Dogs have fur, and they develop fur and hair loss just like any other animal. Nonetheless, hair loss can be pretty annoying. If there is more than the average amount of loose hair or fur on the floor, a pet owner may need to consult a dermatologist.
Dogs also need regular grooming to keep their skin and coat in good condition, and their diet also plays a massive role in their coats. Below are some of the things that you can do as a dog owner to minimize shedding in your dogs as well as enhance their skin health.
Regular Brushing and Grooming
–Slicker Brush – Daily grooming using a slicker brush will help to reduce the amount of pet hair you find on your furniture and floor; it helps massage the pet’s skin and spread the natural oils.
-Bathe when necessary with mild, canine-suitable soap – This maintains the outer layer of the coat and keeps the skin taut; no over-washing
– Spring for periodic grooming sessions – Our dogs might need hair cutting, gland popping, skin rashes checked, etc.
Provide Proper Nutrition
– To help your dog build muscle mass, you should switch to a high-quality dog food that contains omega fatty acids, which help to support skin and coat health.
– Fish or salmon oil supplements – These offer omega-3 essential fatty acids for skin and coat benefits.
– Do not feed your dog table scraps/people food – Some of these may cause allergic reactions/intolerances that will cause lots of shedding.
– Feed your pet a well-rounded, full meal – It is essential to provide your dog with proper nutrition in order to have healthy hair growth and vibrant skin.
– When in doubt, seek a veterinary nutritionist for recommendations – For dogs with skin or allergy problems associated with food, consult a professional.
The following are other tips for your pet’s skin and coat health:
– Bathe with mild, pet-friendly shampoos – Frequent use of strong detergents removes essential oils and causes skin problems
– Oatmeal bath – This is a proper, effective way to calm and hydrate the skin
– Treat hormonal imbalances –Thyroid disease and other hormonal complications may result in skin ailments.
– Exclude parasitic causes – Mites and other parasites may cause severe itching and shedding of hair
– Be cautious to avoid skin irritants – Such things like grass seeds can get trapped and lead to infections.
– Try probiotics – They may positively affect the skin microbiome and lessen the impact of external allergens.
– Bathe your pet – After washing your pet, apply a conditioner to promote moisture and avoid skin and fur dryness.
Regular Vet Visits
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog has signs of skin disease or excessive shedding:
– Acute skin changes, such as redness or inflammation or the presence of skin lesions
– Violent scratching or licking
– Balding or thinning of hair
– Skin changes: Differences in the smell of the skin or its texture
– More than the average hair shedding than what is expected per season
All these symptoms are commonly associated with old age. Still, in most cases, they can point to the onset of some other ailment.
Further tests such as skin scraping, culture, or allergy tests may be required when identifying the correct treatment for your dog’s skin condition. If necessary, medicated shampoos and other drugs, including antibiotics, antihistamines, and medicated wipes, may be used as treatment. Thus, figuring out ways to prevent skin problems is crucial in eradicating the problem of excessive shedding.
Environmental Control Measures
For dogs with environmental allergies:
– Bathe after your dog has been outside to help eliminate pollen.
– Avoid going out during the morning and in the evening when the rates of pollen release are usually highest.
– Frequent vacuuming and dusting of rooms in your home will minimize indoor allergens.
– It is advisable to add an air purifier to improve air quality within your home.
– Clean bed linens often with hot water and mild detergent.
It is not always feasible, though it is advisable, to minimize the dog’s contact with certain environmental factors that cause skin complications and shedding.
When to Trim or Shave Your Dog’s Coat
– For a Husky or Samoyed, it is not recommended to shave their coats because it hampers their cooling system
– Shave body hair/fur around areas where feces/urine soiling occurs. This maintains cleanliness.
– Trim hair off face around eyes and from footpads, if long. This keeps the area clear for vision and grip.
– Short “summer cuts” are acceptable on some specific breeds. This can be beneficial for the breed’s health.
It is important to note that shaving a dog’s coat to the skin is not advisable and may be damaging in most cases. Clipping excessive hair length is appropriate in some circumstances but should always be done according to specific breed standards.
Conclusion
Shedding is a natural part of the life cycle of any dog and is, therefore, a normal process. Heavy loss of hair, however, could be a result of disease and will thus warrant a trip to the vet. Grooming, proper diet, and skin health should be considered a high priority when managing or taking care of a dog. Look for signs of allergies or skin issues and, and if you notice any, address them as soon as possible. While grooming your pet you should pay particular attention to the coat and skin. With proper attention and care from a knowledgeable owner, most dogs can have a healthy skin and coat.
