It is no mystery that owning a dog will require more cleaning around the house. One of the biggest contributors to dogs making a house messy is their shedding fur. While shedding is certainly natural in dogs (as a way to maintain a healthy body temperature), it can be very annoying if you are trying to keep your house clean. Your dog’s fur will find its way to everywhere, from the ground, furniture, and even in the air. Not only does it take time to clean their fur up, but it can also cause an onset of allergies for humans. Therefore it is important to keep your dog’s shedding under control.
What causes a dog to shed a lot
There are a couple reasons why a dog may be shedding more than usual. It is important to note that some breeds of dogs shed more than others. Additionally, a dog’s skin health is directly connected to the amount of fur they shed. A dog with healthy skin will not shed a lot, whereas a dog with dry, unhealthy skin will have more fur fall out. In some extreme cases, intense shedding could be a sign that your dog is suffering from a skin disease. A dog that is stressed out will also start to shed more of their hair. Additionally, dogs that are older tend to shed more than younger dogs.
How to help a dog that is shedding
As we mentioned earlier, shedding is natural for dogs and they will always shed at least a small amount. However, there are certainly ways to reduce their shedding. The most common way to help a shedding dog is to frequently brush them. While this can certainly help, your dog will most likely continue to shed throughout the house.
Most dog owners are unaware that a dog’s diet can have a huge impact on their skin health and shedding. In today’s article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about feeding your dog the right diet to stop their shedding.
Diet for a dog that sheds a lot
There are a couple key nutrients and vitamins that you should feed your dog in order to improve their skin health and slow down shedding. Some of the most important nutrients for a dog’s skin is protein and fatty acids. In particular, Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for a dog’s skin health. Vitamins such as biotin and zinc are also great at reducing shedding in dogs. Some people have also found success by giving their dog’s fish oil
Dog food that helps with shedding
Here is a list of the best dog food that helps with shedding:
Nutri-Vet Shed Defense is one of the best supplements to help dogs that shed a lot. The supplements contain a high concentration of Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids which is extremely beneficial for your dog’s skin. The supplements also contain a high level of zinc. We love these supplements because you can test them out for the cheap price of only $7. Best of all, they are salmon flavored, so your dog is sure to love them.
2) Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Dog Food ($20-$40)
Diamond Naturals is the best food on the market in terms of maintaining your dog’s skin and fur health. The food contains a wide range of probiotics and other essential hypoallergenic ingredients that keep your dog’s skin healthy. After a couple days of feeding your dog this food, you will likely spot the difference in how shiny their fur has become. This food also contains a lot of protein and amino acids to prevent fur from falling out. You can buy Diamond Naturals in a 15 lb or 30 lb bag.
3) Ready Pet Go! Omega 3 for Dogs ($30)
Ready Pet Go is another great supplement to give your dog to that helps with shedding. These chewable supplements are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids that greatly improve the condition of your dog’s skin and fur. Better yet, these supplements also specialize in improving joint health and mobility. For this reason, these supplements are often times given to older dogs who also suffer form arthritis. We love these supplements because they also help soothe your dog’s itchy skin. These supplements have a great combination of fish oil and cheese flavors. You can buy these supplements for $30.
Other ways to help a dog stop shedding
Aside form diet, there are many other ways to help a dog that is shedding a lot. One of the cheapest and quickest ways is to increase the amount of water you give your dog. Similar to humans, hydration levels have a direct correlation with a dog’s skin and fur health.
Additionally, since stress can cause a dog to shed, we recommend doing everything you can to keep your dog calm and relaxed. Make sure to spend a lot of time playing with him/her, and try to avoid making loud sounds that could scare them.
