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What To Do If Your Dog Sheds Like Crazy

September 01, 2021

Having a pet dog is a wonderful thing, but there can be downsides. Whilst all dogs shed their fur (just like we lose and replace our hair, as part of its natural life cycle), some dogs can shed a lot more than others.

Generally speaking, dogs with longer hair shed less, and dogs with shorter fur tend to shed a lot throughout the year.

Depending on its breed, your dog might also shed seasonally, which means losing a large amount of fur at certain times of the year. This is all a completely natural process, and unfortunately for our vacuum cleaners, there’s nothing we can do to stop it!

The only time you should be concerned about your dog losing their fur is if the skin appears to be irritated or abnormal in any way, according to the RSPCA.

One of the main inconveniences caused by dog hair shedding is that it can make it really difficult to keep your home clean. Constantly having to remove fur from your furniture, clothing, and carpets is no fun at all, and can take its toll on your cleaning equipment too.

Another issue that dog shedding may cause you is the concern that your furry friend is uncomfortable as a result of fur which has been shed but is trapped in the coat. This can be a problem for double-coated breeds in particular.

Although it’s impossible to stop dog shedding happening completely, there are definitely steps you can take to make life easier for both you and your dog.

If your dog sheds like crazy and you’re struggling to keep on top of it, read on for our top dog shedding solutions.

8 Steps to Take if Your Dog is Shedding a Lot

1. Brush frequently.

The more often you brush your dog, the more hair you will remove to avoid excess shedding. During the shedding seasons of fall and spring, brush your dog at least twice a week - and even more if you have time.

The more you brush your dog, the more comfortable they will feel with the experience. To encourage them to develop a positive association with grooming, make sure you give them lots of praise and cuddles before, during, and after the grooming session.

If your pet likes to be stroked but is nervous around combs and brushes, a dog grooming glove might be the ideal choice for you. It will help to remove and collect shed fur, whilst also providing a relaxing massage for your dog.

Another excellent choice for grooming is a deshedding tool. Make sure you opt for one which has gentle teeth that will not irritate your pet’s skin, and an easy-grip handle so you can keep a firm grasp on the tool throughout grooming.

2. Bathe your dog often.

A great way to get rid of excess hair is to give your dog frequent baths. Be sure to brush your dog thoroughly before his bath, removing as much hair as you can before you get him wet.

During the bath, use a waterproof mitt or brush to help to dislodge trapped fur. This will help your dog to feel more comfortable and relaxed too.

3. Be sure to blow dry.

After bathing your dog, towel-dry him, and then blow-dry his coat with warm (not hot) air, using a hairdryer. As your dog’s coat becomes dryer, you can use a brush to help remove the loose hair as you dry.

Make sure not to use too high a setting on the hairdryer and keep the hairdryer a safe distance from your pet at all times. The heat from very hot hairdryers can not only dry out and irritate your pet’s skin but could even cause burns and damage to the coat.

4. Brush after drying.

After you have finished drying your dog, brush him thoroughly once again. A lot more hair will come out at this stage of the process. It’s crucial to get this hair now because if you don’t, you’ll find it on your carpet!

Once you’ve collected all the fur that has been shed during the bathing and drying process, you might be shocked at how much hair your pet has lost - and glad you collected it before it could shed around your home.

5. Consider clipping.

If you live in a warm climate or have hot summers, and your dog has a thick, profuse coat that sheds often, consider having him clipped. Take him to a professional groomer and request that his coat is shortened, which will reduce the amount of hair that falls out on its own.

If your pet is easily irritated by hot weather, they will likely be much happier with their new shorter and more breathable coat.

6. Give supplements.

You may be able to reduce shedding by supplementing your dog’s diet with Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids not only help reduce shedding but can also contribute to healthy skin, as well as providing other health benefits.

7. Don’t skimp on pet food.

Good nutrition helps reduce shedding, so feeding your dog high-quality dog food can help keep loose hair to a minimum. Buy the best food you can for your dog. Premium brands often use better quality ingredients, which equals better nutrition for your dog.

Always check the ingredients of your dog’s food carefully to ensure it offers a well-balanced diet. This will give you peace of mind that they are not deficient in any vital nutrients.

8. See a vet.

If your dog seems to be shedding excessively or is losing hair in patches, they may be suffering from a health problem. If they seem uncomfortable and are regularly scratching, this may be a sign of a skin condition or allergy.

Skin infections, allergies, and even cancer can cause excessive shedding in dogs.
If you have any concerns at all, it’s always best to take your pet to your local veterinarian for an exam.

We hope you’ve found this list of our top dog shedding tips helpful!

You might also enjoy reading How to Use a Deshedding Brush.