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 hair and fur to grow. All dogs shed to some extent; however, the amount of 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 short haired dog breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus shed less frequently.
Dogs have hair growth cycles similar to those of humans, and shedding is an integral 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 they have some similarities.
When to Worry About Dog Hair Shedding
While shedding is a regular part of a dog’s life, sure signs could point to something more serious. It’s essential to pay attention to what’s normal for your dog and act quickly when you notice anything unusual.
Warning signs of abnormal shedding:
Bald patches or thinning fur
Red, inflamed, or flaky skin
Constant scratching or biting at the skin
Open sores or scabs
Strong odor from the skin or coat
Sudden increase in shedding without a seasonal trigger
These symptoms could signal:
Skin infections (bacterial or fungal)
Fleas or mites
Food or environmental allergies
Hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease)
Autoimmune conditions
What Causes Dog Hair Shedding
Several factors can cause excessive dog hair shedding in our best friends, but understanding the reasons behind it helps us gain a better understanding of our dog’s overall condition. Through this, we can become better companions.
Seasonal Shedding
Many dogs experience seasonal shedding, which occurs when they shed more heavily at specific times of the year. This typically happens in spring and fall. In the spring, dogs typically shed their fur to accommodate the warmer weather, while in the fall, they shed their lighter summer coats to make way for thicker winter fur.
Year-Round Shedding
Some breeds shed consistently throughout the year rather than seasonally, particularly those without a double coat. Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and Labrador Retriever are known for shedding year-round, making regular brushing and grooming essential to manage their hair.
Breed Characteristics
Genetics plays a significant role in shedding. Dogs bred for colder climates, such as the Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Siberian Huskies, have thick double coats that shed more significantly compared to breeds with single coats. Those who are made for the summer have a lighter coat to enjoy the cool summer breeze.Additionally, environmental factors such as indoor heating during winter can contribute to why dogs shed a lot. Incorrect grooming tools and improper use can also contribute to hair shedding in dogs.
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. Food, medications, and other environmental allergens can trigger skin allergies.
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
Effective management techniques are excellent ways to maintain your dog’s coat in good condition and keep it 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 maintain simple grooming practices at home to help keep your dog’s coat healthy.
Here are a few pointers:
Brushing
Brushing is essential for controlling dog hair shedding, and it’s a simple process of using a bristle brush or slicker brush to help remove dead hair from your dog’s coat. 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 thing is to select the best shedding tool for your dog’s specific fur. Frequency also plays a significant 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
Bathing your dog regularly is essential 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 gladly assist you in selecting 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 them 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 in these areas.
Hair trimming helps keep your dog’s fur at a manageable length, promoting its health. 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 play a significant role in promoting good coat health and shedding. When you give your dog the best food, 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 high-quality protein sources will help your dog maintain a healthy appearance with a fresh coat.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A helps reduce inflammation in your dog’s skin, keeping it clean and protected. Additionally, sebum regulation and skin cell turnover play a significant role in preventing hairless patches and scaly skin.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is an excellent 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 ensuring they remain 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. Doing this will promote hair growth and protect 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. Additionally, it serves as a valuable supplement to support the immune system's function.
Copper
Copper is a great mineral for enhancing your dog’s hair growth. While it also enhances coat color, it plays a crucial role in skin strength and elasticity, allowing 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 been providing nutritious dog food for many years, catering to 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 to go a long way in helping to control their hair shedding. Dehydrated skin can lead to dryness and increased hair loss, so it’s vital 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 shedding of dog hair, so it’s essential to 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 space for grooming and cleaning your dog. 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 make cleanup easier.
Living in the UAE: Climate and Shedding
Controlling shedding in a country like the UAE comes with its own unique challenges. While we protect our pets from the desert heat by keeping them indoors, this can actually impact their coat and skin in ways we don’t expect.
Why UAE Dogs May Shed More Indoors
Most dogs in the UAE spend a significant amount of time in air-conditioned spaces, particularly during the hotter months. While this keeps them cool, it can also:
Dry out their skin due to low humidity
Interrupt natural shedding cycles with artificial lighting and consistent temperatures
Causes year-round shedding, even in breeds that normally shed seasonally
What you can do:
Use a humidifier indoors to restore moisture in the air
Brush more frequently to manage trapped undercoat and dander
Offer Omega-3 supplements to support skin hydration
Choose moisturizing shampoos designed for dry climates
Always provide fresh, cool water
Here in our clinic, we often see dogs with dry, flaky skin and excessive shedding during the summer, not because it’s hot outside, but because of constant exposure to indoor AC. A few small changes at home can make a big difference in how your dog looks and feels.
Final Thoughts
Controlling your dog’s hair shedding is just one of the many responsibilities we have as dog owners. It might seem complicated, 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 follow. A balanced diet, good hydration, and maintaining a clean home will do wonders in keeping a good coat for your best friends!
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