Key Points
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Excessive shedding may result from stress, weather, breed differences, underlying health problems, and malnutrition.
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The best dog shedding supplements are rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce shedding and boost your dog's immune system.
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Even if you have purchased the best dog shedding supplements, consult with a veterinarian first and apply the proper dosage for the best results.
Tired of finding dog hair in your toothbrush, your morning cup of coffee, and all over your black dress pants? Dogs bring so much joy to their owners, but their constant shedding brings some frustration. If you find yourself constantly swept up in the never-ending shedding battle, you may wonder if there are ways to minimize the amount of fur your pup leaves behind.
This article discusses the causes of excessive shedding, ways to combat it, and the best dog shedding supplements to treat the problem.
Why Do Dogs Shed?
How much your pup sheds depends on several factors, including their breed, age, health condition, and even the weather.
Double Coat vs. Single Coat
In general, double-coat dogs tend to shed more than single-coat dogs. Double-coat dogs have an inner layer of fur that provides insulation and an outer layer of guard hairs that protect the undercoat. During shedding season, these double-coat breeds lose more hair than single-coated breeds.
Double-coated breeds like huskies and golden retrievers tend to shed more than other breeds because of their long coats. Short-haired dogs, like Chihuahuas and beagles, shed much less due to their shorter coats.
Age Difference
Another factor that affects a dog's shedding habits is age. Puppies tend to shed often because their coats constantly change as they grow up. Adult dogs may also shed more due to hormonal changes when they reach maturity — usually between one and three years old.
Weather
The weather often affects how much a dog sheds. Cold weather encourages growth in many breeds, so they have thicker coats during wintertime than in the summertime. Similarly, some breeds may shed less in warmer climates due to the reduced insulation on their fur coats.
Stress
Stress is a common cause of excessive shedding. Just like humans experience hair loss during stressful situations, so do dogs. Dogs under stress usually scratch themselves excessively. As a result, they pull out more fur than they normally would.
Health Condition
If your pup has an issue with its skin or coat health, underlying conditions, such as allergies, parasites, or other medical conditions, may be the cause of the problem. According to PetMD, "ringworms, dermatitis, fungal infections, immune diseases, and cancers can cause hair loss too." Other times, malnutrition or an unbalanced diet cause a dog to shed more than usual. A physical examination and a blood test from your veterinarian should help determine the cause.
Ways To Manage Shedding
If you have a furry friend at home, you know that shedding is unavoidable in pet ownership. For some pups, however, the shedding becomes excessive and wreaks havoc on your home. If this sounds like your pup, never fear! Here are some tips to help manage your dog's excessive shedding.
Regular Grooming
One of the best ways to reduce shedding is by scheduling regular grooming sessions for your pup. This includes brushing their fur and bathing them. To stop dog shedding in short hair dogs, daily brushing is the best method to loosen dirt and debris from their coat while untangling mats and collecting fallen hair still lodged in their fur.
Regular Exercise
Exercise keeps pooches physically and mentally fit. Taking your pup on regular walks or playing fetch helps reduce their stress levels, which helps reduce their shedding levels. Plus, all that running allows excess fur to shed outdoors and not inside your home.
Quality Food
Feeding your pup a complete, balanced diet is essential for them to remain healthy and full of life. Aim to purchase foods with premium ingredients tailored to your dog's breed and age. You may additionally want to try food enriched in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids as these ingredients help sustain their skin and coat condition while reducing shedding.
Supplements
Adding supplements may alleviate your dog shedding vitamin deficiency problem. These supplements contain natural ingredients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. These ingredients reduce shedding by keeping their coat shiny, healthy, and manageable.
Home Remedies To Stop Dog Shedding
Did you know that there are many products in your home that reduce shedding in dogs? They are inexpensive and manage shedding without expensive supplements or dog grooming products. Check out the following home remedies to reduce your pup's shedding.
