Happy dog on the lawn

If you have a dog that sheds you have probably seen their fur balled up in the corners of your home, on your furniture and even on your clothes.  Many dogs naturally shed their coat but that does not mean that your whole life has to be consumed with preventing and removing dog fur.  While some breeds shed more than others, most dog breeds do shed to some degree.  While there are many ways to clean up the fur, many dog owners want to know if there is a way to reduce the amount of shedding in the first place.  Why play constant catchup with cleaning when you could reduce the root of the problem?  Below are 5 ways you can control your dog’s shedding and reduce the amount of dog fur cleanup around the home.

  1. Feed Your Dog the Correct Dog Food
    • A dry, brittle, unhealthy coat is more likely to shed than a healthy, strong coat. A dog’s coat health is directly impacted by the food that they consume.  If your dog’s coat does not look healthy, it may be a good idea to change up their diet.  Invest in a good, high-quality food for your dog that is filled with lots of vitamins and nutrients.  Additionally, be sure that you dog gets plenty of hydration which can come from water or wet dog food.  These two things can dramatically improve the quality of your dog’s coat and reduce the amount that they shed.
  2. Brush Your Dog Regularly
    • Use a brush that is designed specifically for your dog’s unique coat. If your dog has an undercoat, the best type of brush for them is a “rake” type brush.  Wire-pin brushes are ideal for dogs with medium-long coats.  Dogs with coats that tend to get mats and tangles could benefit from a “slicker” brush.  The more frequently you brush your dog, the more loose hair you will remove and the shinier your dog’s coat will be.  It will prevent loose, dry hair from falling all over your home.
  3. Bathe & Groom Your Dog
    • If you bathe your dog frequently and keep their hair clean with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo their hair will be healthier. Further, the more often you groom your dog by trimming their hair, the healthier their hair will be.  When your dog’s hair is healthier, it is less likely to shed so frequently.