Why is My Dog Shedding So Much?

Almost all dogs shed to some degree, but some breeds shed much more than others. Shedding also occurs more frequently in the early spring and summer months as dogs lose their winter coats. The breeds who shed the most are:

·         Alaskan Huskies

·         Alaskan Malamutes

·         German Shepherds

·         Golden Retrievers

·         Akitas

·         Great Pyrenees

·         Siberian Huskies

·         Saint Bernards

·         Collies

·         Pomeranians

All dogs with long thick coats are prone to heavy shedding. The time of year plays a part in heavy shedding, but it is possible for heavy shedding to be due to health issues with your dog. Stress, poor nutrition, and health issues can all cause increased shedding. Health issues that can contribute to shedding include:

·         Parasites

·         Fungal or bacterial infections

·         Kidney disease

·         Thyroid or adrenal issues

·         Cancer

·         Self-induced skin injuries due to excessive licking

If your dog is healthy, and you want to find a way to stop dog shedding, there are some measures you can take. You cannot stop a healthy dog from shedding, but you can reduce the impact it has on your home, furniture, and clothes. The most straightforward step is to brush your dog frequently. Brushing removes the excess hair keeping it from falling out all over your home. Though it won’t replace brushing, some dogs will tolerate vacuuming their coats. This is great for short-haired dogs that shed heavily such as Labrador Retrievers. Short-haired dogs who shed heavily can be harder to brush, and you will need a fine brush to pick up hair that is difficult for regular dog brushes to pick up.

If you have a dog that is prone to heavy shedding, you may need to become accustomed to daily brushing. Find a brush that works well for your dog’s fur type. Always start by brushing in the opposite direction of hair growth. If you have a double-coated dog such as a German Shepherd, you may want to invest in a coat rake or shedding tool. These tools work to reach down to the soft undercoat and remove excess fur from both coats.

You should also bathe your dog regularly with a high-quality moisturizing shampoo to remove excess hair and keep your dog’s coat as healthy as possible. Keeping your dog indoors will also reduce the heaviness of the winter-coat, leaving less fur for the dog to shed.

Shaving long-haired dogs with a thick coat, in the warmer months, will help keep your pet cooler and more comfortable. It will also save you from continuously brushing only to find still yourself and your home covered in dog hair. Veterinarians recommend not shaving short-haired dogs as they receive no benefit from it and can be left prone to sunburn. When shaving your long-haired dog, leave fur at least 1-inch long to protect their skin from the sun.

Add nutritional supplements such as Omega 3 and fish oil to your dog’s diet. These supplements help to keep your dogs coat in the best possible shape. The healthier the coat, the easier it will be to maintain your grooming routine. As a bonus, they will make your dog’s coat look healthy and shiny.

Shedding is +a critical issue to consider before bringing a dog into your home. If you do not have the time or the ability to brush and groom frequently, you may want to consider a breed that does not shed. Poodles, Bichon Frise, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu’s are all good options as they shed very little. Though they do not shed, they still require regular grooming to keep their coats trimmed and healthy.

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