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Reducing Shedding Through Nutrition
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Try brushing through your dogs fur at least once a week to get rid of dead hair before it sheds. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. The Akita has the honor of tipping the polls when it comes to heavily shedding dogs. Other breeds with thick double coats are also right up there, such as the Chow Chow, Malamute, and Husky. However, never underestimate the ability of a Labrador or Golden Retriever to shed! Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Some dogs just do shed heavily, and the best thing you can do is to trap the shed hair on a brush, rather than letting it fall out. Look for a rubber grooming tool that grabs hold of the shed hair, and then brush her all over once a day (twice a day, if necessary). That should significantly improve the hair “capture” and reduce the problem in the house. Hannah Reid earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from Hamilton College, as well as a Master of Education from Harvard University. She has provided academic support in the areas of writing and reading comprehension to students in grades three through twelve. Hannah writes a blog about her family’s farm and provides advice on everything from building chicken coops to raising kittens.
Shedding is perfectly normal and probably unrelated to the type of food you give your dog. Only when shedding is accompanied by bald patches, scabs, or other obvious skin irritations should it be a cause for concern. Once more, it is unlikely that the food you are giving your dog is to blame for this. If skin irritation is present in addition to shedding, speak with your veterinarian.
It wouldn’t hurt to try switching your dog’s food or adding a fatty acid supplement if you are overly frustrated with the shedding to see if that helps in any way. Finding the best dog food for your pet may require trying a few different brands. One particular brand may aid in some shedding, but it may also upset your stomach. To decide what is best for your family and your dog, you will just have to use trial and error.
Even though shedding is typically nothing to worry about, excessive shedding may be a sign of malnutrition. This should not be a concern if you have been consistently feeding your dog dog food that contains the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet. Call the shelter if you recently adopted a dog from a shelter that seems to be shedding a lot to learn more about the dog’s previous nutritional history. Adequate dog food can be easily added to your dog’s diet to treat malnutrition.
You may have heard that some premium foods can reduce your dog’s shedding. Although it sounds convincing, this marketing tactic is untrue. If you feed your dog premium food, you’ll notice that while the amount of fur she sheds remains constant, it is now very shiny and healthy. When you switch your dog to a diet of high-quality food, you can expect him to continue to shed the same amount of fur.
Jodi L. Since 1992, Hartley has worked in public relations and as a writer. She has worked in marketing and public relations for a pet service and retail company and has volunteered with animal rescue groups. Hartley holds a bachelors degree in journalism and an M. B. A.
Check the ingredient list of any new dog food you’ve brought home and compare it to the food your dog was previously eating. Many dogs find it challenging to digest foods with corn, wheat, hulls, or generic meat proteins, and these foods have no nutritional value. Nutritional deficiencies brought on by an unbalanced diet have an impact on your dog’s general health. Key indicators that your dog is lacking in essential nutrients include dry, flaky, irritated skin, excessive shedding, and dry, frail fur.
An ingredient in a new food may also give your dog an allergic reaction. Dogs can have allergies to a variety of foods, with grains like corn and wheat being the most prevalent. Additionally, some meats, vegetables, nuts, and other supplements may cause an allergy in them. Watch what your dog consumes, including treats, chews, and human food. Your dog can participate in a food trial by receiving foods and treats with a limited ingredient list for a few weeks, or your veterinarian can perform allergy testing.
Fatty acids omega-3 and -6 support healthy skin and fur. Without them, your dog will develop dry, flaky skin and brittle, sparse fur. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are usually present in sufficient amounts in higher-quality dog foods for your dog, but their potency may be diminished by the high temperatures used to make dry dog food and the prolonged storage times in warehouses. Your dog’s omega fatty acid intake can be increased by including flaxseed oil, salmon, mackerel, or sardine oil, or both, in his food.
You probably want to find out why if your dog has suddenly started to shed so much that it gives you a fur coat. Dogs naturally shed some hair, but if your dog is losing more than usual, it may be time to look into the issue. One of the first things to consider when addressing excessive shedding is a change in diet.
FAQ
What can cause a dog to shed excessively?
- Feeding an Imbalanced Diet. Poor diet is the main cause of excessive shedding, according to Cruzen.
- Using the Wrong Shampoo. …
- Stress at Home. …
- Skin Parasites. …
- Hormonal Imbalances, Tumors, and Other Underlying Diseases.
What can I feed my dog to help stop shedding?
Feeding your dog high-quality dog food and adding 1 teaspoon of olive oil or flaxseed oil for every 10 pounds that your dog weighs will help reduce their excessive shedding. Additionally, if your dog has short hair and a smooth coat, brush its coat frequently with a bristle brush.