions. That is why you may notice your fur baby getting fluffier during winter then loosing hair when summer is coming. A coat helps pooches regulate their body temperature and protect them from cold weathers.

All dogs shed but the amount of hair fall depends on the breed, time of the year, and type of coat. There are two types of dog fur: single coated and double coated. The breeds with double coats shed a lot compared to single coated breeds. This is because double coated dogs get rid of their long and thick winter coat during spring time in preparation for summer. Then drop their short and thin summer hair during fall to grow back their winter fur.

Single coated dogs are less likely to shed. It is not even noticeable. That is why they are ideal for people who have allergies. Single coated breeds include: poodle, Maltese, Afghan hound, Chinese crested, schnauzer, and bichon frise. Examples of double coated breeds are: border collies, Labrador retrievers, beagles, corgis, German shepherds, and Siberian huskies.

Although it’s natural for some dogs to shed heavily, hair loss can also be caused by health issues or skin problems. For instance, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism or congenital problems like follicular dysplasia. Nutrient deficiency is another contributing factor to abnormal shedding. Getting a proper nutrition is highly essential in maintaining a healthy coat.

It’s important to make sure that your pooch is free from parasites. Whether internal or external. Worms in pets’ tummies can interfere with their absorption of nutrients needed for healthy hair. Ticks, mites, and flees on the other hand can affect the skin’s nourishment. Causing dry, dull, and brittle hair.

Watch out for skin allergies. Observe your pooch’s reaction when introducing new food to him/her. Itchiness from allergies encourages scratching which can damage the skin. Maintaining a healthy skin is critical for coat’s health. As a dry, irritated, and wounded skin can affect hair growth and strength. Therefore, an unhealthy skin can cause fur to dry and fall-out.

Proper care of a dog’s fur can prevent shedding. Carefully choose your pooch’s shampoo as some are too strong, washing out the natural oils in the skin. Which are essential to nourish the coat. It’s crucial to avoid excessive bathing as this too removes the oil that helps moisten and strengthen the pet’s hair. The recommended bath frequency for pooches is every 4 weeks. Allowing their skin to secrete oils and moisten the hair. Making it shine and healthy.

Regular brushing is critical for coat care. This helps remove old and fallen fur allowing new hairs to grow healthily. This also stimulate secretion of oils in the skin making the coat shiny. Moreover, brushing helps remove tangled hair which can lead to matting.

What seems normal for some dogs may be a result of underlying health issue, allergy, or skin problem in your fur baby. If you suspect excessive shedding in your pet, it is best to consult a vet for professional advice.