One of the problems dog owners face is excessive shedding in dogs and stray hairs in their homes.
Nearly every dog sheds and is a normal occurrence, not just in dogs but also on other animals. You will notice that if you have a dog with a thick coat, then they are sure to leave their hair just about everywhere in the house. Unfortunately, there is really no way to stop the fur from shedding; however, we can help reduce the amount of shedding by simply following these tips:
1. Brush Your Pet Regularly
This is the most basic and probably often overlooked method to keep hair loss at a minimum. Even if your dog's coat is not prone to matting, it's still important to brush out their fur regularly. Spend time brushing your dog regularly as what comes off the brush won't be in the furniture, bed, or car seat. Another great benefit of brushing your dog's coat is that it creates a shinier and healthier appearance.
To remove your pet's coat effectively, use the right brush. Here's a quick rundown of the different types of brushes:
- Slicker brushes have fine, short wires that are close together on a flat surface. These are great for medium to long-haired dogs.
- Rakes are designed to penetrate the dog's thick hair and get rid of tangles and dead undercoats in your dog's skin. This should be used on thick-haired dogs like Chow Chows and German Shepherds.
- Bristle brushes are used on short-haired dogs. They are best to be used on Pugs, Jack Russel Terriers, and Boston Terriers.
It is best to brush short-haired dogs at least two to three times a week. Those with medium to long-haired dogs require more maintenance as they should be brushed daily, especially during the spring and summer, where shedding takes place the most. If you have the time, there is no harm in brushing your dog every day, leading to even less shedding.
2. Give them high-quality pet food
Believe it or not, the quality of the food you feed to your pet reflects on your dog's coat. Quality pet foods have healthy fats that play a vital role in the condition of your dog's coat. These dog foods contain enough nutrients, including essential fatty acids that keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny. A happy and healthy dog with a healthy coat that doesn't shed as much? It's a win-win!
On the other hand, low-quality dog foods or even improperly balanced homemade foods may not get enough nutrients to keep your dog's coat healthy. If you're unsure where to start picking out the perfect dog food, you can start by researching the ingredients you should look for and avoid in dog foods.
3. Bathe Them Frequently
Clean dogs have healthier coats and are less propane to excessive shedding. We suggest using an oatmeal shampoo because it can help relieve your dog's itchy skin, and a bonus feature is that it can also help get rid of typical dog skin conditions. Oatmeal in shampoo moisturizes your dog's skin deeper than other moisturizing ingredients; thus helps relieve dry skin, fur shedding, and flea and tick problems. Oatmeal in their soap also helps soften your dog's coat, keeping your pup nice and soft for your future snuggling and petting sessions!
If you prefer to have a groomer take on the task of washing your pup, make sure to voice any concerns about your dog's coat to the groomer.
4. Have Regular Checkups
Most diseases can affect the health of your dog's coat. If you notice that your dog is shedding more often than usual, take them to the vet immediately. Sign of unusual hair loss includes:
- The fur has become dry and brittle
- Fur that sheds unevenly
- Fur that comes out in clumps
- Bald patches
- Skin problems accompanied with hair loss
- Your dog does not want to be touched
If you notice any of the above signs, contact your veterinarian immediately. Regular checkups for your dog are necessary for the benefit of their coat as well. Your vet will examine their coat to look for signs of skin irritation, ticks and fleas, and other conditions that might manifest themselves in your pup's coat.
5. Control Fleas and Allergies
Allergies have a major effect on your dog's coat. If you suspect that your dog has allergies, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your vet may be able to run some tests to determine their allergies and how to best address them. Dogs can be allergic to foods, medications, their environment, pests, and certain types of shampoos.
Something else that can cause excessive shedding is fleas and ticks, which can cause your dog to scratch at their coat and cause more shedding. If you live in an area where fleas and ticks are common, you can pick up a preventative medication from your vet.
These are just a few of the many things you can do to control the shedding of your dog's coat. By paying attention to what your dog eats and how you maintain their coat, you can significantly reduce the amount of pet hair, not just in your home, but in your furniture and car as well.
Plush Paws Car Seat Covers Are Perfect for Your Next Road Trip
Speaking of keeping your pets' excessive shedding away from your car, you're going to love Plush Paws Products' car seat covers! Our seat covers were specially designed to keep your pet comfortable while keeping your vehicle clean. Plus, our car seat covers are easily installed, removed, and cleanable, so you can keep them in your car all the time or just for those special occasions when your pup gets to embrace the open road with you. If you're a dog lover, you're sure to love our car seat covers. Check out our extensive collection of doggy car seat covers, or shop by your car model today!
