How can you stop a dog from shedding​?

Spring is here, and with it comes a familiar challenge for dog owners: shedding.

As the days get longer and warmer, many dogs naturally lose their winter coat. It’s like they sprinkle themselves on your furniture, clothes, and floors like glitter!

So, how can you stop a dog from shedding?

In short, you can’t.

While you can’t completely stop a dog from shedding (it’s a natural process) you can manage it to keep your home cleaner and your dog comfortable. Here’s how.

1. Reduce dog shedding with regular brushing

One of the simplest ways to manage dog shedding is through consistent brushing. Brushing removes loose hairs before they fall around your home. It can also be a nice treat for them, as it doubles as a nice massage for them!

Here’s a breakdown of brushing tools to choose from, and which dogs they suit best:

• Slicker brush – Features fine, short wires close together. Best for long-haired or curly-coated breeds to remove tangles and loose undercoat.

• Bristle brush – Soft or firm bristles ideal for short-haired dogs. Great for removing surface dirt and loose hair while smoothing the coat.

• Undercoat rake – Perfect for double-coated breeds like Huskies or Golden Retrievers. Gently removes the thick undercoat without damaging the topcoat.

• Deshedding tool – A de-shedder like the Furminator is excellent for heavy shedders. It reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair safely.

• Rubber brush or grooming mitt – Works well for short-haired dogs. The rubber bristles massage the skin while collecting loose hair, and many dogs enjoy the “petting” sensation.

Tip: Brush in the direction of hair growth to reduce discomfort, start slowly for nervous dogs, and always reward them with treats or praise to make grooming a positive experience. Check out these tips for brushing your dog >

2. Bathe them more regularly

Bathing can help loosen and remove dog shedding hair. Use a gentle dog deshedding shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

But be careful – over-bathing can dry out your dog’s skin and increase shedding. Ideally, you should wash and shampoo your pooch once a fortnight during summer and the latter months of spring.

In addition to washing out dead hairs, this will also strengthen their remaining coat. The end result? You will shed-proof your pup against future excessive hair loss.

3. Add more protein into their diet

A dog’s diet has a direct impact on shedding. Much like shampoo treatment, a protein-rich dog diet will fortify your dog’s hair. Chicken, turkey, and protein-heavy pet foods will put your pooch in good stead. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, like fish oil, can improve skin and coat health which in-turn helps reduce excessive dog shedding.

If you really want to spoil them, you can whip them up a treat from scratch. Not only will this enrich the fibres of their coat – it will also make your dog’s week.

4. Add some extra grooming into their routine

If you have one of the dog breeds that sheds the most, this might be a crucial part of your routine.

In addition to regular brushing, using a comb and a detangling spray will help to stay on top of managing their fur. A metal comb can help detangle longer haired dogs and check for mats, particularly behind the ears and around the neck.

Regularly cleaning brushes, combs, and grooming tools ensures they work efficiently and don’t irritate your dog’s skin. Investing in a dog fur de-shedding brush can help manage heavy shedding.

5. Regular vet check-ups

Excessive shedding can sometimes be a sign of health issues, such as allergies, parasites, or skin infections. If your dog’s shedding seems unusual, patchy, or accompanied by skin problems, consult your veterinarian.

6. Keep your home clean

This may seem like a no-brainer, but choosing a tactical, carpet-free place to brush them (like a bathroom or a balcony) will make your life so much easier! Lay down a tarp or old towel to catch the fallen hair. 

But as many pet parents know, even with regular brushing, dog shedding is inevitable. So to help keep your house as fur-free as possible, regular vacuuming, lint rolling, and using washable covers for furniture can keep fur under control. We rated the best vacuums for pet hair if that helps?

We searched for a free stock image using the keyword “shedding”. This is what we found.

While you can’t entirely stop a dog from shedding, combining regular grooming, a nutritious diet, and proper home care can make shedding manageable. By investing a little time and care, you can help your dog feel comfortable and keep your home much cleaner.

As a pet parent, having the latest information about the importance of dog grooming is essential.

Tell us, what dog breed do you have and what dog shedding tips work best for you?

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