5 Effective and Easy Tips to Control Your Dog’s Shedding During Winter

It is such a pleasure to have your dog welcome you home when you get back from a long, tiring day at work. However, it can be quite frustrating to get rid of all the fur that sticks to your clothes and furniture when you cuddle with your furry friend. Shedding is a dreaded part of every pet parent’s life. As much as we love our pooches, their fur shedding can contribute to a messy home. Pets shed throughout the year, though the intensity of the fur fall may vary.

Shedding is a natural process that occurs with the change in seasons. As part of their coping mechanism, dogs and cats shed hair to prepare their body to deal with the changing temperature. Before winter, pets shed their short and light summer fur to develop a thick and warm undercoat for winter. Around spring, this winter undercoat is shed to cool down the body for summer. But sometimes, if the shedding is excessive, it could be due to skin irritation, allergy, flea infestation, or probably an underlying medical condition. While there is no way to escape shedding, here are five simple ways you can keep it under control.

1. Good food for better fur

The quality of your dog’s coat is determined by the nutrition he gets. Strong hair shafts mean less hair fall. Include foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in your pet’s diet. Raw fruits and vegetables like banana, de-seeded apple slices, cucumber, and carrots are healthy alternatives to packaged treats.

2. Oils for internal and external wellness

Adding a tablespoon of olive oil or coconut oil can help keep your dog’s fur soft and conditioned. You can also apply oil topically before a bath. Massaging your dog with coconut oil or applying Vitamin E helps reduce dryness and improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, thus reducing hair fall. Even fish oil supplements are great for improving hair health and lustre.

3. Hydrating power of water

One of the most common reasons for excessive shedding is dry skin caused by dehydration. Give your dog plenty of water to drink; this will hydrate your dog’s skin and reduce shedding. You could increase your dog’s water intake by flavoring the water with a bit of chicken broth.

4. Regular bathing

Regular bathing is the most important step to reduce shedding in dogs. Using shampoos with natural ingredients like Oatmeal, Neem, and Hibiscus can help soothe skin allergies that could be causing shedding. While excessive bathing can dry out your pet’s skin, it is important to clean the dirt and grime from the fur at regular intervals that could be causing hair to break.

5. Routine grooming based on hair type

Brushing hair every day is important to remove any loose fur from your pet’s coat. Also, combing helps in the even distribution of natural oils throughout the skin, thus improving skin luster and texture. You would need a bristle brush if your dog has short, soft hair. Slicker brushes are ideal for dogs that have curly fur. And, if your pet has thick and long fur, a rake can help it detangle easily.

Your pets love you unconditionally throughout their life. Just a little effort on your part to take care of their needs will not only improve their health, but also make your bond more special and long-lasting.