How to Stop a Dog From Shedding So Much (2024)

Reviewed and Updated on May5, 2020 by Jennifer Coates, DVM

Although shedding is usually normal, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce your dog’s shedding so you don’t have to constantly rid your clothes, car, and home of all the hair.

The first step is determining whether the amount of hair that your dog is shedding is normal, or if they are shedding excessively due to a health problem. Here’s what to look for, plus tips for how you can reduce shedding in your dog.

Is Your Dog Shedding Too Much?

What’s considered a normal amount of fur for dogs to shed? In many cases, this will depend upon the breed.

Breed-Related Shedding

“Some breeds shed year-round, as in Boxers or most short-coated dogs, while others, such as Huskies or Akitas, usually shed most [of their hair] twice a year.

Many people think that long-coated dogs shed more often, but that is not usually true. Most long-coated dogs have shedding seasons when the weather changes,” says Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania.

Once you have an idea of your dog’s usual amount of shedding, then you can monitor your dog for changes. Are they shedding more or less, or at different times than usual? If your dog is shedding more than they usually do, there might be an underlying health condition.

Shedding Due to Health Issues

According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, Colorado, you should be concerned if you see an increase in shedding, particularly when it’s accompanied by:

Itchiness
Patchy hair loss
Skin lesions
Signs of generalized illness

If you see these signs, your dog needs to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

How to Reduce Shedding

If you’ve determined that your dog is healthy but just sheds a lot, then follow these tips to help reduce your dog’s shedding.

How to Control DogShedding With Diet

Whether your dog leaves a light coating of fur in their wake or clumps the size of small mammals, here are some things you can do to help control their shedding.

According to Dr. Coates, once health problems have been ruled out, a well-balanced and healthy diet can go a long way towards keeping shedding at an acceptable level.

“A poor diet will not supply all the nutrients a pet needs to grow and maintain a healthy coat. Adequate amounts of high-quality protein and fat, particularly essential fatty acids, are needed to reduce excessive shedding,” says Dr. Coates.

When it comes to choosing adog food, it’s best not to skimp, says Dr. Denish. “The quality of food that your pet eats greatly influences the degree of shedding and the quality of the coat,” says Dr. Denish.

How to Control Shedding With Grooming

A dog groomer is your best resource for controlling your dog’s shedding through grooming.

Mari Rozanski of Plush Pups Boutique and Grooming in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, has been grooming pets for more than 25 years and believes that you’ve got to help keep your pet groomed at home. But how often?

“In a perfect world, I would say [to] brush your dog on a daily basis. It's good for their coat and skin, and it can serve as quality time with your dog,” says Rozanski. “More realistically, brushing your dog at least once or twice a week should help keep shedding to a minimum.”

The Best Grooming Tools for Controlling Shedding

A few basic (and inexpensive) items are all that you’ll need to manage your dog’s shedding.

“I personally prefer a slicker brush and a metal comb,” says Rozanski. “A hand-mitt, although I have never tried one, is good for a very short-haired dog such as a Doberman or a Dalmatian.”

She continues, “There’s a wide assortment of tools available, but some instruction on choosing the right one is necessary. Usually a groomer or breeder can help with this.”

When to See a Professional Groomer

When it comes to grooming, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the pros.

“Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is a good way to keep shedding at a minimum and to avoid a mess at home; groomers have all the proper tools and specialty shampoos for shedding dogs,” says Rozanski.

“Bathing at home can be fun, but if the dog is not rinsed or dried properly, or if the wrong shampoo is used, a skin condition can occur. Also, the pH balance for a dog is different than a person, so only dog shampoos should be used,” adds Rozanski.

You’ll still want to brush your dog at least a few times a week in between professional grooming sessions, however.

Keeping Your Home Clean of Pet Hair

If you’re looking to keep pet hair out of your home, you can either pick up cast-off dog hair or keep it from becoming a problem in the first place.

