Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much?

Fur helps keep our dogs warm during the colder months and protects them from the sun in summer. And with all that hair on their bodies, shedding is unavoidable.

The amount of hair your dog sheds depends on your dog’s breed. The Bernedoodle, for example, has a low hair loss rate. In addition to the Alaskan Malamute’s hair, other dogs produce a lot of dander.

Your dog’s health and diet are also essential factors to consider in the selection process. Shedding is a normal procedure, even if it is upsetting pet owners.

When Do Dogs Shed?

Knowing when your dog sheds a lot can help you mentally prepare for it. This way, you will expect the struggle of finding dog hair everywhere.

But not all dogs shed all the time. Some dog breeds only shed seasonally, which might sound horrifying, but it’s not much of a difference.

If your dog starts to lose hair all over your clean house, you have two choices. To get over the trauma, you can either spend a lot of time and money on treatment, or you can find a way to keep up with your dog’s hair. This can result in a lot of dog hair being shed at once. You might find carpets of dog hair twice a year over a few months.

Dogs that shed all year do it gradually and in smaller quantities. So you will always have some hair on the floor, but you can easily remove it by vacuuming once a week.

Some dog breeds shed their fur seasonally, while others shed all year round. Before deciding on a certain breed, it is up to you to pick which one you prefer.

Dog Shedding Solutions

It doesn’t matter what sort of dog you get when shedding. What can you do to alleviate the discomfort?

The amount of hair your dog sheds is determined by a variety of factors:

• Breed: Some dogs, like the Affenpinscher, don’t shed much, while others, like the Afghan Hound, come with many shedding.
• Age: Older Dogs often have weaker hair that sheds more. A brush can assist you in resolving this issue.
• Health: Some medical disorders and allergies might cause hair to fall out more frequently.
• Climate: With rapid weather changes, you can expect more shedding.
• Outdoor puppies shed more hair as they adjust to temperature changes. A puppy that lives inside will be comfortable because it has warmth in winter and coolness in summer. This means the indoor puppy will not shed as much hair.

You can assist your pet shed less by doing certain things, even if you cannot control everything.

Exercise

Exercise is good for helping reduce dog shedding. Dogs that are active every day will stay healthier, which means they will lose less hair. It’s the same for humans, so we’re not that different after all.

Healthy Diet

The food your dog eats affects how much it sheds.

A poor diet can often lead to an unhealthy gut microbiome. This is important for our bodies because the gut microbiome is essential for many things, like eczema and multiple sclerosis.

Feeding your dog a diet rich in omega 3 and 6, olive oil, fresh meat, vegetables, and fruit can help reduce shedding. Avoid ingredients like rice, soy, and corn, and focus on high meat protein content instead.

Hydration

Understanding how critical it is to keep your dog hydrated throughout shedding season might make the process simpler for both of you.

If a dog is dehydrated, its skin becomes dry and itchy. This makes the dog scratch its skin a lot, making the hair fall out. The average dog requires one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. But during the hot months, your dog will need more water to stay healthy and happy.

Reduce Stress

How long does dog shedding last? It seems like your dog is always losing hair. This is normal, but you might want to look into it if it lasts too long.

Adrenaline is released when dogs are stressed. This may result in increased hair loss. If you suspect your dog is worried, it’s a good idea to ascertain the source of the stress. Consider the following questions:

• Did you visit a new vet recently?
• Have you changed the home?
• Did you get a new pet?
• Is your dog exercising too much?
• Is your pet eating less? Or not eating at all?

Brushing And Shedding Tools

Choosing the right dog brush can help reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds. This will alleviate a great deal of tension and inconvenience.

You should brush your dog regularly, even when it’s not shedding. This will help keep the fur from becoming tangled or matted. It also removes dead hairs and dandruff and makes the fur shinier and softer.

If your dog sheds excessively, a shedding tool may be beneficial. This tool with sharp spikes that help remove hair before it falls on the floor.

