How to reduce the summertime shedding?

Tired of your house being covered in fur all the time and think your dog is shedding excessively? Shedding is a natural process for dogs though sometimes can be  frustrating for their humans. For most dogs, shedding is an essential part of their skin and fur health. Dogs rid themselves of old or otherwise damaged hair by shedding it and getting a new coat.

The amount of fur a dog sheds depends on the breed of dog, the time of year, and whether they have a single or double layer of fur. Know how often your breed of dog needs to go to the groomers to have the least amount of fur to sweep. 

Here are some fixes we can think of to help save your new bedspreads and sofas.

• Baths - They help clean the fur to keep it free from allergies, parasites and removing old hair. Use oatmeal shampoo or deshedding shampoo to reduce the furfall. 

• Brushing - Choose the right shedding brush for your dog and their fur length. Most pets need more than one type of brush to remove all of the dead hair. Shedding tools are brushes with stainless steel tines, which are perfect for pulling up and removing your dog’s extra undercoat fur. Using a shedding tool can help remove dead hair before its shed onto your carpet!

• Diet - Ensure that your pet is on a healthy diet for their skin and coat. Feed your dog a high quality food with good digestible protein sources rich in nutrients. Some dogs benefit from a dietary supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids, they not only reduce shedding, but can contribute to healthy skin, as well as providing other health benefits.

• Water intake - Always keep your pooch well hydrated. Make sure your dog always has fresh water in their bowl. It’s essential to their overall health, and it can also keep their skin hydrated. Dehydrated skin is a major cause of hair loss and can easily increase the amount of loose fur you have to clean up around the house.

• Skin infections or allergies - If your dog is shedding excessively, or is losing hair in patches, they may be suffering from a health problem. Skin infections, allergies and sometimes even cancer can cause excessive shedding in dogs. Take them to a veterinarian to help minimize shedding with medication and treatments. 

One more quick tip we have for all pet owners is an Indian secret we discovered! COCONUT OIL! Yes you can mix a teaspoon of it in their food or you can rub them down with it an hour before their bath for a healthy gleaming coat! Remember to use completely natural oils on your pet and ensure it is pet friendly as they are sure to try a lick or two!