I get many questions about dog hair shed, usually regarding why a dog is shedding excessively, and the best way to control it. Shedding is a natural process for dogs but 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.
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. As a pet owner you should always be familiar with the characteristics of your dog’s breed and the extent to which they traditionally shed. Many breeds grow thicker coats as winter progresses, then lose them in the spring to better regulate their body temps. What surprises many pet owners is that sudden hot or cold spells at any time of the year can also kick that process into gear.
Surprisingly, long-haired breeds are not necessarily the biggest shedders. Dogs that do shed most include Akitas, Bernese Mountain dogs, Boston terriers, Chihuahuas, Chow Chows, Corgis, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Pekingese, Pugs, and Siberian huskies.
While you can’t stop shedding in any dog, there are steps you can take to make it manageable:
Brush your dog’s coat. Every dog has a unique coat. Know your dog’s maintenance requirements and recommendations; following these grooming requirements ensures that your dog’s coat will remain clean, free of mats and healthy. It’s important to choose the right brush for their fur:
- Bristle brushes are a great choice for all coat types. For a longer coat, rely on long bristles. For shorter-haired dogs, pick a stiff brush.
- Wire-pin brushes are the perfect choice for woolly or curly coats that need detangling.
- Slicker brushes are best used on dogs who are prone to mats and tangles.
- Rubber curry brushes can be used on short-haired dogs or to massage any dog’s skin. These brushes help remove dander, dead skin, and old hair. Many dogs love the feeling of being brushed with a rubber brush, which acts as a gentle massager.
- Use a shedding tool. Shedding tools are useful whether your dog sheds seasonally or year-round. Shedding tools make it easy to remove dead hair from your dog before they become tumbleweeds in your home. 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 it’s shed from your dog.
Dogs with shorter coats should be brushed regularly with a natural-bristle brush, hound mitt or glove with bristles attached. Loosen the hair by brushing in the direction of the growth and/or in a circular motion, then remove the hair by brushing it the other way.
Dogs with longer coats and/or undercoats may need a slicker brush, coat rake or shedding tool that can get past the outer coat to snag the silky hairs beneath. Try brushing in both directions to loosen hairs before pulling them in the direction of growth, then up and away.
Consider whether improvements to your dog’s diet may help. When your dog gets good nutrition, their hair follicles become more resilient. Strong follicles can help minimize extra shedding caused by undernourished fur. Try switching to a high-quality food that contains 100% proteinated minerals, fresh meat and oils such as fish, sunflower or coconut oil. Omega supplements may also help.
Keep your pup hydrated. Make sure your dog always has fresh water. It’s essential to their overall health, and it can also keep their skin hydrated. Dehydrated skin can exacerbate shedding and hair loss.
Bathe your pooch regularly. Bath time not only keeps your dog clean, but it helps remove excess and dead hair before it falls. A deshedding shampoo can help ease shedding even more.
When Should I Be Worried About Hair Loss?
For some dog breeds, excessive shedding is a part of their daily life! As a dog owner, pay attention to the seasonal changes in your dog’s shedding, so you know when something is amiss with your pet. Hair loss that reaches beyond your dog’s normal shedding can indicate health issues such as:
- Parasites like fleas, mites, or lice
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Allergies and/or Food allergies
- Kidney disease
- Liver conditions
- Thyroid or adrenal issues
- Pregnancy
- Side-effects from medication
- Anxiety or stress
- Cancer
- Immune disease
- Sunburn
- Topical irritants
Take your dog to the vet if you notice more hair loss than usual, inflamed skin, brittle fur, excessive scratching, or bald patches.
Shedding can be a nuisance but spending time grooming your pup has benefits beyond just reducing the amount of fur in your home. Taking the time to brush and bathe your pup can be fun and gives you time to bond. It also gives you a great opportunity to check your dog for new bumps, parasites, or dry skin. The result of grooming is a happy, healthy dog — and less shedding.