Facts About Dog Shedding

As pet owners, we can find ourselves constantly cleaning up after our dog, especially the trail of excess hair they leave behind them. But how do you get rid of it? It’s a fact that all dogs shed no matter their age, breed, coat – and there’s simply no stopping it. Naturally, some dogs will shed more than others, although there are some measures you can take to control the worse end of it. Did you know that animals shed to get rid of damaged, old, or unnecessary hair (generally this comes from winter growth to help insulate them which is shed during the summer months), this is the most natural form of shedding which is unpreventable. However, your dog may be shedding for a specific reason, and you can tell this just by looking at some basic things in their lives. Dogs can be allergic to the environment (similar to a human’s hay fever), food, fleas, and contact. Any of these can have an impact on their fur and ultimately lead to excessive shedding. By understanding their allergies, you can get to the root of the problem.

How to reduce excessive shedding in dogs:

• Bath or shower them with a hypoallergenic shampoo
• Regularly brush and groom your dog to get rid of scurf and excess hair
• Change their diet to include natural and hypoallergenic dog food
• Use the right brush for your dog’s breed

Always remember that dogs do shed, it is a natural process and often nothing to be worried about. However, if your dog’s fur becomes brittle, patchy or seems to be falling out, it may be best to get them checked out at the vets.