How to Manage Excessive Shedding in Your Dog

Simple Tips for a Cleaner Home and a Healthier Pup

Shedding is a natural part of a dog’s life—but when your couch, clothes, and car are covered in dog hair, it’s time to take action. While shedding is natural, there are easy ways to manage it and keep your home fur-free.

As a dog owner, implementing routine hygiene and maintenance strategies is essential to manage shedding and maintain your dog's coat health.

1. Understand the Cause of Shedding

Before you can reduce shedding, it’s important to know what’s behind it. Most dogs shed year-round, with seasonal increases in spring and fall. Whether your dog sheds seasonally or throughout the year, appropriate shedding tools are essential. However, excessive shedding can be linked to:

• Poor diet or lack of proper nutrients

• Stress or changes in the environment

• Allergies or underlying skin conditions

• Infrequent brushing or coat maintenance

• Hormonal changes or health issues

If your dog’s shedding suddenly increases or comes with bald spots or itching, it’s worth checking in with your vet to rule out medical causes. Understanding your dog's breed can also provide insights into their shedding patterns and help you manage it more effectively.

2. Identifying Abnormal Shedding

While it’s normal for dogs to shed, recognizing when shedding becomes excessive is crucial for your dog's health. Some dog breeds shed more than others, but if you notice an unusual amount of hair loss, it might be time to investigate further. Here are some signs that your dog’s shedding might be abnormal:

• Excessive Hair Loss: If your dog is losing more hair than usual, it could indicate a problem. Pay attention to the amount of fur you find around your home.

• Irritated Skin: Redness, itching, and inflammation can be signs of underlying skin issues. Healthy skin should be smooth and free of irritation.

• Sores and Hot Spots: Open sores or hot spots are often a result of excessive scratching or licking and can lead to further hair loss.

• Excessive Itching: If your dog is constantly scratching or chewing at their fur, it could be due to allergies or skin conditions.

• Changes in Appetite or Behavior: A sudden change in your dog’s eating habits or behavior, coupled with increased shedding, can signal a health issue.

If you observe any of these symptoms, especially if they persist for more than a week, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. They can help determine if there’s an underlying medical condition causing the excessive shedding.

3. Brush Your Dog’s Coat Regularly to Remove Dead Hair

One of the most effective ways to manage shedding is using shedding tools. Brushing your dog’s coat removes loose fur before it ends up all over your furniture and also helps distribute natural oils for skin health.

• Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type (slicker brushes for long coats, rubber mitts for short hair)

• For heavy shedders, aim for daily brushing

• Brushing also allows you to check for bumps, ticks, or dry patches

Caring for your dog regularly is essential for managing shedding effectively. Regular brushing strengthens the bond between you and your pup—and keeps their coat in top condition.

4. Prioritize Nutrition for a Healthier Coat

A shiny, strong dog's coat starts from the inside out. If you’re wondering how to stop dog shedding, diet plays a huge role.

• Choose high-quality food rich in essential fatty acids

• Supplement with fish oil (with your vet’s approval)

• Make sure your dog is staying hydrated

Maintaining a healthy dog's skin is also crucial, as it contributes to overall coat health and reduces shedding. A well-fed dog is a healthy dog—and a healthy dog sheds less.

5. Reducing Stress and Excessive Shedding

Just like humans, dogs can experience stress, which can lead to physical symptoms, including excessive shedding. Changes in the home environment, such as moving or the arrival of a new dog, can increase your dog’s stress levels. Here are some ways to help reduce stress and, consequently, excessive shedding:

• Maintain a Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on routine. Keeping a predictable daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime can help reduce anxiety.

• Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Physical activity and mental challenges are great stress relievers. Regular walks, play sessions, and puzzle toys can keep your dog engaged and happy.

• Quality Time and Attention: Spend quality time with your dog and simply being present can provide comfort and reduce stress.

• Stress-Reducing Aids: Consider using pheromone diffusers, calming treats, or soothing music designed for dogs. These aids can create a more relaxing environment for your pup.

By addressing your dog’s stress, you can help reduce excessive shedding and promote a healthier, shinier coat.

6. Health Conditions and Excessive Shedding

Excessive shedding can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health condition. It’s important to be aware of these potential issues so you can seek appropriate treatment for your dog. Here are some common health conditions that can cause excessive shedding:

• Skin Allergies: Allergies to food, environmental factors, or certain materials can cause your dog to shed more than usual. Identifying and eliminating the allergen can help reduce shedding.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can disrupt your dog’s hormonal balance, leading to increased shedding.

• Flea Allergies: Flea bites can cause severe itching and hair loss. Regular flea prevention can help keep your dog’s coat healthy.

• Mange: This skin condition, caused by parasitic mites, can lead to significant hair loss and requires veterinary treatment.

• Autoimmune Disorders: Diseases like lupus or pemphigus can cause the immune system to attack the skin, resulting in hair loss.

If you suspect that your dog’s excessive shedding is due to a medical condition, it’s crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to address the underlying issue and help manage your dog’s shedding.

By understanding and addressing the root causes of excessive shedding, you can ensure your dog remains healthy and comfortable, while also keeping your home cleaner and more fur-free.

7. Schedule Routine Hygiene

Routine care helps control shedding, especially for dogs with thick, double coats. Bathing helps loosen dead hair and keeps skin clean, reducing flaking and irritation. Using appropriate shedding tools during grooming sessions can effectively remove dead hair, promoting the overall health of your dog's skin and fur.

• Use a gentle, de-shedding shampoo formulated for dogs

• Avoid over-bathing, which can dry out the skin

Short-haired dogs, despite their shorter coats, can have denser fur and may shed more than expected, making their shedding less noticeable but still significant. Keeping your dog clean is more than just a cosmetic fix—it’s key to keeping your dog healthy.

Scenthound Helps You Control Dog Shedding Like a Pro

At Scenthound, we believe a clean dog is a healthy dog! Our wellness-based hygiene care focuses on the essentials—skin, coat, ears, nails, and teeth—to help reduce dog shedding and improve overall wellness. Our team is here to help dog parents who want to be the best they can be.

Managing pet hair is crucial, especially for those with allergies. While dog hair itself isn't an allergen, it can accumulate allergens like dander, urine, and saliva, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Join the Scenthound pack today and give your dog the care they need to look and feel their best.