10 Steps To Help Reduce Your Dog's Shedding

Shedding is a natural process for dogs to replace old or damaged fur with new growth. While some breeds shed more than others, all dogs lose some hair and that’s expected. For dog owners, constant shedding can be a nuisance, especially if you’re tired of finding fur all over your clothes, furniture, cars and floors.

Fortunately, there are many practical steps you can take to reduce your dog’s shedding and keep your home and clothes a little more fur free!

First, let’s determine what is considered excessive shedding. 

What Is Considered Excessive Shedding?

It’s normal for dogs to shed throughout the year, and some breeds naturally shed more than others. However, excessive shedding can be a sign that something may be affecting your dog’s health.

Below are a few signs of excessive shedding:

Bald Patches or Uneven Shedding:

If you notice areas of your dog’s coat that look patchy or if fur seems to be falling out in clumps, this can signal an underlying issue.

Skin Issues:

Redness, bumps, scabs, or sores on your dog’s skin could indicate allergies, infections, or other skin conditions causing hair loss.

Excessive Scratching or Licking:

If your dog is frequently licking or scratching at certain areas, it might be due to irritation, and this behavior can worsen shedding. It could be a skin allergy or something else.

Sudden Increase in Shedding:

 A sudden change in shedding intensity, especially outside of typical shedding seasons (like spring and fall), may indicate health issues or stress.

If you notice any of these signs, consult your veterinarian. They can help determine if your dog’s shedding is due to a medical condition, like hormonal imbalances, allergies, or skin infections, and guide you on the best treatment options.

Below Are 10 Steps to Help Reduce Your Dog’s Shedding

1. Brush Your Dog Regularly

Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to reduce shedding. Brushing removes loose fur and dead skin, preventing it from ending up around your home.

The type of brush you use depends on your dog's coat:

Short-haired dogs (like Beagles or Boxers): Use a rubber curry brush or a soft bristle brush.

Medium to long-haired dogs (like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds): Use an undercoat rake, slicker brush, or a de-shedding tool.

Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Samoyeds): Use a combination of a de-shedding tool and a rake to tackle the thick undercoat.

Brushing daily or at least a few times a week will prevent matting and make your dog's coat healthier and cleaner. It’s also a great way to bond with your pet. Most dogs love it!

2. Bathe Your Dog Regularly (But Not Too Much)

Bathing can reduce shedding by removing dirt and loose fur, but over-bathing can dry out your dog's skin, leading to more shedding. Try o bathe your dog every 4–6 weeks, depending on their coat type and lifestyle. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that hydrates the skin and coat.

For dogs with heavy shedding, a de-shedding shampoo can be particularly effective. Look for products with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or omega-3 fatty acids, which soothe the skin and reduce excess shedding.

3. Feed Your Dog A Healthy Diet

Your dog's coat is a reflection of his or her overall health. Poor nutrition often leads to dull, dry fur and excessive shedding. Make sure your dog is eating a high-quality diet rich in protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Fish-based dog foods or supplements with fish oil are excellent for promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat.

Consider speaking with your vet about dietary recommendations or supplements specifically for coat health. Omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil capsules, can improve skin moisture and reduce shedding.

4. Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Hydration plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Dehydrated skin becomes dry and flaky, leading to increased shedding. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times and encourage them to drink by changing the water frequently or adding a pet water fountain. Wet food can also help keep your dog’s hydrated if you are only feeding them dry food.

If you’re concerned your dog isn’t drinking enough, try adding a bit of low-sodium broth to their water, or give them high-moisture foods, like wet dog food or dog-safe fruits and vegetables.

 5. Control Fleas and Parasites

Fleas, ticks, and other parasites can cause skin irritation, leading to scratching, fur loss, and increased shedding. Regular flea and tick prevention is essential, especially if your dog spends time outdoors. Discuss with your veterinarian the best options for flea and tick control, which may include oral medications, topical treatments, or flea collars.

Checking your dog’s coat regularly can help catch any parasites early, keeping your dog itch-free and reducing shedding due to skin irritation.

6. Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can impact your dog’s health, often leading to excessive shedding. Dogs may experience stress from changes in their environment, such as moving, loud noises, or being left alone for long periods. Identifying and addressing the sources of stress can help reduce shedding.

7. Regular Vet Visits

Sometimes, excessive shedding can indicate underlying health problems, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or skin infections. Regular vet check-ups are always important to make sure that your dog is in good health and helps catch any issues early. If you notice sudden or unusual shedding, skin redness, sores, or excessive scratching, consult your vet to rule out medical conditions.

8. Vacuum and Use a Lint Roller

Even with the best grooming routine, some shedding is inevitable. Investing in a pet-friendly vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and strong suction can help keep fur off your floors, furniture, and carpets. For furniture and clothing, lint rollers and pet hair remover brushes are invaluable tools for quick clean-ups.

9. Consider a Professional Grooming Service

If brushing and bathing at home doesn’t seem to reduce shedding enough, a professional groomer can help. Professional groomers use specialized tools to remove excess hair, especially during shedding seasons. They can also provide treatments like blow-drying and brushing techniques designed to minimize shedding.

10. Embrace a Shedding Schedule to Keep It Under Control

Some breeds naturally shed more during specific seasons, often in spring and fall. During these times, it’s important to increase brushing and bathing to keep loose fur under control. If your dog is a heavy seasonal shedder, investing extra time and care during shedding seasons can make a big difference.

While you can’t stop your dog from shedding entirely, following these steps will help minimize it. A healthy diet, regular grooming, hydration, and addressing any health concerns go a long way toward managing shedding.