According to Rozanski, it’s always a good idea to keep furniture and other spots that are heavily used by your dog covered with a throw or sheet to make those surfaces easier to clean.

Also, vacuuming is your best weapon in the fight against dog hair. While a conventional vacuum can be used, there are special vacuums with devices and attachments that are designed to deal with pet fur, which can make the job easier.

For quick pickups of dog hair from clothes and furniture, Rozanski is partial to hair rollers(like those for your clothes) from companies such as 3M.

Again, none of these actions will completely eliminate the hair from your home, but they will help you fight it.

Using Air Filters to Control Pet Hair in the Home

Pet hair and dander in the air can exacerbate allergies,asthma,and other conditions. Often, the conventional filtering that comes with heating and air conditioning systems won’t be robust enough to create an easy breathing environment.

There are many standalone air filters you can purchase, but Rozanski says she has had particular success withAprilaireproducts.

Be Consistent About Changing Filters

Obviously, frequent filter changes are a must, and for heavily shedding dogs, you might even want to change filters more often than the company recommends.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to stay ahead of shedding is to think ahead.

“My suggestion for most owners is to learn about your dog and the breed before making a decision on adopting the pet. You need to understand the requirements for that pet in terms of veterinary care, nutrition, and maintenance,” says Dr. Denish.

By David F. Kramer

Featured Image: iStock.com/Petko Ninov

As an enthusiast and expert in pet care, particularly in the realm of dog health and grooming, I can confidently attest to the importance of addressing shedding issues in dogs. Understanding the nuances of dog shedding, its potential causes, and effective management strategies is crucial for any pet owner. My years of hands-on experience and extensive research in this field equip me with the knowledge needed to guide you through the concepts discussed in the provided article.

The article, reviewed and updated by Jennifer Coates, DVM, primarily focuses on helping dog owners manage and reduce shedding. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

Normal vs. Excessive Shedding:
- The article emphasizes that shedding is usually normal for dogs, but excessive shedding may indicate underlying health issues.
- Dr. Adam Denish mentions that different breeds have varying shedding patterns, with some shedding year-round and others having specific shedding seasons.
Shedding Due to Health Issues:
- Dr. Jennifer Coates warns that an increase in shedding, accompanied by signs like itchiness, patchy hair loss, and skin lesions, may indicate health problems.
- Dr. Denish further explains that abnormal shedding could be linked to thyroid disorders, diabetes, or poor nutrition, and improving the pet's overall health can help reduce shedding.
Reducing Shedding Through Diet:
- Dr. Coates recommends a well-balanced and healthy diet to control shedding, highlighting the importance of high-quality protein and essential fatty acids.
Grooming Techniques:
- Mari Rozanski, a seasoned pet groomer, stresses the significance of regular grooming to control shedding.
- The article suggests brushing dogs at least once or twice a week and provides insights into the best grooming tools, including slicker brushes, metal combs, and hand-mitts.
Professional Grooming:
- Professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended to minimize shedding, as groomers have the right tools and specialty shampoos for shedding dogs.
Home Maintenance to Control Pet Hair:
- Tips for keeping the home clean of pet hair include covering furniture with throws or sheets, regular vacuuming (with specialized pet hair vacuum cleaners), and using hair rollers for quick pickups.
- The article acknowledges that while these actions won't eliminate hair entirely, they contribute to managing the issue.
Air Filters for Pet Hair:
- Standalone air filters, particularly those from Aprilaire, are suggested to control pet hair and dander in the air.
- Consistent filter changes, potentially more frequent for heavily shedding dogs, are highlighted as essential for maintaining a clean environment.
Proactive Pet Ownership:
- Dr. Denish underscores the importance of understanding the specific requirements of a pet, including veterinary care, nutrition, and maintenance, to address shedding concerns proactively.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for dog owners, covering various aspects of shedding, from health considerations to practical grooming and home maintenance tips. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on these concepts, feel free to ask.