One of the most popular dog brushes is the Ruff’ N Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. It is good for dogs with longer coats, but it also works well on short and medium-length hair. It’s easy to clean, and it comes with complimentary nail clippers.

Bathing

Bathing is a good way to help your dog lose its fur, and it also gets rid of the bad smell. That’s a win-win for both of us.

You can save money by bathing your dog at home. If your dog is not too dirty or matted, you can give him a bath at home.

Always wash your dog with a specific dog shampoo. Dogs’ skin is more sensitive than ours, so it’s important to use gentle shampoo on their skin. This will help keep their fur healthy and free from dryness.

Another useful tip is using warm water and giving your fur baby a good four-five minute shampoo massage. This will make sure that all dirt and dead hair are removed.

Shampoos

What can help with dog shedding is using the right kind of shampoo. Consider the following factors while selecting a shampoo:

• Artificial fragrances should be avoided. They can cause allergy and skin irritation, so instead, look for a shampoo with natural smells.
• Avoid artificial colors. They can damage your puppy’s skin barrier and irritate it.
• Ascertain that the shampoo you use is pH balanced. While our skin has a pH of approximately 4.7 (slightly acidic), dogs’ skin is more alkaline (up to 7.2). Shampoos with an alkaline pH might irritate the skin and make it more vulnerable to infection.

The FURminator is a good dog shampoo for shedding dogs. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and natural scents such as calendula extract. This will help with deshedding and make your puppy smell better.

Hair Supplements

If you want your dog to lose hair, you can add shedding supplements to their food. Healthy fats and vitamins can help improve the amount of hair your dog sheds.

A great supplement to help with dog shedding is Shed-X’s Dermaplex liquid. It is rich in 6 fatty acids and Omega 3 from Norwegian anchovies and sardines. This makes the hair shiny and healthy. The supplement also contains Biotin and Zinc to improve dull and dry hair and calm irritated skin.

Home Remedies for Dog Shedding

Dealing with a shedding dog can be frustrating. You may find hairs in your food. But there are some home remedies that, when applied correctly, can make your life as a dog parent way easier.

• Olive, flaxseed, and coconut oil are rich in healthy fats and Omega 3s. These ingredients will help moisturize your hair, making it stronger and less likely to fall out.
• Adding wet food to your dog’s diet can help keep them hydrated, which will help their skin and hair stay healthy. This can also lead to less shedding.
• Fish oil can help decrease your dog’s shedding. Fish oil is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, making your dog’s fur stronger and healthier. Adding tuna or salmon to your dog’s diet can help improve their shedding. Remember to remove all bones and be careful with the introduction if your dog doesn’t tolerate fish.
• CBD oil is a type of oil that comes from the cannabis plant. This type of oil is controversial, but it might be very good for your dog’s shedding hair. CBD oil contains high linoleic acid and omega 3 fatty acids and is essential for healthy coats.
• Plain yogurt is healthy food for dogs. It has fats and protein that can help improve their health and decrease shedding. Be sure to get plain yogurt without any sweeteners or flavors, as they can be harmful to dogs.

Pet Hair Remover

Even if you take care of it, there will always be some hair lying around. That’s why lint roller and hair removers are every pet owner’s friend.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and eco-friendly pet hair remover, the ChomChom is a great option. It doesn’t need refills and can be used on clothes and furniture.

How to Stop Dog Shedding

Even if you do everything, your dog will still shed. It’s normal and healthy for them to do so. So the best thing you can do is just deal with it. After all, caring for a dog comes with compromises, like hair-covered clothes and furniture.

When Is Shedding a Concern?

Some hair fall is normal, but sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious issue.

Numerous factors contribute to a dog’s excessive shedding. These causes may be medical in nature, such as allergies or exposure to hazardous substances. If you believe your dog is shedding excessively, it is critical to seek assistance from your veterinarian.

What Might Cause Excessive Dog Shedding?

Many health and environmental factors can lead to excessive fur loss. Let’s discuss some of the most common ones.

• Parasites: If your dog has fleas or other parasites, they might be making the dog’s skin itchy. This makes the dog scratch a lot, which can cause hair to fall out. If this happens, it might be worth investing in a good flea collar or pills to get rid of the parasites.
• Ringworm and fungal dermatitis are the two most prevalent fungal illnesses in dogs. They may result in crusting, irritation, and excessive shedding of the skin. If you suspect your dog is suffering from one of these ailments, look for flaky skin, brittle nails, ear infections, and excessive itching. Early detection is critical to ensuring that your dog receives the therapy it requires.
• Allergies: If you wonder how to deal with dog shedding and have tried many things that have not worked, it is worth investing in an allergy testing kit for dogs. Dogs can have allergies to food, fleas, or the environment. If you think food might be the problem, check out those good foods for dogs with allergies.
• Liver conditions: If your dog loses weight and drinks a lot of water, it might have liver disease. This can often lead to hair loss. Visiting the vet regularly can help with early detection.
• Thyroid or adrenal issues: If your dog is shedding clumps of fur, this might be a sign of something wrong. Excessive shedding can be a symptom of different conditions, one of which is hypothyroidism. This happens when the dog doesn’t have enough thyroid hormones. If your dog has any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning it to your vet so they can do some tests.
• Pregnancy: It is normal for a dog to shed hair during and after she becomes pregnant. This is because many hormonal changes occur in a pregnant dog’s body. Some of these changes can lead to shedding. Your dog loses calcium and other essential minerals necessary for healthy fur during lactation. Your veterinarian can recommend the best supplementation for your pregnant pup.
• Medication side effects: Many drugs can cause excessive hair loss. If your dog sheds more than normal following the commencement of new medicine, consult the information leaflet to determine whether hair loss is a frequent adverse effect.
• Sunburn: Fur keeps dogs warm in winter and protects them from the sun in summer. But if a dog spends too much time under the sun, its skin might burn. That’s very unpleasant for the doggy and will probably result in excessive shedding. Always make sure there are plenty of shadowy areas for your pet to hide under when going outside in summer.

Which Dog Breeds Shed the Most?

Dogs and humans shed their hair. But some breeds of dogs shed more than others. My Golden Retriever sheds a lot, and it once caused the vacuum cleaner to overheat and stop working.

Here are the winners of the shedding competition:

• Akita
• Alaskan Malamute
• German Shepherd (a.k.a. German Shedder)
• Labrador Retriever
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Golden Retriever

Which Dog Breeds Shed The Least?

Some breeds of dogs shed a little bit, and other breeds don’t shed at all. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Hairless American Terrier
• Crested Chinese
• Schnauzer Giant
• Afghan Terrier

Dog and cat allergies are common, affecting 10-20% worldwide. Interestingly, some dog breeds that don’t shed very much are less likely to cause allergic reactions.

Dog Shedding Tips

• You should consider purchasing a high-quality vacuum cleaner. Choose one that is particularly effective in removing dog hair.
• A veterinarian should be consulted if you think your pet is shedding more hair than usual. This could be an indication of a disease process.
• You can reduce how much your dog sheds by treating any health problems they have first.
• If you can afford it, send your puppy to a professional grooming salon for deep deshedding once or twice a year. This will assist in removing any loose hair your puppy sheds.

Conclusion

While it is natural for dogs to shed, finding dog hair everywhere after vacuuming can aggravate it. However, it is possible to lessen your dog’s daily hair loss by taking a few simple steps.

There are numerous ways to enhance your dog’s health. You can enhance its physical activity, provide it with a diet rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats, and ensure it gets plenty of water. Additionally, you can bathe it regularly, groom it, and keep it hydrated.

If your dog sheds excessively, this could be a clue that something is wrong. Consult a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s health.