Dogs are known for their furry coats, and unfortunately, this means that they tend to shed a lot. If you have a dog, then you know how frustrating it can be when hair starts piling up on your furniture and clothes. At this point, you might already have asked “How to stop my dog from shedding?” Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of hair that dogs shed.
Why Do Dog Shed?
Dogs shed because of a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that they are trying to get rid of their old fur so that they can grow new fur. Other reasons include stress, poor nutrition, allergies, giving birth, and seasonal changes. No matter what the reason is, shedding is a natural process for dogs and there is no way to completely stop it.
Let us talk about these reasons in more detail below:
Stress
Stress is a common cause of shedding in dogs. When dogs are stressed, their bodies produce a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to shed fur and hair. There are a number of things that can cause stress in dogs, including:
- changes in routine
- separation anxiety
- loud noises
- new people or animals in the home
If you think that your dog is shedding because of stress, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce their stress levels. Try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible and make sure that they have plenty of time to exercise. You might also want to consider using a calming supplement like CBD oil to help reduce its stress levels.
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition is another common cause of shedding in dogs. To make sure that your dog is getting all of the nutrients that it needs, you should feed them a high-quality diet. You can also talk to your veterinarian about supplements that might help.
Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of shedding in dogs. If you think that your dog might be allergic to something, you should talk to your veterinarian. They can run tests to find out what your dog is allergic to and recommend the best course of treatment.
Seasonal changes
Seasonal changes are another common cause of shedding in dogs. As the seasons change, so does your dog’s coat. In the spring and summer, your dog will shed its winter coat to stay cool. In the fall and winter, your dog will shed its summer coat to stay warm. You can help reduce the amount of shedding by brushing your dog more often during these times.
Giving birth
Female dogs who have just given birth will also shed a lot. This is because their bodies are going back to their pre-pregnancy state. The best way to help your dog through this time is to brush her often and give her plenty of rest.
As you can see, there are a few things that can cause shedding in dogs. If you are concerned about how much your dog is shedding, you should talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you figure out what is causing the shedding and how to best reduce it.
How To Stop My Dog From Shedding
There is no way for you to completely stop your dog from shedding. However, there are things that you can do to help reduce the amount of shedding. Let us explore them below:
Step 1
The first step is to determine what is causing the shedding. Once you know the cause, you can work on addressing it.
Common causes of shedding include:
- Allergies
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Lack of grooming
If you are unsure what is causing the shedding, your veterinarian can help you out. They will likely do a skin scraping to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Step 2
The next thing you need to do is to make sure that your dog is on a good quality diet. A healthy diet will help to promote a healthy coat. You should talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your dog. They can recommend a food that is high in protein and low in fillers.
Step 3
Once you have the diet sorted out, you need to make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise. Exercise is important for overall health, but it also helps to reduce stress levels. Stress can cause shedding. If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, start slowly and work up to 30 minutes per day.
Step 4
The next step is to make sure that you are grooming your dog on a regular basis. Grooming helps to remove dead hair and distribute natural oils through the coat. It also helps to reduce shedding. You should brush your dog at least once per week, but more often they are shedding excessively.
Step 5
If you have tried all of these things and your dog is still shedding excessively, it is time to talk to your vet. There could be an underlying medical condition that is causing the shedding. Your vet will be able to help you find the cause and get your dog on the road to recovery.
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but that doesn’t mean that you have to live with piles of hair everywhere. By following the steps highlighted above, you can help to reduce shedding and keep your home clean.
Important Things To Remember About Shedding In Dogs
While you can’t completely stop your dog from shedding, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount of hair that they shed. Below are important things to remember about shedding in dogs:
Some dog breeds shed more than others
Some dog breeds are known for being heavy shedders, while others hardly shed at all. If you’re dealing with a lot of hair, it’s important to remember that there are some dog breeds that are simply more prone to shedding than others.
For example, dogs like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are all known for being heavy shedders. On the other hand, breeds like Shih Tzus and Yorkies are known for being light shedders.
Shedding is normal and natural
Shedding is a normal and natural process for dogs. It’s how they get rid of their old fur so that they can grow new fur.
While shedding is a totally normal process, some dogs do shed more than others. If you’re dealing with a lot of shedding, it might be helpful to talk to your vet to see if there’s anything that can be done to help.
Shedding is affected by the seasons
One reason why you may find that your dog sheds more at certain times of the year is that shedding is affected by the seasons. In most cases, dogs shed more in the spring and fall as they adjust to changes in temperature.
Diet can affect shedding
Another thing that can affect how much your dog sheds is its diet. If your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients, it can lead to excess shedding. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog a healthy diet and providing them with plenty of water.
