Fur Frenzy At Home? Here’s How To Reduce Dog Shedding

Except for a few shed-resistant breeds, most dogs shed year-round. It’s a way for them to get rid of damaged or old hair to make way for new growth.

Heavy shedding also takes place once or even twice a year. Typically, they develop thick fur over the winter, which they shed in the spring. Then, they’ll shed again in the fall to develop their winter coat.

Here are things you can do to keep your dog’s shedding to a healthy minimum level:

Give Your Dog High-Quality Food

Golden Retriever puppies eating kibble. (Source)

Normal shedding starts with proper dog nutrition. Make sure you feed your dog high-quality food that’s rich in protein and healthy fats, and low in starches. You can also supplement with fatty acids like fish oil to support their skin and coat health.

Find the Right Shampoo

A Labrador Retriever getting its bath. (Source)

Shampoos made for people are generally too harsh for dogs. For a high-quality dog shampoo that will keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, look for one with oatmeal, vitamin E, and fatty acids.

Use the Right Brush and Brush Often

A Miniature Schnauzer getting brushed. (Source)

Different breeds need different brushes. According to the American Kennel Club, bristle brushes are best for shorter coats while slicker brushes are best for longer coats.

During heavy shedding, a shedding brush will do wonders. No matter the tool, you’ll need to brush regularly. For some dogs, that’s at least once a week while others will require brushing as often as once a day.

With all that said, always keep in mind that shedding is natural. As long as you share your home with a dog, it’s just something you have to deal with. Apart from investing in a vacuum cleaner that’s really meant for households with pets, there are several things you can do to minimize the stress of dealing with fur.

Get Your Pup Some Dog Clothes

Dachshunds wearing Pupreme Hoodies

Apart from keeping your dog warm, dog hoodies and shirts also help keep shed fur contained. Buy high-quality dog outfits that are properly lined so that hair sticks to the interior where it’s easy to remove later on. That way, your dog is stylish and comfortable, and you get to enjoy an almost fur-free home.

Use Fur-Proof Slipcovers on Your Precious Furniture

A furry dog on a protected couch. (Source)

Pet covers keep your furniture fur-free and safe from pet-related damage. Apart from daily dirt and possible accidents, that includes fur accumulation. That means, all the fur sticks to an easy-to-clean slipcover rather than your own couch.

Find a Good Fur Remover Brush

A lint roller requires frequent replacement. (Source)

Pet parents find it hard to stick with lint rollers because the frequent roll replacement can get expensive. Luckily, there are brushes made specifically to remove pet hair.

No matter how much you love your dog, the seemingly endless supply of shed fur can often get frustrating. But by keeping them healthy and properly groomed, you can keep the shedding to a manageable level.

Plus, get your pup some dog clothes, especially for when their shedding is heaviest. Doing that as well as using slipcovers and a good fur remover brush will really help you spend more time playing with your pup rather than cleaning after them.