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How Can I Reduce My Dog's Seasonal Shedding?

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  September 29th, 2023
smrm1977/Shutterstock

Every dog owner knows how much of a bother shedding is. Some dog breeds will shed year-round, while others will only shed seasonally. Either way, it can create quite a bit of a hassle and an extra chore in your already busy schedule. Depending on your pet’s breed, the seasonal shedding can be moderate, or heavy. In the latter case, you might find yourself with a ton of pet hair all over the place and wondering if there’s a way to reduce your dog’s seasonal shedding for good. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce your pet’s shedding and make this time of the year as easy and hassle-free as possible.


How To Reduce Your Dog's Seasonal Shedding


Reducing your dog's seasonal shedding can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try to minimize the amount of loose fur in your home and on your pet. Keep in mind that shedding is a natural process for dogs, and  some breeds shed more than others. One way or the other, you simply have to accept this phase as just one of the aspects of owning a dog. Still, there are a few things to do to keep shedding minimal.


  • Brush your dog regularly with a suitable brush or comb for their coat type. The frequency of brushing will depend on your dog's breed and shedding pattern. For some dogs, daily brushing during heavy shedding seasons may be necessary.


  • Give your dog a bath using a  deshedding dog shampoo. This can help remove loose fur and reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture and floors. Be careful not to over-bathe your dog, as excessive bathing can strip their skin of natural oils and lead to more shedding.


  • Feed your dog a well-balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog's specific needs. A healthy diet can promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, which may reduce excessive shedding.


  • Consider adding  omega-3 fatty acid supplements to your dog's diet. Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the condition of your dog's skin and coat, potentially reducing shedding.


  • Ensure your dog stays well-hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin and coat maintenance.


  • Maintain an appropriate level of humidity in your home, especially during the dry seasons. Dry air can contribute to dry skin and increased shedding.


  • Sometimes, allergies can make shedding worse. If your dog has  allergies, work with your veterinarian to manage them effectively. Allergies can exacerbate shedding.


  • Regular visits to a professional groomer can help manage shedding. They can provide specialized treatments, such as deshedding baths and treatments, to reduce shedding.


  • There are products like deshedding tools, deshedding shampoos, and shedding control sprays available that may help reduce your pet’s hair loss. Always follow the instructions and consult with your vet if you're unsure about a specific product.


  • Invest in a high-quality  pet hair vacuum cleaner to keep your home clean. Regularly vacuuming and cleaning your dog's bedding can help minimize fur buildup in your home.


  • Excessive stress can contribute to shedding. Ensure your dog is mentally and physically stimulated and has a comfortable and stress-free environment. Don’t leave them all on their own for long periods of time, and try to provide them with a life without any anxiety or fear.


If you find that despite trying these strategies, your dog's shedding is still excessive or unusual, consult with your veterinarian. Excessive shedding can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Your vet can help rule out any medical concerns and provide tailored advice for your dog's shedding problem.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

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