Shedding Hair Destroying Your House?

Shedding in your dog’s coat is a natural process that causes your dog to loose old dead hair from his body. For some dog breeds, like those with heavy double coats, shedding can be difficult to live with, especially during summer months when your dog’s hair loss can increase considerably.

Today, we’re looking at what you can do to help reduce and manage shedding in your dog’s coat.

What Causes Your Dog to Shed Hair?

Shedding is a natural process of hair loss where you dog “sheds” the old hairs from his coat. All dogs shed, but some dogs, like those with a heavy double coat, can seem to shed excessively, which can make you feel like you forever have the vaccum cleaner out!  For some dog breeds, like the Jack Russel, Labrador or Husky, shedding can be

Reasons for Excessive Hair Loss in Your Dog

• Change in temperature, such as seasonal weather changes can cause your dog to shed those extra layers of warmth that have been keeping him snug throughout the winter
• Dry Skin – if your dog suffers with dry skin, it can cause the hair follicles to become clogged
• Irregular brushing – using a slicker brush daily on your dog’s coat will remove the dead hairs as they come loose, thereby helping to manage shedding

Should I Worry About Shedding?

Shedding by itself isn’t generally something that should cause you to be concerned about your dog’s health, but if you don’t manage it correctly, the buildup of excessive dead hair in your dog’s coat can cause matting to occur, which, in addition to being very uncomfortable for your dog, can lead to other painful skin conditions like hot-spots or fungal infections.

It is important to note that natural shedding is normally an “all over” hair loss. Any signs of patchy hair loss leading to bald patches, excessive itching or extreme discomfort may be symptoms of underlying allergies, skin conditions or medical issues, and a trip to your vet is recommended.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Shedding?

Natural shedding is something which your dog needs to do in order to regulate his temperature, so there is no way to stop shedding completely, however, there are ways to help to manage shedding which can make it more bearable for both you and your dog.

• Daily brushing of your dog’s coat is essential to remove loose, dead hairs
• A dull, dry coat and dry skin is often a sign of a poor diet, so changing your dog’s diet and including Omega Oils can support the skin
• A regular skin therapy like our DeShedding Therapy Bath will give the skin an intensive moisturizing treatment, loosening old dead hair and clearing the hair follicles to “lock” your dog’s coat in place for 6-8 weeks.

If you are struggling with managing your dog’s shedding, I would recommend a visit to your groomer, who can help you to get excessive hair loss under control, and help you find the right at home care routine, to make living with a dog that sheds much easier!