Whilst a natural process for dogs, it can be a frustrating one for dog owners. Shedding is the natural process of the dog's coat ridding of hair that is old, detached and perhaps somewhat damaged. And wile you can't stop your dog from shedding altogether, there are a few things you can do to help limit the dreaded "tumbleweed" around the house.

Brushing your dog

I have mentioned the benefits of a good brush routine in almost every blog post and this one is no different. Brushing is great to removing dead hair, debris, tangle knots and prevent matting. How often you brush your dog will depend on your dog’s coat type and it can range from every day or only once a month! There are several different types of brushes out there and which one to use will again depend on the type of your dog's coat. Speak to your dog groomer (hint hint - Dog Hub Groomer Raheny) if you're unsure about which one to use.

Choosing the right shedding tool

Shedding tools are useful whether your dog sheds seasonally or all year-round. Shedding tools make it easy to remove dead hair before they fall to become tumbleweeds in your home. There's a number of different tools out there so again if you're not sure what tool to use, give me a call and I'll be happy to advise.

Healthy diet

Feeding your dog a healthy well balanced diet has an impact on all aspect of their health including their hair. When your dog gets balanced nutrition, their hair follicles become more resilient to breakage. And strong follicles can help minimize extra shedding caused by undernourished hair. Some dogs can benefit from supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and similar products. Before giving your dog supplements, consult a vet or a dog skin and hair expert.  

Hydration

Dehydrated skin can be a major cause of hair loss and can easily increase the amount of fur your dog looses. Knowing how much your dog is drinking however can be tricky but the general rule is 3 ml to a pound of body weight.

Bathing and shedding treatments

Bathing your dog regularly removes dirt and debris as well as dead hair before it falls all over your house. Using a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner can further help eliminate hair and keep the existing hair strong and tangle free in the meantime.

And if you're just simply to busy to deal with all the hair yourself, bringing your dog to a professional groomer to do it for you will do the trick.