Regular brushing can help reduce shedding
One of the best things you can do to help reduce shedding is to brush your dog regularly. Brushing helps remove dead hair and distribute the natural oils in your dog’s coat which can help reduce shedding.
Consider using a de-shedding tool
If you’re looking for a way to really reduce shedding, you may want to consider using a de-shedding tool. These tools can help remove loose hair from your dog’s coat, making it easier to brush and reducing shedding overall.
Should I Take My Dog To A Groomer When It’s Shedding?
Yes, you can take your dog to a groomer when it’s shedding. Groomers can help brush and de-shed your dog’s coat, which can help reduce the amount of hair that is shed. They can also give you tips on how to care for your dog’s coat at home to reduce shedding.
Is Shedding Painful for Dogs?
No, but it can be quite itchy. Many dogs will scratch or bite at their skin when shedding, which can lead to irritation and even hot spots. If you notice your dog is excessively scratching or biting at its skin, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any other health problems that could be causing the itchiness.
What Medical Conditions Are Manifested by Shedding in Dogs?
There are certain medical conditions that can cause a dog to shed excessively. These include:
Allergies
Allergies can cause a dog to scratch excessively, which can lead to hair loss. If you think your dog may be allergic to something in its environment, talk to your vet about how to best address the issue.
Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can cause a number of problems in dogs, including excessive shedding. This is because when the body is out of balance, it can affect the health of the skin and fur. If you think your dog may have a hormonal imbalance, talk to your vet about how to best address the issue.
Parasites
Parasites, such as fleas and mites, can cause a dog to itch and scratch excessively, which can lead to hair loss. If you think your dog may have parasites, talk to your veterinarian to figure out a way to get rid of parasites on your dog.
Seborrhea
Seborrhea is a skin condition that can cause excessive shedding in dogs. If you notice your dog is shedding more than usual, it’s important to take him to the vet for a checkup and treatment options.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and thyroid disease, can cause excessive shedding in dogs. If you think your dog may have an autoimmune disease, talk to your veterinarian about how to best treat the condition. Most autoimmune diseases in dogs can be managed with medication.
Skin infections
Skin infections are another possible cause of excessive shedding in dogs. If you notice your dog’s skin is red, inflamed, or he’s scratching excessively, he may have a skin infection and should be seen by a veterinarian. Skin infections are usually treated with antibiotics.
When Should I Call The Vet?
Shedding is normal for dogs. However, if you notice that your dog is shedding more than usual, it’s always best to call your vet. They can help you determine the cause and how to best treat it. Excessive shedding can be a sign of a serious health condition in dogs and should not be ignored.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s shedding, make an appointment with your veterinarian today. They can help you determine the cause and how to stop it.
FAQs About Shedding in Dogs
What is the home remedy to stop dog shedding?
Home remedies can help reduce shedding, but they will not stop it completely. Some home remedies include:
- Brushing your dog regularly
- Giving your dog a healthy diet
- Adding supplements to your dog’s diet
- Bathing your dog regularly
What can I feed my dog to stop shedding?
To stop your dog from shedding, you should feed them a healthy diet. This means feeding them food that is high in protein and low in fat. You should also add supplements to their diet, such as omega-three fatty acids.
What are the worst shedding dog breeds?
The worst shedders in dogs are usually the large breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever. However, all dogs shed to some degree.
Will shaving my dog stop shedding?
No, shaving your dog will not stop them from shedding. In fact, it may actually make the problem worse. When you shave your dog, you are removing their coat, which is what helps to protect their skin from the sun and other environmental hazards.
Can coconut oil help stop dog shedding?
Yes, coconut oil can help to stop dog shedding by keeping their coat healthy and hydrated. It can also help to reduce the amount of dander that is produced.
How to stop dogs from shedding short hair?
There are a few things you can do to help stop dogs from shedding short hair. One is to brush them regularly with a soft-bristled brush. You can also try using a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner. Finally, make sure they are getting enough omega-fatty acids in their diet.
Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?
Your dog might be shedding so much all of a sudden due to a change in season or climate. It could also be due to stress or an underlying health condition. If you are concerned, it is best to speak to your veterinarian.
Should I go to the vet if my dog is shedding so much?
Yes, you should go to the vet if your dog is shedding so much. They will be able to determine the underlying cause and help you create a plan to stop the shedding.
Final Thoughts
So, how to stop my dog from shedding? By following the tips in this blog post, you should be able to reduce the amount of shedding your dog does. If you are still concerned, speak to your veterinarian. They will be able to help you determine the cause and create a plan to stop the shedding.
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Author
Nicole Barnett
