Does your dog shed a lot? It can be frustrating to find dog hair all over your furniture and clothing, but shedding is a normal and necessary process for dogs. It helps them get rid of old and damaged hair. Shedding is inevitable, even among hypoallergenic dogs, and can't be completely prevented. However, you can take steps to manage it.

Start by monitoring your dog's shedding patterns and understanding their breed. Some breeds are more prone to shedding than others. While some shed seasonally, others shed year-round. Research what is typical for your dog's breed and compare it to your dog's shedding habits. If your dog sheds more, less, or at different times than usual, consult your veterinarian to check for any underlying health issues.

Understanding your dog's coat type can also help manage shedding. Different coats require different grooming routines to remove excess dead hair. Although shedding is a natural process by which your dog's body replaces old fur with new, all that loose hair can drive you crazy.  

Different Types of Dog Coats & How to Care for Them:

Understanding your dog's coat type, including the need for winter coats, is essential for effective grooming and shedding management. Each coat type has unique characteristics and specific care requirements. Here’s a guide to some common dog coat types and how to care for them:

Smooth Coat

Appearance/Texture: Smooth coats are sleek, shiny, and lie close to the body, giving dogs a polished look.
Breed Examples: Beagles, Bulldogs.
Care: These coats require daily brushing to remove loose hairs and maintain their shine.

Double Coat

Appearance/Texture: Double coats feature a longer top layer and a dense, shorter undercoat.
Breed Examples: Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies.
Care: Regular hand-stripping by a professional groomer helps remove dead undercoat. Brush weekly between grooming sessions to reduce shedding and prevent matting.

Wire Coat

Appearance/Texture: Wire coats are coarse and wiry, sometimes with smooth areas.
Breed Examples: Scottish Terriers, Brussels Griffons.
Care: Brush as needed to remove dead hair and debris. Regular grooming visits are essential to maintain the coat's texture and appearance.

Silky Coat

Appearance/Texture: Silky coats are characterized by long, straight, and smooth fur.
Breed Examples: Yorkshire Terriers, Cocker Spaniels.
Care: Daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and mats. Grooming visits are required for trimming and overall maintenance.

Curly Coat

Appearance/Texture: Curly coats have tight curls or wavy fur.
Breed Examples: Bichon Frises, Portuguese Water Dogs.
Care: Care routines for curly coats can vary significantly among breeds. It’s best to consult with a groomer to determine the most suitable care practices for your dog's specific needs.

After identifying your dog's coat type and understanding its grooming needs, consider these 8 tips for controlling your dog's shedding.

Tips for Controlling Your Dog's Shedding

1. Have the Right Brush

There are many types of dog brushes available. Certain types of brushes may be better for your dog's specific coat than others. For example, wire pin brushes are best for dogs with longer, curlier coats while slicker brushes work well for fur that's prone to matting. Find something that works well on your dog's coat and stick with that.

2. Commit to Regular Brushing

While different coats may not need to be brushed every single day, it's a good idea to get in the routine of brushing daily, especially if shedding is an issue in your household. Brushing daily (or even every other day) will get rid of any dead hair as well as prevent matting and tangles.

3. Feed Your Dog a Healthy Diet

Don't underestimate the power of a healthy diet! Providing your dog with all the right nutrients can prevent excessive shedding and keep their hair from breaking. Be sure you consult with your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's diet before you switch them over to a new food. Be sure that your dog is drinking regularly and staying hydrated. Dehydration can lead to hair loss which means more shedding.

4. Use Furniture Covers

If you're tired of fur sticking to your favorite chair or sofa, consider using furniture covers to prevent hair from getting stuck to the cushions and fabric. Most furniture covers are easy to remove and clean.

5. Vacuum and Sweep

Regularly vacuuming and sweeping your floors and furniture is a good way to get rid of excess dog hair. In addition to trying to minimize dog shedding, you can do a lot to keep your home free of pet hair. Vacuum frequently, use lint rollers on your clothes, and cover furniture that your dog often uses. While you may need to vacuum or sweep more often than you'd prefer, it's an easy way to clean up fur and keep your space tidy.

6. Bathe Your Dog Regularly

Bathing not only cleans your dog's fur, but it also removes all their dead hair. Certain shampoos and conditioners can help strengthen your dog's hair and prevent breakage. How often you need to bathe your dog depends on their breed and coat type, and some breeds may need to be taken in for professional grooming. Keep in mind that for some breeds, there is such thing as bathing your dog too much, so be sure to do your research before you start weekly or even monthly baths. 

7. Visit the Groomer Regularly

Whether your dog has short hair or long hair, you should regularly schedule time with the groomer. Groomers are able to bathe, massage, brush, and remove any built-up dirt, knots, and dander from your dog's coat. While your dog is at the groomers, they can also get their nails trimmed and teeth brushed! Scheduling a grooming appointment every couple of months will not only help with excessive shedding, but it'll keep their coat healthier as well.

8. Visit the Vet if Shedding is Excessive

If you've tried everything under the sun and the shedding continues to persist, there might be an underlying problem. Hormonal imbalances, stress, parasites, and various infections can all cause excessive shedding. Schedule a visit with your veterinarian to determine the cause of the excessive shedding.

Managing Shedding for Happy Pets and Homes

As pet parents, we love our pets like they are our children. However, dealing with shedding can become a frustrating and time-consuming task. By maintaining a regular grooming routine, including consistent brushing and cleaning, you can keep your dog's coat in check and minimize shedding around the house. Regular appointments with your groomer can also help keep your pet's coat healthy and reduce shedding.