Learn Useful Tips to Control Shedding

All dogs shed periodically, though some shed profusely and in greater quantities than others. Loosing old hair and replacing it with new hair is a natural phenomenon in dogs. But most dog owners share a couple of misconceptions regarding dog shedding and grooming.

1. It is common belief that breeds that have more hair in their body shed more.

2. If a dog sheds more, it requires more grooming attention than breeds that shed little.

3. Longhaired dogs require more grooming than shorthaired dogs.

It is true, that some breeds classified as “double coated” breeds shed large quantities of hair, more often than single coated breeds and some ‘hairless’ breeds like the American Hairless Terrier never shed.

But it is wrong to assume that single-coated breeds shed little, double-coated breeds require the most grooming attention and that breeds like the AHT requires no grooming at all.

In truth, length of body hair does not determine the amount of shedding or grooming attention a dog needs, because grooming is all encompassing, and brushing is a method whereby you can prevent both matting and fall of hair.

Factors that Lead to Shedding in Dogs

1. Breed plays an important role in shedding and the amount of grooming required by your dog. However, there are other factors too that can lead to shedding in your dog.

The Woof-Factor provides you with a list of dog breeds that are non-shedding or shed little body hair. We also provide a comprehensive list of dog breeds, categorized according to their grooming needs. Also, look for details on dog bathing, brushing of coat, nail trimming, cleaning eyes, ears and teeth. DOWNLOAD FREE e-Book on Canine Grooming Needs and Shedding Habits.

2. Seasonal shedding is common occurrence among certain breeds and some shed their winter coats in the spring. But, if our dog sheds throughout the year instead of in spring or in fall, don’t be alarmed.

3. Dogs, which mostly stay indoors, tend to shed hair more frequently. This is due to temperature differences in and outside the house. When your dog gets habituated to the insulation in the house and steps outside anytime after that, they experience the sudden change in weather; their body registers the same sort of change that a normal dog's does when the temperature changes in spring and fall. Thus there is shedding at all times of the year, as your dog goes in and out of his insulated home.

However, if you find your dog shedding excessively, as compared to his normal shedding, consult your vet. There may be some underlying problem like thyroid imbalance, skin infections, etc.

Suggestions to Reduce Shedding in Dogs

1. Grooming on a regular basis helps to reduce shedding to a large extent. Always brush your dog’s hair using a slicker brush.

2. Thorough grooming is a must at least once a week. Use a shedding comb along with the slicker brush. Pull the shedding comb through your dog’s hair till you find it moves smoothly.

3. An undercoat rake and a de-matting rake are other two essentials for grooming. An undercoat rake helps pull out all the loose hair from your dog’s undercoat. The de-matting rake is used to cut through areas where hair has got matted.

4. You will notice chunks of hair when you pull the de-matting rake through. No need to worry as the hair that has come off is more than there should be on your dog's body.

5. To reduce shedding, you should keep your dog’s skin supple and moist so that the skin holds and guards hair shafts firmly in the pores. Feed your dog food rich in fatty acids as this helps the skin retain more oil. Remember not to strip this oil from his skin or hair by using harsh washing products.

6. Feed your dog high quality diet and supplements with extra anti-oxidants vitamin like A and E. In addition to this Linoleic Acid, Omega3, and Omega 6 Fish oils are also very helpful.