Effective Tips to Manage Dog Shedding

As autumn approaches, many dogs begin shedding their summer coats to grow thicker winter fur. Although this is a natural process, excessive hair loss can concern pet owners. Proper nutrition and care are crucial for managing your dog's shedding and maintaining a healthy coat.

Dietary Strategies to Manage Your Dog's Shedding 

Here are some essential nutrients and tips for supporting your dog's skin and coat health through diet.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for dogs since they cannot produce them. These fats reduce inflammation, enhance skin hydration, and reduce shedding. A balanced diet, such as Kibble that Counts Salmon and Ocean Fish, provides adequate fatty acids.

Fish oil can be a supplement, but consult your veterinarian to avoid excessive intake, which may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, poor wound healing, weight gain, and blood clotting issues. Since dogs may obtain some omega-3 and 6 from their diet, check with your veterinarian to determine whether additional supplementation is needed.

Sources: Fresh fish like salmon, sardines, or mackerel, and fish oils.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for hair health, supporting follicle integrity and promoting cell growth. It regulates sebum production, moisturises skin and hair, and prevents dryness and breakage. Petzyo’s high-quality raw meals, such as Raw Royalty Roo’s Clues and Chick Magnet, provide natural sources of zinc to help maintain a healthy coat. Under a vet's guidance, supplementing your dog's diet with zinc can help manage excessive shedding, especially in shedding seasons like autumn.

Sources: Red meat, whole grains, and fortified fish meals.

Copper

Copper is important for keeping your dog's skin and coat healthy because it helps with keratinisation - that's how keratin, a protein, gets into their hair, skin, and nails. The AAFCO has guidelines for how much copper should be in dog food. Too little copper isn't good, but too much copper can lead to a serious and potentially deadly condition called copper storage disease. 

While insufficient copper can cause problems like skeletal deformities, hair colour changes, low sperm count, and anemia, it's not common in dogs because copper is a required ingredient in commercial dog food.

Sources: Organ meats, sweet potatoes, and whole grains. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is vital for skin cell health and hair follicle function, contributing to a vibrant coat for your dog. A deficiency can cause skin issues like dryness, scaling, and flakiness.

Organ meats, like liver and kidney, are rich in vitamin A and other nutrients such as copper and zinc, which support skin and coat health. These can be added to your dog's diet for sufficient vitamin A. However, a balanced commercial diet typically provides enough. Excessive intake may result in vitamin A toxicity, so limit organ meats to about 5% of your dog's daily diet.

Sources: Organ meats, like liver and kidney, whole grains, and fish meals.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is vital for a dog's health, particularly for their skin and coat. It aids cell growth and the metabolism of fats and proteins. A deficiency can result in a dull coat, hair loss, and skin problems.

Eggs, oats, and brown rice are good sources of biotin. Eggs are rich in protein and fatty acids, and to avoid salmonella risk, they should be cooked for puppies, older dogs, and dogs with weaker immunity.

Oats and brown rice are nutritious whole grains that provide biotin and fibre, promoting digestion. They should be cooked before serving and can complement your dog's regular diet. If you're concerned about your dog's biotin levels, consult your veterinarian for dietary changes or supplementation advice.

Sources: Eggs (yolk), oats, brown rice, liver, salmon, sweet potato, and sunflower seeds.

Hydration

Bone Broth:
Homemade bone broth is beneficial for your dog's skin and coat, reducing shedding and providing collagen for elasticity. It also offers hydration and essential nutrients. When making it, avoid adding salt or onions, as they are harmful to dogs.
 
Fresh Water:
Proper hydration is key to your dog's health and coat quality. Dehydration can cause dry skin and more shedding. Always provide clean, fresh water, and encourage drinking by adding ice cubes or using a water fountain.

Routine Tips to Manage Your Dog's Shedding

There are several ways to manage your dog’s shedding while maintaining the health of their coat as autumn approaches, including:

Regular Brushing

To effectively manage shedding, regularly remove loose hair to prevent accumulation in your home. 

• Brush Selection: Choose the right brush based on your dog's coat. For thick undercoats, use a de-shedding tool like a FURminator. Bristle brushes work well for many coat types, while slicker brushes help with mats but may not be ideal for everyday use. Consult a groomer for the best option.
• Brushing Frequency: Heavily shedding dogs benefit from daily brushing, especially during shedding seasons. Lighter shedders can be brushed 2-3 times a week. Regular brushing helps reduce shedding and promotes a healthy coat.
• Grooming Gloves: For dogs sensitive to brushes, grooming gloves provide a gentler way to remove loose hair while allowing for bonding. 
  
