Dog shedding is a natural process and can’t be stopped entirely. However, there are ways to reduce it. This guide will walk you through steps you can take to dramatically reduce your dog’s shedding, including regular brushing, proper grooming, a healthy, omega-3 fatty acid-based diet, and home management, and when excessive shedding patterns can indicate an underlying health issue.
It's not hard to understand why many dog owners search for answers on how to stop dog shedding. After countless instances of black clothes getting covered in fur and stubborn bunches of dog hair caught under the couch, in carpets, and stuck in vacuum cleaners, who could blame them?
The reality, however, is that dog shedding is completely normal, natural, and impossible to eliminate completely.
But shedding can be reduced and controlled, and we’re here to explore practical tips that will keep your dog in tip-top shape and make your home less hairy and more heavenly.
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Most dogs shed naturally to lose dead, loose hair and make room for new growth, keeping their coat healthy and clean. How much hair a dog sheds is dependent on several factors, including breed, coat types, season, diet, and overall health.
You may notice your dog sheds more at certain times of the year, especially in the spring and fall. This is commonly referred to as a dog “blowing its coat”, and it’s a way for them to prepare for big seasonal changes in weather.
Some dogs naturally shed significantly more than others. Double-coated dog breeds like German shepherds and golden retrievers shed much more than short-haired dogs like beagles and pugs.
How Can You Reduce Shedding? 8 Tips That Really Work
It may not be possible to figure out how to stop dog shedding entirely, but there are several steps you can take to significantly reduce your dog’s shedding, and a lot of them are as simple as making small adjustments to your dog’s routine.
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Regular Brushing
This is the simplest and most effective tactic. Brushing your dog regularly helps remove dead, loose dog fur onto your brush instead of on your floor or in your carpet. Dogs that experience heavy shedding may need daily brushing. Make sure you’re using the right tool to brush your dog based on your dog’s hair type. Utilize a slicker brush for dogs with longer hair, a bristle brush for dogs with shorter, smoother coats, or a de-shedding brush for dogs with double coats.
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A Healthy, Balanced Diet
Many pet owners don’t realize the impact nutrition has on their furry friend’s coat. A poor diet can lead to excess fur shedding. Make sure you’re giving your pup quality dog food rich in nutrients to support a healthy coat.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly found in fish oil and, to a lesser extent, olive oil, and they strongly support skin and coat health. Ensuring your dog’s diet has plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids can go a long way in reducing brittle, damaged hair. Our Multivitamin for Dogs is a soft chew that provides all-in-one joint, digestive, skin, and coat health support and includes these essential Omega-3 fatty acids.
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Proper Shampoo
Don’t compromise on your pup’s shampoo. Regular bathing with a high-quality or medicated shampoo improves skin health and can assist in loosening dead hair. Our Medicated Dog Shampoo is soothing, sulfate-free, and supports a dog’s healthy coat.
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
You probably know that dehydration can lead to many serious medical issues for dogs, but it can also negatively impact a dog’s skin and hair. A dog that is not properly hydrated may experience dry skin, which can lead to more shedding. Make sure your pup always has access to fresh, clean water.
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A Regular Grooming Routine
Regularly grooming your dog can be a big help in reducing shedding. Remember, consistency matters more than intensity, so get in a routine of gentle grooming to regularly support coat health. For double-coated dogs during shedding seasons, consider a professional groomer or a professional grooming service to make sure they’re being taken care of properly.
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Managing the Hair in Your Home
Like we covered earlier, you might not be able to figure out how to stop dog shedding in your home, but taking steps to reduce shedding and staying on top of the pet hair that does get shed can help. Keep lint rollers handy for your clothes and furniture, vacuum regularly, and consider using washable Dog Blankets, bedding and covers. Check out our guide on How to Wash a Dog Bed to learn about hair-friendly, washable options and cleaning methods.
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Ask Yourself, “Is My Dog Dealing with Other Issues?”
