Both dogs and cats are natural shedders. This is part of their makeup to adapt to their environment and different health concerns. While most dogs shed because of the season and weather, there are those that shed which indicate issues in their health. The latter kind must be brought to the veterinarian to be diagnosed.
Different breeds show difference in the way a dog sheds fur. There are certain breeds that shed all-year round, such as the German Shepherd, while there are some that only do so occasionally. Whether it’s a constant or intermittent thing, pets shedding off their coat could be a bother. If you’ve been looking for ways to reduce the way your dog sheds off its coat, check out the tips below.
Stop Excessive Shedding Through Proper Diet and Nutrition
One way pet owners could prevent their animals from shedding is by giving it the right diet and nutrition. It is important that they get a high quality diet as anything less could affect their system and result to more shedding.
Some cheap dog food use ingredients that are not of high quality and mostly not needed by dogs. These are fillers to keep the dog feeling full but with not enough nutritional value. Be wary of grains and corn in the ingredients of your dog food as there are the two most common types of fillers.
Instead of these grains, look for meat products listed as ingredients in your pet’s food. Yes, it may cost you more but it’s actually cheaper and healthier for your pets in the long run. The meat in these foods are easily absorbed and digested by your pets as they were originally designed to be carnivores. The right kind of nutrients aid in preventing excessive shedding as it keeps the animal’s skin and fur healthy.
Some dogs and cats which are prone to allergies also shed more, that’s why it’s essential that you keep track of the food your pet eats to see which one it is sensitive to. It is also not recommended that your give your dogs additional supplements unless indicated by the veterinarian as excessive vitamin consumption could also result to shedding or serious health problems.
While proper nutrition could lessen your pet’s shedding, it is also important to note that it might not totally eliminate the problem.
Some breeders also swear with adding flaxseed or olive oil to the dog food to give the pets their needed omega-3 fatty acids that impact the skin. If your dog is into raw food diet, you could introduce tuna, salmon and other kinds of fish to its diet. Just be sure that fish bones are removed to prevent it from grazing your dog’s intestines.
Occasionally feeding your pet “human food” that is rich in water could also work well to prevent shedding. Fruits rich in water content such as melon, watermelon and apples are great treats for your furry friend.
Always keep your dog hydrated. Some dogs shed because of the heat and lack of hydration. It is their bodies’ way of dissipating the heat that they are feeling. Make sure that their water bowl is always filled with filtered water so they could easily hydrate themselves when thirsty.
Prevent Excessive Shedding Through Proper Grooming And Care
Another way to keep your dog from shedding too much is to ensure its coat is healthy. This is true especially for long-haired breeds. Keep it healthy by brushing it constantly. The strokes remove loose hair and distribute oil from your pet’s skin to dehydrated areas.
Be sure that you use the proper brush when doing this. Rake brushes are best for dogs with long and thick undercoats like the Chow Chow and Collie. Bristle brushes are great for smooth-coated and short-haired breeds like the Greyhound and Pug. Meanwhile, slicker brushes are mainly used for dogs with curly and medium-length hair such as the Cocker Spaniel and Retrievers.
Regularly bathe your pets so that loose hair falls off easily. Just don’t overdo it as excessive bathing could cause your pet’s skin to dry and more fur would fall out. You could also blow dry your pet’s fur after bathing to easily rid loose fur.
Lastly, ensure that you control fleas and its infestation by spraying anti-flea solution or even sprinkling anti-flea powder to your pet’s coat. This would lessen the probability that the parasites irritate the skin that could lead to excessive shedding.
