eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

About

Cures for Shedding Dog Hair

Contributor
By Angela Tague
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Even cute dogs go through the natural process of shedding fur.
Even cute dogs go through the natural process of shedding fur.

Shedding fur is a natural process for dogs. Breeds kept indoors may shed year-round, while those living outdoors shed primarily in the spring, reducing their winter coat. Although the cycle of loosing fur is just part of being a dog, there are ways to help control the amount of shedding, keeping the home cleaner and the dog more comfortable. Set up a schedule of regular grooming, vet visits and a healthy diet to reduce the amount of shedding from your pet.

    Grooming

  1. Plan a regular grooming schedule for the dog. Brush the dog daily to control the release of fur. Go outside, and smooth the brush over his back, tummy and legs. Allow the loose hairs to fall outside and collect in a dog brush. This will reduce the amount of loose fur on the dog's body, keep the interior of the home cleaner and provide daily attention for the dog.
  2. Topical Products

  3. Apply a topical shed reducing dog spray to the dog's coat to retain fur follicles. Use this spray in a similar manner to human hairspray. Lasting a day or two, the spray will wear off because the hairs will need to come loose, and will pile up. Brush the dog well after using the topical spray, to remove several days worth of loose hairs.

    Choose a deshedding shampoo for dogs. Use this shampoo during regularly scheduled baths to remove loose and dead hairs. Massaging and scrubbing the dog during bath time encourages the hair to come free, washing off the dog. Bath the dog only when he is dirty, or once every few months. Giving too many baths can lead to dry skin, and dog dandruff.
  4. Nutrition

  5. Feed the dog a high protein diet. Choose premium quality dog foods that are high in proteins, amino and fatty acids. Food that nourish the pet from the inside out make the skin soft and supple for hair follicles to grow. Dry skin from poor nutrition, pulls away from the follicle, making the hair release early, causing extra shedding.
  6. Environment

  7. Shedding can also be reduced by paying attention to environmental concerns in the dog's life. Reduce stress and bouts of anxiety separation. Provide toys and mental stimulation such as a TV or radio when the dog is alone.

    Take the dog to the vet on a regular basis for checkups. Illness such as cancer, mange or fleas can also cause a dog to shed more frequently.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment Post this comment to my Facebook Profile

Related Ads

Tags
Get Free Pets Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Pets
eHow_eHow Pets