Dogs are an integral part of some people’s lives and seeing their little buddy lose his fur, is a worrisome thing for many owners. But we are here to tell you that dogs go through shedding season.
For some, this is quite normal and it all depends on the health as well as the breed type. It also depends on the season. In winters, dogs develop coats, which are thick. This starts shedding in spring.
Dogs that are home often also lose hair but in smaller fluctuations. Their thickness isn’t affected a lot and they shed fairly every season. Most dogs are double-coated as you see, undercoats and the topcoat.
The one you see on the outside is the topcoat whereas the undercoat covers the primary hair and is shorter but feels softer.
Dogs can shed due to weather change, and it is called ‘blowing coat’. They basically shed their old undercoat during winters, to make way for their summer coat. But, when it’s cold again, they grow thicker coats, to protect themselves.
What To Do If The Dog Is Shedding Excessively?
Excessive shedding is normal for dogs, however, if you notice more of it, it can be due to stress, lack of nutrition, or some medical issue. Your vet will tell you the exact reason for it. With the right care, you can bring this under control as well.
While these are the reasons why your pet sheds, here are some ways to control it in winter.
Add Nutrition To Your Dog’s Diet
Making a schedule for your dog with a proper diet will really help him gain all the nutrition. There are some brands that add fillers to dog food, which can be unhealthy for your pet.
You also need to check if your dog is allergic to some food item.
Include good quality food items in your dog’s plan. Stronger hair means less hair fall and you can help with it, by feeding your dog with omega-rich fatty acids, like Omega 3 and Omega 6 in his diet.
Other items that will help add nutrition are bananas, apple slices, cucumbers, and carrots. These are some other alternative food items for your dog.
Adding Oils To His Diet
Olive oil is said to be one of the best oils for your dog. The best part is that it can be used in his food, as well as externally on the body. The oil contains omega 3, unsaturated fats, which can help keep your dog feeling fresh and also enhance the overall coat texture.
You can apply the oil to your dog’s hair. Massing your dog with this oil or using vitamin E can help with dryness and is also said to improve blood circulation. It also helps reduce hair fall.
Not just that, even fish oil supplements can help improve the overall health as well as the luster of your dog’s hair.
Brush Your Dog Properly & Regularly
When you brush your dog’s hair regularly, it can help distribute the natural oil all over into his fur as well as his skin. This will help reduce excessive shedding in the dog.
In this case, you should use a brush twice a day, to control the issue of shedding. It is also important to use the right type of brush. Abound brushes work on short hair for pooch breeds, like pugs or greyhounds.
There are also slicker brushes that help dogs like retrievers, cocker spaniels, and St. Bernard. This brush has short wire pins.
Canine breeds with long hair and thick undercoats with dogs like German shepherds and chow chows, rakes are very useful.
To Know More About Your Dogs Dental Care, Check Out: Why Dogs Need Dental Care Regularly.
Bathe Your Dog
Grooming your dog and keeping him clean can also help control hair fall/ Regular baths in winter are said to be quite beneficial. Oatmeal dog shampoo is something that’s often recommended. But be wise, and remember that overbathing your dog will lead to dry skin and more shedding.
Depending on the breed, bathe your dog once or twice a week. In the case of dogs with long hair, you can use a blow dryer as well on a low setting or cool setting. Be cautious, and towel dry, before blow-drying.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
If your dog is dehydrated, it can lead to dry skin and, hence, excessive shedding. The reason why this mainly happens in cold weather is their body needs more energy and they don’t experience the same in summers.
Hence it is important that the water your dog drinks is fresh and clean. Make sure to change it at regular intervals.
To make the most of this habit, you can also feed your dog with some kind of wet dog food in his diet. These have more moisture as compared to dry foods and if he doesn’t drink water, this is the best way to keep the dog hydrated.
Help Control Fleas
If your dog has fleas, it can lead to plenty of issues in your dog. He will constantly scratch and it can lead to irritated skin, dandruff as well as excessive shedding in winter. There are treatments available for the same which will help reduce the shedding.
Bottom Line
All the steps mentioned above will help control the shedding issue. Despite that, there will still be some hair fall issues, but you don’t have to fret anymore about that since it’s normal and natural for dogs. Take good care of your Lil bud!
Worried About Your Pet’s Winter Grooming! Check Out: Why Winter Grooming Is Important For Your Pet.