Finding clumps of dog hair on your clothes, furniture, and floors is a common issue for dog owners. While shedding is a natural process, excessive shedding can be a nuisance and may indicate underlying health issues. Fortunately, you can manage and reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds with several effective home remedies.
This guide provides practical, easy-to-implement home remedies to help control your dog’s shedding. These solutions can improve your dog’s coat health and reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Shedding is a natural process by which dogs lose old or damaged hair. The amount a dog sheds depends on its breed, the time of year, and its overall health. For example, breeds with thick double coats, like Huskies and German Shepherds, tend to shed more heavily, especially during spring and fall.
While some shedding is normal, excessive shedding can be a sign of underlying health issues. These can include:
- Poor nutrition
- Stress or anxiety
- Allergies
- Skin parasites like fleas or mites
- Underlying medical conditions
By addressing these potential causes with simple home remedies, you can often reduce shedding and improve your dog’s well-being.
How to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home
Here are six proven home remedies to help control your dog’s shedding.
1. Improve Your Dog’s Diet
A healthy coat starts from the inside. A diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to dry skin and a dull coat, resulting in increased shedding.
- High-Quality Food: Ensure your dog’s food is rich in high-quality protein and digestible ingredients. Look for foods that list a specific type of meat, such as chicken or lamb, as the first ingredient.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat. They help moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation, which can lead to less shedding. (Best Foods to Reduce Dog Shedding and Improve Coats, n.d.)
2. Add Healthy Oils to Their Food
Supplementing your dog’s diet with healthy oils can provide the fatty acids needed for a shiny, healthy coat.
- Olive Oil or Flaxseed Oil: Adding about one teaspoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food per 10 pounds of body weight can make a noticeable difference. (FlexRex Linseed Oil, n.d.) These oils are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Start with a smaller amount to let your dog’s system adjust.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut oil also supports a healthy coat and can be given orally or applied topically to soothe dry skin (Elliott & Brianna, 2020).
3. Establish a Regular Brushing Routine
Brushing is one of the most effective ways to manage shedding. It removes loose hair (Can brushing help reduce shedding?, n.d.) and dead hair before it ends up all over your house.
- Choose the Right Brush: The best brush depends on your dog’s coat type. De-shedding tools are ideal for dogs with thick undercoats, while bristle brushes are well-suited for dogs with short hair.
- Brush Daily: Spending just a few minutes brushing your dog daily can significantly reduce shedding. It also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, keeping it healthy and shiny.
4. Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Regular baths help wash away loose hair and keep your dog’s skin clean. However, bathing too often can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increased shedding.
- Use an Oatmeal Shampoo: Oatmeal-based shampoos are soothing and can help relieve dry, itchy skin. This can reduce the scratching that often contributes to hair loss.
- Don’t Over-Bathe: For most dogs, a bath once a month is sufficient unless they are particularly dirty. Follow the bath with a thorough brushing session once their coat is dry.
5. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration (Can Dehydration Cause Heavy Dog Shedding?, n.d.) can lead to dry skin, which in turn causes shedding and hair loss. Ensuring your dog has constant access to fresh water is a simple but vital step.
- Fresh Water: Always have a clean bowl of fresh water available.
- Encourage Drinking: If your dog is a reluctant drinker, consider a pet water fountain to encourage them to drink more. The moving water often entices dogs to drink more.
6. Make Homemade Anti-Shedding Sprays
You can create a simple, effective spray at home to help condition your dog’s coat and reduce shedding.
- Herbal Spray Recipe: Brew a strong cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or green tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Let it cool completely. Pour it into a spray bottle and lightly mist your dog’s coat before brushing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water. A (Fresh Fur Vinegar Rinse, n.d.) After a bath, use this mixture as a final rinse to improve coat condition and reduce dandruff.
Take Control of Dog Shedding Today
Managing your dog’s shedding doesn’t require expensive products or frequent trips to the groomer. By implementing these straightforward home remedies, you can significantly reduce the amount of hair in your home while boosting your dog’s coat and skin health.
Consistent brushing, a balanced diet, and proper hydration are essential for controlling shedding. Start with one or two of these tips and build a routine that works for you and your pet. Try versatile veggies in new and flavorful ways!
