Shedding is a natural part of life for most dogs, but an excessive degree of shedding isn’t normal. If you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of dog hair on your furniture and in your carpets, use these tips from your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian to address the issue.
See Your Veterinarian
Before doing anything, make an appointment to see your veterinarian. Various medical issues could be linked to your dog’s excessive shedding, including parasites, allergies, infection, and many more. This is especially likely if it seems as though your dog’s shedding amount has increased dramatically in the course of a few days or weeks. Your vet can tell you if anything is amiss; even if it isn’t, you can move on to other options without worrying about your dog’s health.
Provide a Great Diet
What goes into your dog is very important for how he or she looks on the outside. A proper diet is essential for great skin and fur health; ensure that you’re feeding your canine companion a nutritionally balanced, high-quality dog food that is appropriate for his or her age, breed, weight, and overall body condition. A senior dog, for instance, needs quite different food than a puppy. If you’d like a recommendation on what to feed your pooch, call your vet’s office.
Brush
Daily brushing sessions can do wonders to cut down on the amount of fur that your dog sheds, thereby preventing it from winding up on your carpets and living room chairs. Use a dog-specific brush and run it through your dog’s coat every day. This will remove loose and dead fur, smooth out tangles, and moisturize the fur with essential skin oils. Of course, it will also keep your dog looking and feeling like a million bucks!
Bathe
The occasional bath can also be useful to remove loose fur, keep your dog smelling fresh, and have them look their best. Use a canine-formulated shampoo—available at vets’ offices, pet supply shops, and some retail outlets—as human shampoo may be too strong for your pooch’s sensitive skin. Be careful not to over-bathe, though, as bathing too frequently can actually backfire and dry out the skin, leading to more shedding instead of less.
Would you like recommendations on a great pet brush or dog shampoo for your canine companion? Want more advice on reducing your dog’s shedding? Contact your Floyds Knob, IN vet.
