How to Manage Your Dog's Shedding
In order to keep themselves warm and insulated in the cold winter months, most dogs have an extra coat. After winter passes, dogs do not need that extra layer, so start to shed fur to cool down. This shedding causes headaches for almost every dog owner no matter the size or breed of their dog. As if seasons are not enough, there are a number of other factors that could cause your dog to shed. Finding the cause would be a good start to controlling the shedding.
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Instructions
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Break out the brush: Set aside time each day to bring your dog outside your home and brush him down. Brushing stimulates the oil glands and helps your dog's coat stay softer and cleaner. Using a tool such as the "Furminator" and others like it will help you remove the dog's undercoat which contributes greatly to shedding.
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Feed your dog a proper diet: While changes in season are a big reason why dogs shed, it is not the only one. A dog's diet can help provide a healthy coat which would shed much less. High quality foods with a variety of protein sources as well as a fatty- acid supplement can help promote a healthy coat and limit shedding.
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Vacuum often. Unless you have a breed of dog that is known for shedding less, such as the poodle, Maltese and bichon frise', shedding will not stop so in order to keep your floors hair free, be sure to vacuum on a regular basis. Hair will find every hiding place to build up and ball into a large pile if given a chance.
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Give your dog a bath, using a product made specifically for luxurious coats. There are several dog bathing products on the market that advertise specifically for helping keep your dog's coat shiny, healthy and strong. There are also products to help those with allergies to dogs, which may be of use to those who are controlling shedding in an effort to manage inhalation allergies.
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Watch for problems. Keeping an eye on your dog's behavior can help control shedding by acknowledging and treating problems before they get beyond your control. Fleas, allergies and diseases could come at any time and can result in your dog shedding. If you see signs of a problem, make sure to bring your dog in for a checkup.
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Tips & Warnings
No matter if you have hardwood floors or carpet, new home or old, one dog or many, shedding can cause you to spend hours laboring to maintain a clean household. There is no sure way to stop shedding, but there are many things you can do to help limit and manage it. Proper diet and daily brushing should help stop most of the shedding from impacting your home and normal cleaning can assist with what shedding does take place inside. In addition to managing shedding, these tips provided also help promote an overall healthy coat, healthy dog and a happy household!
Do not bathe your dog more than once every two weeks.
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