If you are a pet parent, you already know the struggle of getting your pet’s fur everywhere in the house, from your clothes to your couch to somehow even reaching your car seat. By now, you might have probably accepted the universal truth: dog fur gets everywhere. While some dog shedding is normal, if you are sitting at 2 am searching “how to stop dog shedding”, then this guide is for you.

Let’s first understand why dogs shed. 

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Before jumping into remedies, let’s first understand why dogs shed so much fur, what is normal and when it is considered excessive. 

All dogs shed hair. It is their natural way of getting rid of old, damaged hair so that new hair can grow. It’s their version of your hair falling out in the shower or while brushing. The amount of canine shedding depends on various factors like breed, age, coat type, diet, health, season and environment. 

Some dog breeds, like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors, are famous for shedding more than others thanks to their double coats.

Dog Moulting Season

Heavier shedding occurs during "dog moulting season". This usually happens in the spring and fall seasons as they lose the old coat in preparation for a change in temperature. It's perfectly natural, even if it seems as if your dog is fluffing a pillow all on its own.

During dog moulting, you may notice:

• Larger clumps of loose fur
• Needing to brush more frequently
• Hair gathering around your home much faster than usual

Although there is no way to prevent seasonal moulting, you can manage it through regular grooming.

When Does It Become a Problem?

If you see that your dog is itching and losing hair, causing them to have bald spots, redness, and scabs and shedding their skin a lot, then this could mean that there is some underlying issue, like allergies, skin condition or an underlying health issue. When you notice these signs with your dog, take them to the vet; you cannot just try to fix it with a home remedy.

Ways to stop Dog Shedding At Home: Natural Remedies

A consistent grooming routine for your dog is one of the best ways to stop dog shedding.

⬨ Brush Regularly

The most appropriate way of maintaining healthy dog hair is by brushing it regularly. Brushing a couple of times a week, or even daily, makes sure that you collect the dead hair using the brush, instead of letting it fall all around the house.

Brushing ensures even distribution of natural oils, which are found at the roots of the hair.

The secret is in using an appropriate brush:

• Double-coated dogs: Slicker brushes work well.
• Short coats: Grooming gloves and rubber curry combs suit.

⬨ Try an Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal isn't just for breakfast; it is a great natural cure for any skin that is itchy and dry, which causes your dog’s hair loss. Ground oatmeal mixed up in warm water and applied in a bath helps relieve itching and allows your dog’s fur to shed easily by rinsing rather than seeing it all over your furniture.

You can also use baking soda to drive away the odour (if your dog stinks) and rinse thoroughly.  

Note: You should never wash your dog excessively or use strong shampoos since this might lead to removal of natural oils from the roots of the hair, resulting in hair shedding.

⬨ Nutrition is the key

Good nutrition is what leads to healthy and beautiful fur. Just like a human body thrives with good nutrition, everything from your dog’s coat to their odour and energy depends on nutrition. Poor nutrition leads to a dull coat and excessive hair fall.

Look for high-quality dog food that contains:

• Protein
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Omega-6 fatty acids
• Vitamins and minerals

It has been discovered by some dog owners that raw food is the key to healthy skin and coat for their pets. Some people prefer to stick to the usual kibble diets which prove to be enough for their dogs' needs. Your veterinarian can better assist you in choosing an appropriate dog diet.

⬨ Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Your dog’s skin will get affected by dehydration in the same way as your skin. Your dog will have dry skin that sheds. Water is necessary for good skin and coat. Always ensure that your dog has access to water, especially in the warmer months.

You can also add some unseasoned broth to the water if your dog does not like drinking water.

⬨Use a Deshedding Tool During Moulting Season 

Normal brushes are wonderful, but during the intense moulting season, a specialised brush will do wonders. These can get to the undercoat and get rid of the loose hair which might not be caught by normal brushing.

Note: These brushes are highly effective and can cause irritation if used a little more than necessary.  

⬨Prevent Matts Before They Form

Dogs with long hair are especially susceptible to matting. Matting holds shed hair next to the skin until the mats are untangled, which makes shedding look like it’s not happening as it should. How to avoid matting:

• Brush regularly.
• Make it a point to brush behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
• If tangled hair become  aproblem then clip them out.

⬨Environment and Coat Care

Excess heat and stress can both increase shedding. Make sure your dog has a cool, comfortable space, especially during warmer months 

If you live in a highly dry environment, particularly during winter when there is central heating indoors, then it would be wise to invest in a humidifier, as it would help avoid your dog's skin becoming excessively dry, which in turn would minimise shedding of fur due to brittleness.

Flea, tick, and mite removal is vital because these insects make your dog scratch and result in hair fall. Use organic methods or prescribed ones from the veterinarian for preventing hair fall.

Final Thoughts

A certain degree of shedding is something that cannot be escaped if you have a dog in your life because it comes with wagging tails and cuddles. However, there are ways to cut down on shedding in dogs through regular brushing, a healthy diet, adequate hydration, and adopting some other good practices at home.

We at PetBuds believe that even the smallest things matter when it comes to your dog’s skin and coat health. Give some of these treatments a shot and see what happens!