Dogs are truly a blessing in our lives. We love our canine companions, and they love us. However, I think if we were all honest about one aspect of our furry friends that we wish we could do without, it would be all of that fur falling out everywhere. We find fur all over the furniture and floor, fur all over our clothing, fur pretty much everywhere. What’s a dog lover to do about all of that fur shedding? Thankfully, there are several natural things we can do to help remedy the situation.
Brush, Brush, Brush
Logically, one of the easiest ways to stop finding dog hair all over the place is to spend time every day brushing your dog. The more hair that you can catch inside of your brush, the less is going to end up somewhere else. Spending 10 minutes brushing your dog each day is going to make a big difference.
Be sure to select the right type of brush for your dog’s coat. It should not be too soft, but not too hard either. Your dog’s coat will be softer and cleaner. Not only that, but it is a great way to bond with your dog.
Focus on Proper Nutrition
The condition of your dog’s coat is a reflection of the way that he eats. A diet that is complete and balanced will keep your dog’s hair follicles strong and keep his hair from breaking. It is important to feed your dog quality food that contains excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. If his food doesn’t contain enough nutrients, speak with your veterinarian about supplementation.
Keep the Water Bowl Full
It can be a little difficult to try and figure out how much water your dog drinks every day. However, if your dog is shedding more than he usually does, it is worth keeping an eye on the water bowl. According to the AKC, your dog should be drinking 1 ounce of water per day, for every pound of body weight. What does this have to do with dog shedding? Dehydrated skin is a major cause of hair loss in dogs.
Vacuum Regularly
You may be wondering how vacuuming can help your dog from shedding in the first place. It helps because cleaning all the dust from the floors helps to remove dust allergies and possible flea eggs which may attack the dog’s fur. If your dog starts scratching, the fur starts flying everywhere. Regular vacuuming helps to keep the fur situation under control.
Scrub-a-Dub-Dub
Put that doggie in the tub! A clean dog is more likely to have a shiny, healthy coat. Giving your dog a bath removes dead hair. Try using a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner that contains moisturizers and omega fatty acids. After you have dried off your dog, use a de-shedding tool to remove any excess fur that didn’t wash away during his bath.