Olive Oil and Coconut Oil
Olive oil and coconut oil for dog shedding treatment are commonly known home remedies. Rub the oil into your dog's skin with a soft cloth or brush, then rinse with warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another common home remedy for shedding is apple cider vinegar (ACV). ACV has many benefits, including lowering pH levels on your dog's skin and reducing bacteria. To use this remedy, mix one part ACV with two parts water and spray it onto your pup's fur before each bath.
Oatmeal and Baking Soda
A mixture of oatmeal and baking soda soothes your pup's skin. First, mix half a cup of oatmeal with enough warm water to cover your pup's whole body. Then, add three tablespoons of baking soda and gently massage into their fur. Let it sit for five minutes before rinsing and drying.
Fish Oil for Dog Shedding Supplement
Salmon oil is an excellent supplement to reduce shedding in your pup. It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that maintain healthy skin and coat while reducing irritation and allergies that cause excessive shedding.
Four of the Best Anti-Shedding Products for Dogs
If you're looking for the best anti-shed products that reduce your pup's shedding, here are four top-tier shedding supplement reviews to help you decide which product is right for your pet.
by Nutri-Vet
1. Nutri-Vet Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
Nutri-Vet's Shed Defense Seafood & Fish Flavored Soft Chews Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs targets excessive shedding problems. The main vitamins and minerals include Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Biotin, and Zinc. The formula uses fish oil, salmon meal, flaxseed, brewer dried yeast, and other natural ingredients. Coated with a delicious hickory-smoked natural flavor, these soft-chewable supplements are easy to digest and tasty for your pup.
Tested by veterinarians and backed by clinical studies, Nutri-Vet products always deliver significant results. These supplements double duty as a tasty chew treat or additive sprinkled over your pet's food. This makes it an easy addition to your pup's daily diet routine!
by GREENIES
2. Greenies Chicken Flavored Soft Chew Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
If you have a picky eater, try offering your pup Greenies Chicken Flavored Soft Chews for Dogs. Crafted from all-natural ingredients such as fish oil, glycerin, dried chicken, and wheat flour, these chews deliver superior flavor thanks to the addition of natural hickory smoke flavor. Each treat packs a powerful dose of Vitamin E, essential Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, copper, and biotin. All these vitamins and minerals ensure your pup is functioning in an optimal state.
The best thing about Greenie products is that they only use natural preservatives, so you know that your pet is getting the best natural treatment.
by Vet's Best
3. Vet's Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets Skin & Coat Supplement for Dogs
Vet's Best Shed+Itch Healthy Coat Chewable Tablets is another all-natural supplement that relieves itching and reduces shedding. The formula uses organic ingredients, including salmon oil, burdock root, yellow dock root, and Oregon grape root. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium carbonate, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and magnesium stearate, offering a full spectrum of nutrients that promote a healthy coat.
Unlike other supplement brands that use hickory smoke flavors to attract dogs into eating the supplements, this brand uses only natural ingredients for flavoring. Plus, it has the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Seal of Approval to guarantee its quality and safety.
by Shed-X
4. Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement for Dogs
If your dog constantly spits up supplements, the Shed-X Dermaplex Shed Control Nutritional Supplement may be the perfect solution. This specialized formula infuses Norwegian anchovies and sardine oils, and oil from organic flax seed and wheat germ. Along with fortified zinc and other essential vitamins and minerals, this supplement helps promote a healthy coat and boost your pooch's immune system.
According to their research studies, significant results happen in as little as three to four weeks. Overall, this is the best oil for dog shedding as the liquid form makes it easy to administer and absorb quickly. It's also 100% natural and free of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Start Incorporating Supplements Into Your Dog's Daily Diet
Whether you choose to go with soft chews, liquid, or tablets, all these supplements may improve your pup's coat and reduce shedding. All products discussed here are safe and natural, so you don't have to worry about side effects. However, before you start giving your pup any supplements, it's important to consult with your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage.
Once you have the go-ahead from your vet, start incorporating these supplements into your dog's diet. Daily use of supplements, a balanced diet, sufficient exercise, and regular grooming keep your pup's coat looking healthy and beautiful while minimizing excessive shedding.
