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As a pup parent â or dare we say, âpawrentâ â youâre probably all too familiar with your dog shedding hair on a regular basis. Youâll also be aware that itâs a completely natural process, which in most instances, is no cause for alarm. Dogs shed their hair as it becomes damaged or dies, freeing up room on their coat for new healthy hair. All dogs go through this cycle, but the extent to which they shed hair depends on several factors.
Firstly, some dogs shed hair in a seasonal pattern. A dogâs coat regulates its temperature, so in the summer months, itâs highly likely that your pup will shed more. They will then grow a thicker coat back as winter approaches and the climate grows colder.
The second major factor is the breed of the dog. Generally, the longer a dogâs coat, the more they shed. âHigh shedderâ breeds include German Shepherds, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Saint Bernards. On the other end of the spectrum, âlow sheddersâ include Irish Terriers, Maltese, and Miniature Poodles, to name a few.
Even with these factors in mind, some dogs do shed excessively. It can be a sign of illness or another underlying health problem. If a dog is allergic to a medication, food, or material around the house, it can provoke heavier shedding than normal. Skin conditions can similarly result in excessive shedding. This can be because of skin parasites, ringworm, dermatitis, or fungal conditions. Whatâs more, dogs can even experience elevated levels of shedding due to higher stress levels.
If you ever feel like your pet is shedding excessively and youâre not sure what to do, take them to the vet for a check up. Aside from this, there are some useful tips you can adopt to rein in the shedding and free your home from all the surplus hair. Read on to find out how!
If youâve been wondering what helps with dog shedding, youâll be happy to know that there are some effective strategies you can employ. A good starting point is ensuring your dog has a healthy diet. By feeding your dog the right foods, you can improve their overall health and help prevent excess shedding due to inadequate nutrition. Remember, the healthier the dog, the healthier its coat. The healthier the coat, the less it sheds.
There are even some dog foods on the market that specifically help to alleviate excess shedding. Generally speaking, foods that are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins, but low in additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients are the best option for your pupâs coat.
The next area to address is allergy and flea control. Both allergies and pests like fleas can irritate your dogâs skin. This leads to more scratching, which in turn can cause a higher rate of shedding. If your pooch is only shedding hair in specific areas, it could indicate an allergic reaction. Take them to a vet if this occurs. Alternatively, if thereâs lots of scratching and pests are visible in your pupâs fur, it likely points to fleas. When this happens, invest in a flea collar and some flea shampoo, then give your dog a good wash. Alternatively, you could schedule regular appointments with a mobile dog grooming company like Barkbus! Our pet stylists will come straight to you and provide a stress-free dog grooming experience! Itâs one of the best dog shedding solutions.Â
Frequently washing your fur baby not only improves their hygiene, but also removes dead hairs before they fall out and litter your home. Some shampoos are designed to aid the shedding process and help rid your pup of excess hair. Make sure not to bathe your dog too often though, and never use human shampoo. Both actions can be bad for your pupâs skin, and lead to even more shedding.
Yes, olive oil can help reduce excessive dog shedding. It works primarily by moisturizing and nourishing your dog’s skin and coat from the inside out, leading to stronger hair follicles and less shedding. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in olive oil are particularly beneficial for improving coat health and reducing hair loss caused by dry, irritated skin
How Olive Oil Helps Combat Shedding
Olive oil benefits your dog’s coat in several ways:
- Moisturizes dry skin – One of the leading causes of excessive shedding is dry, irritated skin
- Strengthens hair follicles – The nutrients in olive oil help strengthen follicles, reducing premature hair loss
- Provides essential nutrients – Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamins E and K
When your dog has dry skin, hair follicles become weaker, causing hairs to fall out faster than normal. Dogs also scratch itchy skin, which further increases hair loss. Olive oil addresses the root cause by improving skin health from within.
The Right Type of Olive Oil to Use
For maximum benefits, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil, preferably organic. Extra virgin olive oil is unrefined (not altered by heat or chemicals), meaning it retains more of the natural vitamins and minerals that benefit your dog. While it costs more than regular olive oil, the added health benefits make it worth considering.
Proper Dosage for Dogs
The recommended amount of olive oil varies based on your dog’s size
- General guideline: One teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight, once per day
- Alternative recommendation: 5-10 drops twice per day
It’s best to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to the recommended dose, especially if you’re introducing olive oil for the first time. This allows you to monitor how your dog responds.
How to Give Olive Oil to Your Dog
There are two main methods
1. Adding to Food (Recommended)
Simply mix the appropriate amount into your dog’s regular food. This method is more effective as it allows your dog to absorb all the nutrients internally, benefiting both coat health and overall wellbeing.
2. Topical Application
While you can apply olive oil directly to your dog’s coat and massage it in, this method tends to be messy and less efficient than oral consumption. The internal benefits are more substantial for reducing shedding.
Safety Considerations
While olive oil is generally safe for dogs, keep these precautions in mind:
- Not for puppies: Avoid giving olive oil to very young dogs
- Monitor for allergies: Some dogs may have rare allergic reactions (watch for upset stomach or irritated skin)
- Avoid overfeeding: Too much fat can cause digestive issues
- Consult your vet: If you have concerns or if your dog has existing health conditions
If you notice any negative reactions, discontinue use immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Additional Benefits Beyond Shedding Reduction
Olive oil offers several other health benefits for dogs:
- Improved immune system thanks to antioxidants called carotenoids
- Protection against cognitive decline due to high vitamin E content
- Help maintaining healthy weight as monounsaturated fats can help break down fat cells
- Better overall nutrition from essential fatty acids and vitamins
Complementary Approaches to Reduce Shedding
For best results, combine olive oil with these other shedding-reduction strategies:
Regular Grooming
Use a good quality deshedding brush regularly to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils evenly across your dog’s coat.
Proper Bathing
Use dog-specific shampoos that don’t strip natural oils. Avoid human shampoos and excessive bathing.
Balanced Diet
Ensure your dog’s food contains appropriate proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats for coat health.
Adequate Hydration
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, as proper hydration supports healthy skin and coat.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
While olive oil can help with normal shedding issues, excessive hair loss might indicate underlying health problems. Consult your vet if:
- Shedding suddenly increases dramatically
- You notice bald patches or skin irritation
- Your dog seems uncomfortable or itchy
- Other symptoms accompany the shedding
Final Thoughts
Olive oil is a simple, natural remedy that can effectively reduce excessive shedding in dogs by improving skin and coat health from the inside out. While it won’t eliminate shedding completely (as shedding is a natural process for dogs), it can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair around your home when used correctly and consistently.
For optimal results, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil in the appropriate dosage for your dog’s size, and combine this approach with regular grooming, proper nutrition, and adequate hydration.
How to Minimize Dog Hair in the House
Given that some shedding is unavoidable for dog-owners, itâs a good idea to learn the most effective ways of cleaning up dog hair. We explore how to control dog hair in the house further below.Â
While air purifiers wonât help you to actually clean your dogâs hair, they will lessen the potential impact it may have on your allergies.
Vacuuming frequently is one of the most effective ways of clearing up dog hair. Itâs a lot more effective than sweeping, which typically results in loose hairs floating around your home.
High Shedding Dogs: Dogs That Shed The Most
As the name suggests, high shedding dogs typically shed the most hair. They often have softer, silkier coats, which can make them more appealing to some people. Dogs in this category include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Alaskan Malamutes
- Great Pyrenees dogs
- Border Collies
- Siberian Huskies
A dog shedding a lot could be related to its health, as mentioned earlier. This makes it important to be aware of any conditions that might cause shedding. Read on to learn more about some of the most relevant health issues but prioritize taking your dog to the vet if you have concerns over their wellbeing.
Your dog might be shedding more than usual because of an allergic reaction to something. There are four categories of dog allergies:
If your dogâs skin seems irritated and they are itching more than normal, make an appointment with the vet. They can quickly identify whether or not itâs an allergy and advise on the best course of action.
The pregnancy cycle can result in varying degrees of shedding amongst dogs. This is partly due to the stress of pregnancy and labor. Subsequently, the lactation they experience to feed their puppies can deprive new mother dogs of the nutrients they need for a healthy coat.
Excessive shedding in dogs can sometimes be a sign of a serious illness. Conditions like thyroid disease, Cushingâs disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and genetically related skin problems can all stimulate hair loss in dogs. If you have any concerns about this, visit a vet at your earlier convenience.
Dogs can sometimes suffer skin trauma, which can also accelerate shedding. This can include sunburn, contact with irritants and caustic materials, or other substances that can affect the dogâs skin.
Parasites and fungal infections can also result in your dog shedding more hair. Keep an eye out for symptoms like inflammation, ticks or mites in their hair, and excessive scratching. Fungi-induced ringworm can lead to irregular hair loss. Pay the vet a visit if these symptoms occur.
How to Reduce Dog Shedding: 5 Effective Home Solutions
FAQ
Can you use olive oil to fight a dog’s shedding?
If you do spot an olive oil in your kitchen, you’re one step closer to a shed-free pooch. Yes, you can use olive oil to fight your dog’s shedding. Just like fish oil, olive oil packs an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids. And I know I’ve already talked about this property in the previous section…
Does olive oil reduce shedding?
So all in all, olive oil can reduce shedding. It might also aid in the treatment of an underlying skin condition. With that, your pooch gains a much healthy skin and coat. Your dog’s goodbye to shedding starts with… Just 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 10 lbs (2.5 kg) of their body weight.
Does olive oil help hair loss in dogs?
Olive oil helps smother mites and control mange, two common causes of hair loss in dogs. The vitamin E in olive oil also moisturizes the dog’s skin as well as soothes any irritation caused by severe itching. The oil also promotes the growth of new skin and hair in the affected areas.
Is olive oil beneficial for dogs?
Olive oil can be good for dogs as it contains omega fatty acids that improve their health. It can help relieve constipation, improve skin condition, and even help reduce the weight of obese puppies. Moreover, olive oil can help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in dogs, contributing to a longer life by preventing free radicals.
Does fish oil help shedding in dogs?
Yes, not just with the shedding. In fact, AKC says fish oil is among the best supplements you can give to your dog. First of all, it promotes healthier hair in dogs. The omega-3 fatty acid is believed to assist in fur growth. According to this research, taking fish oil can increase hair growth. Then, it also reports a decrease in hair loss.
Does fish oil reduce itchiness in dogs?
As you know, shedding can also bring dry and flaking skin to dogs. Moreover, you might catch your pooch scratching and biting themself. But, fish oil comes to the rescue again… That’s because it can reduce itchiness. It does so by minimizing dry and flaky skin.
Does olive oil help with dog shedding?
- Olive oil will not help with shedding. Also, giving a dog something fatty can cause pancreatitis, which can be a very serious problem.
- All the hairs that grow will eventually come off the dog. That is just the basic nature of hair.
- The way to reduce shedding is to brush the dog thoroughly and
What oil stops dogs from shedding?
Olive oil, or other products that are high in omega-3, such as fish oil, are the most effective home remedies for dog shedding.Nov 4, 2021
What is the best thing to stop a dog from shedding?
What can I put in my dog’s food to stop shedding?
Hair is mostly protein, so if there is inadequate or poor-quality protein in a dog’s diet, their coat will be among the first areas of the body affected. Other nutrients that are also important to keep hair healthy and less likely to shed include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A and E.