Pet Grooming

Cures for the Dog Shedding Blues

Dog shedding is part of dog ownership. While you can't exactly cure dog shedding, there are some steps you can take to minimize excessive dog shedding.

How to Control Shedding

Grooming is the key to controlling dog hair shedding. You know the hair is going to fall out. It is better to brush your dog's coat daily and remove the hair yourself than to have dog hair all over the floor, furniture and your clothes.

Some dogs shed seasonally, such as in the spring when they are shedding their winter coats, and may require twice daily brushings during those periods. In general, dogs with smooth coats will need brushing approximately once or twice a week, while dogs with silky coats will need brushing three to four times a week. Long haired dogs require daily brushing to keep their coats looking their best.

Feeding your dog a high quality food with Omega 3 fatty acids will help keep him healthy and keep his coat shiny. Also, vacuum frequently to keep your house dog hair free. Some dogs don't mind being vacuumed themselves!

If you allow your dog on the furniture, designate one chair or area he is allowed and put a furniture cover on it. Then you can simply toss the cover in the washer rather than having to clean dog hair off all your furniture. Same for the car. Dog hair is extremely hard to get out of car upholstery and carpet. It just seems to stick. Car seat covers help a lot, and you can use a mat on top of the regular car mat to keep dog hair off the car floor.

Helpful Tools and Products to Control Shedding

To help control shedding, I give my dog vitamin- and fatty acid-rich supplements. This helps reduce shedding, gives her a shiny coat and prevents her from getting itchy, dry skin. There are several great supplements available from pet shops and online pet stores.

Brushes - you may need more than one kind. Options include mat breakers, shedding blades and slicker brushes, depending on your dog's breed. Grooming gloves can help you remove hair as you pet your dog.

About the author: Valerie Goettsch is web master of My Favorite Dog, a website featuring dozens of articles and information on where to find the best of everything for your dog, from flea meds to beds, training and designer clothes.