How To Stop Dog Shedding
Dog shedding is a natural and unavoidable part of life with most canine companions. The process allows your dog to replace old or damaged hair with new growth and helps regulate body temperature throughout the seasons. While you cannot completely eliminate shedding, virtually all dogs shed to some degree, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose hair around your home and on your clothes. With consistent grooming, proper nutrition, environmental management, and attention to your dog’s overall health, many pet parents can keep shedding manageable and maintain a healthy, shiny coat year-round.
Understanding Dog Shedding
The Natural Hair Growth Cycle
Dogs have a continuous hair growth cycle consisting of three main phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). When the telogen phase ends, the old hair falls out to make way for new growth. Most breeds experience heavier shedding during seasonal “coat blows” in spring (shedding thick winter undercoat) and fall (preparing for winter). Dogs kept indoors with artificial lighting and heating may shed more evenly throughout the year.
Breed-Specific Shedding Patterns
Some breeds are notorious for heavy shedding due to their double coats (a soft undercoat and coarser topcoat). These include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Akitas, Chow Chows, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis. On the other hand, breeds with hair-like coats that grow continuously (similar to human hair) shed less visibly but still require regular grooming to remove trapped loose hair. These include Poodles, Labradoodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Schnauzers, Bichon Frises, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers.
Normal vs. Excessive Shedding
Normal shedding is even, leaves a healthy coat underneath, and usually follows seasonal patterns. Excessive or abnormal shedding may appear as patchy bald spots, thinning fur, dull or brittle coat, redness, flakiness, or asymmetry. These signs often point to an underlying health issue rather than just normal shedding.
Common Causes of Excessive Shedding
Allergies
Food allergies, environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites), or contact allergies can cause intense itching and hair loss, especially around the face, paws, belly, and armpits.
Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice irritate the skin, leading to scratching and hair loss.
Skin Infections
Bacterial (e.g., pyoderma) or fungal (e.g., ringworm) infections can cause patchy shedding and skin changes.
Hormonal Imbalances
Conditions like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or other endocrine disorders often result in symmetrical hair thinning, dry coat, and poor regrowth.
Poor Nutrition
Diets lacking essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), zinc, or biotin can lead to dull, dry coats and increased shedding.
Stress or Environmental Factors
Major life changes, anxiety, or dry indoor air can disrupt the coat cycle.
Medications or Toxins
Certain drugs or exposure to chemicals can trigger shedding as a side effect.
Signs Your Dog’s Shedding Needs Attention
Monitor your dog for these warning signs that shedding may be abnormal:
- Bald patches or thinning in specific areas
- Red, inflamed, flaky, or greasy skin
- Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing at skin
- Dull, brittle, or discolored coat
- Bad odor from skin or coat
- Scabs, sores, or hot spots
- Behavioral changes like lethargy, irritability, or reduced appetite
- Sudden increase in shedding unrelated to season
If you notice any of these, consult a veterinarian promptly.
Immediate Steps to Reduce Shedding
Observe and Document
Track when shedding is heaviest, note any skin changes, and record recent diet, environment, or stress changes. This information is invaluable for your vet.
Start a Consistent Brushing Routine
Brush daily or several times a week during heavy shedding seasons. Use the right tools:
- De-shedding brushes (e.g., FURminator, Undercoat Rake) for double-coated breeds
- Slicker brushes for long-haired dogs
- Rubber curry combs or grooming mitts for short coats
Brush outdoors or in a contained area to minimize mess.
Bathe Strategically
Bathe only when necessary (every 4–8 weeks) with a gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo. Over-bathing removes natural oils, worsening dryness and shedding.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Ensure constant access to fresh water. Dehydration contributes to dry skin and increased shedding.
Seek Veterinary Advice Early
If shedding seems excessive or is accompanied by skin changes, book a vet visit. You can reach out to a Cuddlytails vet here.
Veterinary Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinary Examination
Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam, checking skin, coat, and overall health. They will ask about diet, grooming habits, and recent changes.
Diagnostic Tests
Common tests include:
- Skin scrapings or cytology to check for parasites, bacteria, or yeast
- Blood work to screen for hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies
- Allergy testing (skin or blood) to identify triggers
- Fungal cultures or biopsies for infections
- Thyroid function tests if hypothyroidism is suspected
Treatment Options
- Allergies: Hypoallergenic diets, antihistamines, or immunotherapy
- Parasites/Infections: Year-round flea/tick prevention, antibiotics, or antifungals
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Switch to high-quality food or add vet-approved supplements
- Hormonal Issues: Lifelong medications (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism)
- Skin Conditions: Medicated shampoos, anti-inflammatories, or topical treatments
Complete prescribed treatments fully and attend follow-up appointments.
Long-Term Strategies to Minimize Dog Shedding
Establish a Regular Grooming Routine
Brush frequently to remove loose hair before it falls. Use de-shedding shampoos monthly. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks helps for heavy shedders.
Feed a High-Quality Diet
Choose a complete, balanced dog food with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, and biotin. These nutrients support skin and coat health.
Consider Supplements
Vet-approved fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements can reduce inflammation and improve coat shine. Never add supplements without veterinary guidance.
Control Parasites Year-Round
Use monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventives to avoid irritation and scratching.
Manage Environmental Factors
Use a humidifier in dry homes to prevent skin dryness. Wash bedding and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens.
Reduce Stress
Maintain a consistent routine, provide regular exercise, and use calming aids if needed.
Home Cleaning Tips for Dog Shedding
- Vacuum daily with a pet-hair attachment
- Use lint rollers or grooming gloves for furniture
- Wash pet bedding weekly
- Use washable rugs or throws in high-traffic areas
- Consider an air purifier to reduce airborne dander
Preventing Excessive Dog Shedding
Choose the Right Breed
If shedding is a major concern, research low-shedding breeds and adopt responsibly.
Routine Veterinary Checkups
Annual exams catch health issues early.
Balanced Lifestyle
Proper nutrition, hydration, exercise, and stress management keep the coat healthy.
Conclusion
Dog shedding is a natural process, but with consistent grooming, high-quality nutrition, parasite prevention, and attention to underlying health, you can significantly reduce loose hair in your home. Most shedding is normal and seasonal, but sudden or excessive shedding often signals a treatable condition. By staying proactive and working closely with your veterinarian, you can keep your dog’s coat healthy, shiny, and under control all year long.
FAQs
Can I completely stop my dog from shedding?
No, all dogs shed to some extent, but regular grooming, proper diet, and health care can greatly reduce loose hair.
Why is my dog shedding excessively all of a sudden?
Possible causes include allergies, stress, parasites, poor nutrition, or medical conditions. Consult a vet if accompanied by skin changes or other symptoms.
What breeds shed the most?
Heavy shedders include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Akitas, Chow Chows, and Corgis.
Do supplements really help with shedding?
Omega-3 fatty acids can improve coat health and reduce excess shedding, but only use vet-recommended products.
When should I see a vet for shedding?
If there are bald patches, skin irritation, sudden increase, or other symptoms like itching or lethargy, seek veterinary care promptly.