  

Make brushing a positive experience by starting slowly and using treats and praise. If your dog is anxious, seek advice from a professional.

Bathing with Shed-Control Shampoo

• Use a Moisturizing Shampoo: Opt for a high-quality dog shampoo that contains ingredients known for their moisturising and nourishing properties. Omega fatty acids, found in fish oil, promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates the skin, reducing dryness and flakiness. Oatmeal is another excellent ingredient that helps calm irritated skin and relieve itching, which can contribute to excessive shedding.
  
• Avoid Overbathing: Regular baths are essential for cleanliness, but overbathing strips your dog's natural oils, causing dryness and shedding. If your dog has dry skin, bathe it every 4-6 weeks or less. For dirt between baths, use waterless shampoo or a damp cloth. Dogs with allergies or skin conditions may benefit from more frequent baths with veterinary shampoos.
  
• Follow with a Conditioner: Apply a dog-specific conditioner to hydrate the skin and coat further after shampooing. Look for a leave-in conditioner that contains detangling agents to prevent mats and tangles, which can worsen shedding. A good conditioner will also help to reduce static and frizz, leaving your dog's coat looking and feeling its best.
  

Keep Up with Vet Check-Ups

While normal in certain seasons, excessive shedding in dogs can indicate health issues that need attention. A sudden increase in shedding, bald patches, or persistent scratching may suggest allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.

Allergies can lead to skin reactions and itching, while parasites like fleas can irritate the skin. Hormonal issues often affect the hair growth cycle, and poor nutrition can harm skin and coat health, causing more shedding.

If you notice unusual shedding patterns in your dog, such as bald spots, it's essential to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis. Early intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure your dog's well-being.

Control Indoor Shedding with Proper Cleaning

Even with regular grooming, some shedding is inevitable. To keep your home fur-free, try these tips:

• Vacuum Regularly: Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair, featuring strong suction and a HEPA filter. Frequent vacuuming of carpets, rugs, furniture, and floors helps minimise fur build-ups.
  
• Use Lint Rollers and Rubber Gloves: Lint rollers quickly remove pet hair from clothing and upholstery. A rubber glove can gather hair easily due to static attraction for furniture. For carpet, scrape a pumice stone gently along the surface.
  
• Wash Pet Bedding Frequently: Regularly wash your pet's bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water to eliminate hair and dander. Using a pet-specific laundry detergent can help remove odours and allergens.
• Clean Surfaces Often: Dust and wipe surfaces regularly to prevent hair build-ups, especially in areas your pet frequents, like furniture and windowsills.
  
• Consider Air Purifiers: HEPA air purifiers can remove airborne pet hair and dander, improving air quality and benefiting those with allergies.

Fun Facts and Myths About Dog Shedding

Myth: Shaving Reduces Shedding

Fact: Many people think shaving their dog will help reduce shedding. This is not true. Shaving only makes the hair shorter; it does not stop it from falling out. Keeping a dog’s coat short can help manage heat and reduce the risk of ticks and grass seeds, especially in warm weather. However, shaving too close can remove the coat’s protection against sunburn and bug bites. Instead of shaving, a good trim can keep your dog comfortable while still protecting their skin.

Myth: Indoor Dogs Shed Less

Fact: Some believe indoor dogs shed less than outdoor dogs. While outdoor dogs may shed more during seasonal changes, indoor dogs can shed all year. This happens because indoor dogs are under artificial light, which can affect their natural shedding cycle.

Fun Fact: Some dog breeds change coat colour with the seasons. Their fur may become lighter in spring and darker in fall due to hormonal changes that affect melanin, the pigment in hair.

Follow these tips to keep your dog's coat healthy and reduce shedding this autumn. With some extra care in grooming, diet, and home cleaning, you can manage your dog’s shedding and enjoy a clean home.

Reference:

1. Copper for Dogs
   
2. How to Find a Low Copper Dog Food
   
3. Can Salmon Oil Reduce Shedding For Dogs? Plus 7 Bonus Tips To Stop Excessive Shedding
   
4. Omega 3 and 6 for Dogs
   
5. How Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids Improve Your Dog's Skin and Coat Health
   
6. How To Remove Pet Hair From Furniture, Floors, and More
   
7. You Should Keep a Rubber Glove Under Your Couch Cushions—Here’s Why