We’ve all been there, all dressed up and ready to go and then you see that you’ve been blessed with a patchwork of dog hair accessories on your clothes. Or maybe you have tumbleweeds floating around the house, but you’ve just vacuumed that morning. One of the biggest complaints from dog owners is how much their pup sheds. Most dogs shed and it could be related to a change in season, an indication of stress or due to the quality of the coat. The struggle is real, but we have compiled some tips and tricks to help you deal with all that dog hair.

1. Brush your dog every day and chose the right brush

Depending on the breed, you may need to brush your dog frequently. If shedding is a problem for you, brush your dog every day. A wire-pin brush is a good choice for dogs with medium to long fur. A bristle brush is a good choice for most dogs unless they have thicker, longer coats and rubber combs are great for shorthaired dogs. Plus, this is a great opportunity for bonding! Follow up a brushing session with something fun like a walk, play fetch or a good pat.

2. Give your dog a bath

Springtime brings on the shedding in most dogs, especially those with thick undercoats. There are de-shedding shampoos and conditioning shampoos that can help soften and detangle the fur and separate the old, dead hairs from the new, healthy hairs. Before you place your pooch in the tub, bring them outside and give them a good brushing first otherwise you’ll have a bunch of dog hair all over the tub and could clog the drain.

3. Reduce stress and anxiety

Keep them calm because stress can increase shedding. Some dogs will shed more after a move, traveling, or being in an unusual or different situation. If you have an anxious pup, one that suffers from separation anxiety, or if there was an unexpected change or event, you can try playing soothing music, supplements, antianxiety sprays and diffusers or calming treats.

4. Keep up with Preventatives

Maintaining flea, tick and heartworm preventatives is important for your dog’s health. If parasite control methods have lapsed, mosquitos, ticks and fleas will bite and cause your dog to itch and scratch which can cause skin disorders, in addition to introducing diseases carried by these vectors.

5. Keep your dog well hydrated

The general rule of water intake for your dog is an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. This means that a 10-pound dog needs a little over a cup of clean water each day. A dehydrated pet can have dry, flaky skin, damaged hair, dull haircoat and hair loss. Be sure to keep a full bowl of fresh water available, always.

6. Feed a high-quality diet

Look for dog foods that list fewer ingredients and contain whole foods, such as lean proteins that are easily digestible, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. We can give you some recommendations of dog food brands that meet these standards. We also offer nutritional consultations!

Some breeds normally shed more than others

Just because a dog has short hair doesn’t necessarily mean that they will shed less than a dog with a longer coat. Choosing the right breed for you and your lifestyle is important for many reasons and understanding the level of coat maintenance is just one. Visit this site to learn about the breeds that are heavy shedders. Dog Breeds with Heavy Shedding You may be surprised who is on the list!

Abnormal Shedding

If your dog begins shedding excessively or there is a change from their normal amount of shedding, there are some medical conditions that could be to blame. If you are concerned about your dog’s shedding, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help.