Why is My Dog Shedding so Much & 7 Tips To Stop It

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We all like to cuddle with our dogs, no matter how big or small they are. They will enjoy cuddling as much as we do. But have you ever, after cuddling with your dog, noticed a large amount of dog hair on your clothes? You probably wondered: why is my dog shedding so much?

Dog shedding is a natural and healthy part of your pet's life. Although it can be frustrating for some people, most dogs will shed – some more and some less.

Why do dogs shed?

For most dogs, shedding is a normal and natural thing. It is a way for your dog to remove old and damaged fur. Shedding will allow new and healthy hair to grow. A large number of dogs will shed moderately throughout the year. During shedding season, which happens twice a year, they will shed extensively.

Dogs' fur has a purpose, and in general, their fur will help them:

• regulate body temperature
• adapt to the challenging environment (climate and terrain)
• protect their skin from the sun during a hot summer day

RELATED: Why Dog Grooming is so Important?

For the dogs in colder climates, their fur will be dense and will have an undercoat, while for the dogs in warm places, they need a lighter coat. Since weather cannot always stay the same, the natural reaction is shedding to allow your dog to adjust to different weather conditions.

How to recognize normal vs. excessive shedding?

All dogs shed, and there is nothing to be worried about. If you notice your dog sheds in the average amount throughout the year, you can be sure there is nothing wrong. However, if you see bald patches on your dog from shedding or catch your dog scratching and itching itself, that could be a sign of a medical problem. Your dog could have an infection or some version of skin disease, so you should immediately contact your vet and make an appointment.

Why is my dog shedding so much?

Dog shedding depends on several factors, including weather, dog breed, diet, allergies, and much more. If you notice that your dog is shedding too much, you can take steps to decrease the amount of hair and help your pet be healthier. Some people will catch themself asking questions: why is my dog shedding so much? When in fact, their dog will shed in the average amount. It is impossible for most dog breeds not to experience shedding.

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What dog breeds shed the most?

For dogs with a double coat, it is normal to shed extensively. If you decide that you want to share a home with one of these dogs, you must prepare yourself that your house or apartment will be covered in dog hair most of the time. Just make sure that you get yourself a good vacuum cleaner.

Dog breeds that shed the most are:

• German Shepherd
• Akita
• Siberian Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Saint Bernard
• Chow Chow
• Corgi

What dog breeds shed the least?

Although there is nothing like a completely hypoallergenic dog breed, people that suffer from allergies can live with one of these dog breeds that sheds the least. Low shedding dog breeds are:

• Afghan Hound
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear

You can check the whole list of the low-shedding dog breeds here.

Will puppies also shed?

Every puppy is different; while one puppy from the litter can start shedding earlier, others can experience shedding in adulthood. There is no correct answer to this question. However, you are much more likely to see your puppy start shedding at 3-6 months.

How to reduce dog shedding?

You cannot wholly remove dog shedding. However, you can take steps to ensure that your dog leads a happy and healthy life, which will be reflected in his shedding. If you follow these steps, you can reduce the amount of shedding in the long run.

1. Choose the right tool

The first step you should take is to choose the right tool for your dog's coat. Whether your dog sheds year-round or during shedding season, shedding tools will help keep dead hair from your dog and home.

RELATED: Shedding Season Must-Haves

2. Choose the perfect brush

Depending on your dog's coat type, you should pick the correct brush. Shorthaired and longhaired dog breeds will need different brushes. There are a few other options you can choose from:

• Bristle brush – is suitable for all coat types, but the best practice is to use it for a longhaired dogs
• Slicker brush – great for removing tangles and mats
• Wire pin brush – suitable for curly and wooly dog coats, medium and longhaired dog breeds
• Combs- with rubber combs, you will remove dead dogs' hair, and it will help to massage your dog's skin

RELATED: The 7 Best Brushes for Short-Haired Dogs

3. Healthy diet

Dogs with a healthy and proper diet will experience less shedding. If they consume all the nutrients they need, their hair will be healthier, and shedding will be reduced. Some supplements can primarily help your dog, and one of them is omega-3- fatty acids. It will help your dog grow firmer and healthier hair, but before you introduce anything new to your dog, you should consult with your vet.

RELATED: What is the Best Dog Food For Shedding?

4. Dog baths

A regular dog bath is a correct way to maintain your dog's fur healthy. With bathing, you will clean his coat and remove dead hair from your dog. Many de-shedding shampoos on the market will hydrate your dog's skin and help your dog grow healthier hair.

RELATED: How Often Should You Wash Your Dog

5. Water intake

As with humans, water intake plays a significant role in leading a healthy life. If you suddenly notice your dog shedding extensively, you should check his water intake. If your dog doesn't drink enough water, it could lead to dry skin and more shedding. Besides shedding, your can experience other concerning health problems.

6. Reduce stress

Like humans, dogs can experience stress. If there is something new in your dog's life – you recently moved to a new place, you had a baby, etc., your dog could be under a lot of stress, and excessive shedding can be a stress reaction. If you suspect that the stress is a leading cause of your dog's shedding, you should spend more time with your dog, create a routine for your dog, and try to give him some calming dog treats.

RELATED: Separation Anxiety In Dogs - How To Stop It

7. Vet visit

For some dogs, a large amount of shedding can cause a health problem. If your dog didn't experience extensive shedding in the past, and now you notice hair all around, you should contact your vet. There could be some underlying problem that only your vet will be able to find out.

When should I be worried about my dog shedding?

In most cases, there is nothing to be worried about. You should talk with your vet if you notice unusual behavior from your dog accompanied by shedding. There are a few medical conditions that can cause excessive shedding, including:

• Parasites
• Infections
• Allergies
• Pregnancy
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

RELATED: 5 Dog Breeds That Require a Lot of Grooming

If you are unsure if your dog is alright, you should contact your vet, who will run a few checks to establish if some health problem is bothering your dog.

Conclusion

Dog shedding is a normal thing, and it's a part of a dog's life. Shedding will help dogs remove old and dead hair and make room for new healthy hair to grow. If you own a double-coated dog breed, the best thing you can do is to buy a good grooming tool and an excellent vacuum to keep shedding under control and to keep your home free of dog hair.

World Dog Finder team