Shedding is healthy and normal, but there are some shedding patterns that should raise red flags. If you notice your dog experiencing excessive or sudden hair loss, inflamed skin, or bald patches, they could be dealing with skin allergies, fungal infections, or other health problems. Always see a vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s abnormal shedding.
If you notice your dog is struggling with dry, itchy skin, consider these 13 Safe Home Remedies for Your Dog’s Itchy Skin.
How Do I Deal with My Double-Coat Dog’s Shedding?
Here at Bully Beds, we hear from a lot of dog owners with double-coated breeds asking us how to stop dog shedding, often overwhelmed with the frequency and volume of their dog’s shedding. Some even tell us they’ve resorted to vacuuming twice a day!
Thankfully, when they start to develop a consistent routine of brushing, bathing, and grooming and introduce easy-clean bedding, the shedding becomes far more manageable. While you can’t stop it completely, you can always stay ahead of it.
What’s the Best Brush for My Dog?
Choosing the right brush for your shedding dog depends on your dog’s coat type and hair length.
|
Coat Type |
Best Tool |
How Often |
|
Short-Haired Dogs |
Bristle Brush |
Weekly |
|
Long-Haired Dogs |
Slicker Brush |
2-3 times a week |
|
Double-Coated Dogs |
De-shedding tool/undercoat rake |
Weekly (de-shedding tool) or 2-3 times a week (undercoat rake) |
Does Diet ACTUALLY Affect How Much a Dog Sheds?
Diet is one of the factors that has the biggest impact on coat health and shedding in dogs. A poor diet that lacks proper nutrition results in a dull coat with brittle hair that sheds easier and more frequently.
Meanwhile, a balanced diet with lots of vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids supports the skin’s natural oils and hair follicles and promotes a healthy coat.
Provide your dog with high-quality dog food and see for yourself how quickly and effectively your dog’s shedding reduces.
Body weight and overall health also play a role in how much a dog sheds, so be sure to maintain that healthy diet and couple it with exercise.
When Does Shedding Indicate a Potential Problem?
The vast majority of dog shedding is normal, natural, and not a cause for concern, but there are some patterns to watch for that could indicate an underlying health issue. Be aware of the red flags and watch for any of them in your dog:
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Bald patches
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Excessive hair loss beyond regular shedding season
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Inflamed or irritated skin
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Brittle or damaged hair
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Shedding paired with itching or other symptoms
There are several culprits that could result in these symptoms, like skin allergies, fungal infections, poor diet, stress, or underlying conditions. If you think your dog’s shedding is abnormal, speak with your vet. Most issues with fur loss symptoms tend to be relatively minor, but it’s best for your pup and your peace of mind to address any potential conditions with a professional.
What Are the Best Ways to Address Dog Shedding?
Knowing the root cause of your dog’s shedding, being cognizant of the steps to take, and implementing those steps as part of your routine can significantly reduce your dog’s shedding and minimize hairy messes in your home.
Remember to keep your dog hydrated, provide them with a proper diet rich in Omega-3s, practice consistent grooming with the correct type of brush based on your dog’s hair length, and exercise smart home management to keep your dog’s shedding under control.
Quick, easy steps you can take to address shedding include finding a quality Multivitamin for Dogs, like our all-in-one skin and coat soft chew, and providing your dog with washable bedding options so you can easily and consistently stay on top of any shedding.
While many dog owners will try to find the magic answer that will tell them how to stop dog shedding, the truth is that answer does not exist.
Simply put, shedding is a normal part of a dog’s life.
But making a habit of consistent brushing and grooming, providing a healthy diet, keeping a lint roller close by, and knowing when something looks off enough to call the vet can help control dog shedding, mitigate the mess, reduce your dog’s shedding, and have your home become something closer to hair-free.
Don’t wait. Start taking action now. Your couch and your black t-shirts will thank you.
