How to Reduce Shedding in Dogs: Beyond De-Shedding

Key Takeaways

Here are the main tips you will learn from this article regarding your dog’s shedding: 

• Shedding is natural
• Abnormal or excessive shedding may signal a problem
• Regular brushing helps 
• Using dog shampoo keeps coats in good condition
• A healthy coat is supported by a proper diet
• Adequate hydration matters
• Parasite control should be done to prevent serious problems
• Protective clothing helps
• Professional grooming is recommended.

Excessive shedding is normal most of the time. Even so, you may still want to reduce the time spent dealing with hair throughout the house, on food and drinks, and on clothes. In the US, around 60% of grooming industry clients name shedding as their main concern, according to Zipdo.

If you’re wondering “how to stop dogs from shedding” ー forget it, they need to shed. Shedding is a natural process, part of the hair growth cycle, and it helps dogs regulate their body temperature.

However, you can decrease the amount of hair accumulating in your house. Keep reading to learn tips and routines to help reduce your dog's shedding.

How to Get Your Dog to Shed Less

Let’s go over the main ways to reduce dog shedding.

Brush your dog regularly

Depending on the dog, their coat may need brushing once a day or once a week. But the key point is that you should do it on a regular basis and use the right tool. There are several types of brushes for different coats.

• Bristle Brush. Suitable for most coat types. For dogs with longer fur, choose one with bristles that are both longer and spaced farther apart. Stiffer bristles work better on thicker or rougher coats.

• Wire-Pin Brush. Ideal for breeds with curly or fluffy coats, especially when the fur is medium to long in length.

• Slicker Brush. Designed with fine wire bristles, this brush is excellent for gently working out tangles and removing mats.

• Combs. A rubber curry comb not only loosens and removes loose hair from short-haired dogs but also provides a gentle skin massage.

Bathe

All of us know that regular bathing is about hygiene.

• pH balance: Human shampoos are formulated for more acidic skin, while dogs have more neutral skin. Using human products can dry out or irritate their skin, leading to more shedding.

• Ingredients: Dog products often contain coat-friendly ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, or omega oils that nourish the skin and hair. Human products may contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or detergents that damage a dog’s coat.

• Shedding control: Many dog-specific shampoos and conditioners are designed to loosen dead undercoat safely, making brushing more effective and reducing loose hair around the home.

Feed a healthy diet

Nutrition is another point you should consider when your dog is shedding. Balanced food impacts your pet’s health in general and their hair in particular. The first thing your pal needs is protein, as it ensures healthy fur growth. So, you should choose food containing real meat (chicken, beef, lamb, fish, or turkey) as the first ingredient. Corn and soy should be avoided as they have no positive impact on the coat.

Add Omega-3s

If you want to reduce inflammation, keep skin hydrated, and make the coat shiny and strong, then add Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. You may find them in fish like salmon and sardine, fish oil, flaxseed oil, and some high-quality kibble. 

Ensure proper hydration

Getting enough liquid is crucial for your pal’s health, especially when talking about shedding. Dry, dehydrated skin often leads to excessive shedding, leaving more loose fur scattered around your home. Vets recommend the following daily amount for different types of dogs:

• Small dogs (5–20 lbs/2–9 kg): ~5–20 oz (150–600 ml)
• Medium dogs (21–50 lbs/10–23 kg): ~21–50 oz (600–1500 ml)
• Large dogs (51–90 lbs/23–41 kg): ~51–90 oz (1.5–2.7 liters)
• Giant breeds (90+ lbs/41+ kg): 90+ oz (2.7+ liters).

You should also consider factors such as eating dry kibble, intense physical activity, hot weather, pregnancy, and some specific diseases, like issues with the kidneys or diabetes.

Control fleas and parasites

Parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms can make your dog’s coat unhealthy and increase shedding. If you notice signs like itching, hair loss, or flea dirt; visible ticks with lethargy or swelling; or scooting, bloating, and worms in your dog’s stool, take your pet to the vet for a parasite check and treatment. Depending on your case, a physician may prescribe topical treatments, oral medications, or collars. 

To avoid fleas, you should also wash your dog’s bedding regularly in hot water. If your dog regularly spends time in the backyard, keep the area clean and tidy. Mow grass, trim bushes, and remove debris where parasites thrive.

Dog shirts & anti-shedding dog suits

Now for the big question: Do dog shirts or anti-shedding dog suits help with shedding? They can. They won’t prevent shedding or make your dog shed less, but they do protect against friction. When your dog rubs against something (say, when they’re rolling around on the sofa), it creates friction that could snag fur and trap it on the surface. Plus, when your dog is wearing a shirt or dog suit, most loose fur will be trapped inside the article of clothing, which equals less loose fur in your house.

Grooming

It’s also worth getting some professional grooming services.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Shedding Too Much

We can't define “too much” shedding by volume, as it depends on the breed and other factors. However, certain symptoms alongside shedding can signal a problem:

• Skin issues: Bald patches, redness, crusting, or scaling
• Hair texture changes, such as fur becoming thin, dull, or coarse
• Symptoms beyond skin and hair: Fever, vomiting, low energy, unusual odor, persistent itching, or increased thirst and urination.

“Shedding becomes a concern when it’s excessive, patchy, or accompanied by symptoms like redness, bald spots, or skin irritation. If a pet is excessively licking or scratching, or the hair appears to fall out in clumps, it’s important to investigate further.” Dr. Lisa Lippman, a veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet, says.

Conclusion

Dogs' shedding is a normal and unavoidable process, but it can be readily managed with routine care. Regular brushing, proper bathing, a balanced diet, enough hydration, parasite control, and occasional visits to professional groomers can all help reduce shedding and keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.

While tools and clothing exist to capture loose hair, understanding your dog's natural shedding pattern and paying attention to abnormal changes are most important to your dog's health and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions