Dog Shedding

Dog Shedding is something that all dogs do, although many breeds will shed more than others. Figuring out how to prevent or to stop dogs from shedding as much is usually a concern for many pet owners. While some owners might think they have a non shedding dog, this is not possible. There are dogs that shed very minimally, but the only non shedding dogs are hairless dogs, such as the Peruvian Inca or the American Hairless Terrier.

Most dogs will shed between seasons, either to prepare for dealing with the summer heat, or to shed a lighter undercoat for a heavy, dense undercoat for the wintertime. Dogs also shed in a similar fashion as humans, in order to get rid or damaged or broken hair on their coat. With this in mind, the diet of a dog becomes essential, as dogs that are fed an unhealthy diet may have more problems with their coat than dogs that are fed the right dietary foods.

Although you cannot completely stop dog shedding from occurring, there are some steps you can take to reduce excessive hair from taking over the interior of your home.

Steps for Preventing Dog Shedding...

Diet: Both in the form of high quality dog food, recommended by your veterinarian, as well as with dietary supplements. Dietary elements will add to the overall health of the coat and will provide it with necessary nutrients to prevent excessive damaged or broken hair.
Regular Brushing: This removes dead or damaged hair from the dog, but it also helps to prevent further damaged or broken dog hair by keeping the coat soft and lush. During a heavy shedding season, you may need to brush your dog every few days, but otherwise once a week to once every two weeks should be sufficient to make a difference in the shedding.
Control Skin Problems: Dogs are more likely to itch and scratch, causing excess hair to fly throughout the home if they have allergies or fleas. So the best bet is to use a monthly flea prevention medication and flea shampoo. If your dogs are prone to allergies you should also speak with your veterinarian about an oral medication and also a medicated dog shampoo.

Steps for Dealing with Dog Shedding...

Vacuuming: Regularly vacuuming your home is an important step to keep dog hair from collecting all over the home. The sooner you can get it off the carpets, the less likely it is that the hair will become imbedded in the carpets or will begin to collect along the wallboards. Some dog owners will recommend vacuuming every single day but every 3-4 days should do, unless you have more than 1-2 dogs.
Use Upholstery Covers: Furniture covers are an excellent way to quickly remove dog hair from the home. Instead of having hair imbedded in the couch, you can simply pick up the upholstery cover and wash it or shake it out.
Act Quickly: If you can get to the dog hair before it has had a chance to settle into the furniture or the carpet, you are more likely to completely remove it from the home. Dog hair has a way of settling into cracks and crevices and this often means that dog shedding will remain part of the home if not immediately dealt with.

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