If you’re a dog owner, then you know how much dogs shed. And when your dog sheds, their fur can get all over everything. But, short of shaving off all of your dog’s hair, what can you do to prevent shedding — or at least reduce the amount they shed?
Depending on the breed, dogs use their fur for a variety of things. Mostly, they use their fur for warmth and protection. It can also be an indicator of your dog’s overall health. So, it is important that you help them care for their fur by making sure they get the vitamins they need and plenty of sunlight.
You can also help reduce the amount your dog sheds by taking some simple steps, such as keeping it from getting too long and keeping it clean by giving your dog a bath regularly. Here is more about dog fur and the problems it can cause, as well as tips to remove excess fur.
Problems With Dog Fur
When your dog sheds, all of that fur must go somewhere, and unless they are perpetually outside, all of that fur usually lands somewhere inside your home. Fur has a habit of attaching to everything around it, including your furniture, carpeting, and clothing. This leads to the bigger question: What can you do to remove your dog’s excess fur to help reduce the amount they shed?
How to Reduce the Impact of Dog Fur on Your Home
You can start protecting your home from your dog’s fur by investing in some washable slipcovers for your furniture. Simply put the slipcovers, or even an old sheet, on top of your furniture, washing them when they accumulate too much fur. Best of all, the next time you expect guests, remove the slipcovers for clean furniture.
You can also use throw rugs and small sections of carpeting to cover areas where your dog usually spends time. This keeps their fur from getting on the floor underneath the rugs and are easier to clean or replace after accumulating a large amount of fur.
In addition to the information above, here are some tips to help you keep your dog’s shedding to a minimum.
Tip 1: Bathe Your Dog Often
Giving your dog a bath frequently helps to reduce the amount they shed. Wash them using special shampoos designed to reduce shedding, and brush them thoroughly after their bath. Give your dog a bath at least once a month. For heavy shedders, you should wash them at least twice a month.
Tip 2: Clip Your Dog’s Fur
The length of a dog’s hair is an indicator of when the dog should start shedding. It’s built into their genetics, so there is little you can do to change it, except maybe give them a haircut. You can either clip your dog’s hair yourself, if you know how, or take them to a professional groomer.
Tip 3: Give Your Dog a Supplement
Retailers that sell pet supplies also sell supplements for your dog to take. To maintain a healthy body, including their fur, dogs need certain vitamins and minerals. For the fur, products containing Omega-3 fatty acids made specifically for dogs can help reduce shedding.
Tip 4: Take Your Dog to the Veterinarian
Shedding can also be a sign of other, more serious problems, including a skin infection, allergy, or even cancer. So, it is important that you take your dog to the vet if you notice a change in their body, including their fur.
Tip 5: Use an Animal Grooming Glove
While you might have a brush that you use for grooming your dog, some dogs are frightened of the brush. The trick is to use an animal grooming glove, such as this one. A grooming glove is not as intrusive, with your dog thinking of it more as “getting petted.” The benefits of using a grooming glove include:
- Easily removes excess fur without frightening your dog.
- Gives them a nice massage at the same time, making grooming more enjoyable.
- Easy to clean. Simply peel the fur away when done and dispose of it.
Check out the video below to find out more about how to use an animal grooming glove.
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