Dog hair shedding is a common concern for many dog owners, and while it’s a natural process, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Managing shedding not only helps keep your home clean but also keeps a good eye on your dog’s overall health. Our goal is to provide you with a clear understanding of how to control dog hair shedding so we can help your dog stay healthy and comfortable. 

What is Dog Hair Shedding

Shedding is the natural way of removing old and damaged hair and fur to make room for new ones to grow. All dogs shed to some extent, though the amount and frequency of dog hair shedding will depend on the breed, age, health, and environment. For example, breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Huskies are known for their heavy shedding, while breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus shed less frequently.

Dogs have hair growth cycles just like humans, and shedding is an essential part of this cycle. The phases include growth (anagen), rest (telogen), and shedding (exogen). When your dog’s hair reaches the end of its growth cycle, it falls out, making way for new hair to grow. This process is entirely normal and varies from dog breeds, but have some similarities.

What Causes Dog Hair Shedding

Several factors can cause dog hair shedding in our best friends, but when we know the reasons why, we get a better understanding of our dog’s condition. Through this, we can become better companions. 

Seasonal Shedding

Many dogs experience seasonal shedding, where they shed more heavily at certain times of the year. This typically happens in spring and fall. In spring, dogs usually shed their fur to make way for the warmer weather, while in the fall, they shed their lighter summer coats to make room for thicker winter fur.

Year-Round Shedding

Some breeds, particularly those without a double coat, tend to shed consistently throughout the year rather than seasonally. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever are known for shedding year-round, which means regular grooming is crucial to manage the hair.

Breed Characteristics

Genetics plays a significant role in shedding. Dogs bred for colder climates, such as the Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Siberian Husky, have thick double coats that shed more significantly compared to breeds with single coats. While those who are made for the summer, have a lighter coat to enjoy the cool summer breeze.

Stress and Environment

A dog’s overall health and the environment they live in also affect shedding. Simple health problems can lead to your dog’s hair shedding. Stress and any underlying health issues can lead to excessive shedding. A diet lacking essential nutrients that keep your dog’s coat healthy can result in a dry, unhealthy coat and increased shedding.

Additionally, environmental factors like indoor heating during winter can become the cause as to why dogs shed hair more. Wrong grooming tools and incorrect use can also become a factor in what causes hair shedding in dogs.

Skin Problems

Skin issues and allergies are also common culprits in dog hair shedding. Controlling this problem starts with identifying the specific issue. Common skin issues can be caused by parasites, fleas, and ringworms. Skin allergies can come from food, medicines, and other allergens around the environment. 

When these issues arise, your dogs might want to scratch their bodies and coats more often. This action, accompanied by your dog’s body’s reaction to the issue, will lead to excessive hair shedding. When things like these happen, a visit to our pet allergists will solve the case!

How to Control Dog Hair Shedding

Good management techniques are great ways to keep your dog’s coat healthy and fluffy. It all starts with a series of steps and a huge commitment to help control your dog’s hair shedding. 

Grooming

Grooming your dogs is a great way to help control shedding. You can groom your dog at home or even seek the help of a professional dog grooming service. While we can help you groom your dog at our clinic, it’s also a good practice to keep simple grooming practices at home to help maintain your dog’s coat. Here’s a few pointers:

• Brushing

Brushing is essential for controlling dog hair shedding, and it’s a simple process of using a dog brush to help loosen up your dog’s fur. Brushing can also help remove any dirt, debris, and other allergens that may cause some serious issues with your dog’s coat. 

The most important is to select the best brush for your dog’s specific fur. Frequency also plays a big role in brushing, and it still depends on the type of fur your dog has. When you know all these, your dog can enjoy a relaxing day at the home spa!

• Bathing

Regular dog baths are important for maintaining your dog’s healthy skin and coat. However, it’s always recommended to use the appropriate shampoos and products to help give your dog that soft and healthy coat. Our team will glady assist you on picking the right products for your dog.

Also, the frequency of these baths will depend on your dog’s breed and level of activity. When they always go out in the yard, it’s good to give more baths.

• Trimming and Clipping

When it comes to hair trimming and nail clipping, we usually recommend that you let our dog groomers do the task so you won’t have to worry. Our professional services can help provide a safer and deeper clean when it comes to these areas. 

Hair trimming helps keep your dog’s fur at a good length, keeping it healthy. Nail trimming avoids possible paw injuries from overgrown nails, which can help keep your dog’s fur in good shape. 

Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are big players in promoting good coat health and shedding. When you give your dog the best foods, you can expect the best results. Here are some of the nutrients that help you control your dog’s hair shedding:

• Protein

Protein supports hair growth and structure. A consistent supply of good protein sources will help your dog maintain that healthy look with a fresh coat.

• Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps in reducing inflammation in your dog’s skin, helping it stay clean and protected. Along with this, sebum regulation and skin cell turnover also play a big role in preventing hairless patches and scaly skin.

• Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 is a great vitamin for preventing shedding and improving your dog’s skin. It directly supports your dog’s skin cells and hair follicles, which leads to overall better coat and fur health.

• Vitamin B7

Biotin helps prevent hair loss in your dogs. It strengthens your dog’s nails, hair, and skin while making sure they stay protected against skin issues and conditions.

• Vitamin C

Because it acts as an antioxidant, it helps protect your dog’s skin and hair follicles from oxidation. This can help maintain that good coat glow. It also improves your dog’s immune system, which can help it stay strong against allergens and skin issues.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E directly moisturizes your dog’s skin, which helps protect the skin. Doingsis will promote hair growth protects the existing fur. Another benefit of this vitamin is its anti-inflammatory abilities.

• Zinc

Zinc directly reduces shedding and can become a factor in improving skin health. Along with this, it also serves as a great additional support for immune system function.

• Copper

Copper is a great mineral for enhancing your dog’s hair growth. While it also enhances coat color, it plays a good role in skin strength and elasticity, making room for hair to grow strong.

Some of these nutrients are readily available in popular dog food brands such as Royal Canin and Hill’s. These well-known brands have many years of providing nutritious dog food while providing any specific need. If you prefer a much more traditional approach when feeding your dogs, here are some good dog food choices:

• Chicken

• Beef

• Fish

• Eggs

• Sweet potatoes

• Carrots

Along with a healthy diet, dogs need good fresh, clean water can go a long way in helping to control your dog’s hair shedding. Dehydrated skin can lead to dryness and increased hair loss, so it’s important to ensure your dog always has a clean bowl of water by his side.

Creating A Good Home

Keeping a clean home can help control your dog’s hair shedding. Having a clean living space and minimizing allergens can make life more comfortable for both you and your dog. Allergens can cause excessive dog hair shedding, so it’s important to always maintain a healthy environment.

Provide your dog with comfortable beds and blankets in areas where they like to rest. This helps contain the shedding to specific spots, making it easier to clean up. Choose washable materials to keep these areas clean and hair-free.

When creating a good home for your dog, it’s helpful to dedicate spacing for grooming and cleaning your dogs. These are places where you can brush your dog and contain the loose hair. This can help prevent hair from spreading throughout the house and makes cleanup easier.

Conclusion

Controlling your dog’s hair shedding is just one of the many responsibilities we have as our dogs’ caretakers. It might seem difficult, but with the right approach, it can be done effectively. It all starts with a good understanding of your dog’s hair shedding, and controlling it will come right after. A balanced diet, good hydration, and maintaining a clean home will do wonders in keeping a good coat for your best friends!