Most dogs shed as a normal part of life. However, sometimes it can get a little out of hand, with fur coating your carpets, furniture, and clothing and truly making life difficult! If you would like to minimize your dog’s shedding, read on as your Dayton, TN veterinarian offers a few tips.
First, pay a visit to your vet’s office to have your dog examined, especially if shedding has suddenly increased in intensity or you’ve noticed bald patches appearing on your pooch’s skin. Medical issues could be the root cause of this, from infections and parasitic infestation to disease and compulsive chewing behavior. You’ll want to have serious issues addressed promptly!
At home, the most important thing you can do to control your pooch’s shedding is groom him on a regular basis. Brush your dog daily—not only does this trap loose fur in the brush itself, keeping it from falling all over your home, it spreads essential skin oils through the entire coat to moisturize it naturally, reducing shedding in the long run.
Bathing is another great way to keep your dog clean and cut down on shedding. Always use a canine-formulated shampoo, as other shampoos may be too sensitive for Fido’s skin. Also make sure that you don’t bathe too frequently; this can dry out the skin and strip the coat of essentials oils, actually resulting in more shedding instead of less.
One of the simplest things you can do to make sure your dog’s shedding remains at a normal level is feed him a high-quality diet. When your canine companion’s nutrition suffers, the coat quality will be one of the first things to diminish! Conversely, a dog who is receiving a high-quality, nutritionally balanced food will have a clean, healthy, well-moisturized coat and won’t shed excessively. Talk to your veterinarian to get a recommendation on a great food choice for your dog.
In some cases, additional supplements added to the diet are necessary for achieving optimal coat quality and reducing shedding. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, coconut oil, or fish oil may be warranted. It’s important to ask your veterinarian first, though, before administering such supplements to your dog.
Want to know more about cutting down on your dog’s shedding? Does your pooch need a veterinary exam? Call your Dayton, TN vet clinic right away.
