Dogs are prone to shed as a natural process of getting away with dead hair and making room for new growth. When your dog sheds, it cannot be curtailed as it is but one of the normal conditions in dogs. But, when your dog experiences excessive shedding, there are some remedies you can resort to, like proper grooming, a correct diet, and vitamins or supplements.
Shedding happens naturally in dogs. It is the process of getting rid of old or damaged fur (or hair) to give way to the growth of new fur.
While moderate and regular shedding is normal, excessive shedding is not. When your dog sheds excessively (compared with other dogs of the same breed and age), it may be a cause for concern.
Excessive shedding can cause baldness in some parts of the dog’s body, causing a negative effect on its physical appearance. What is most concerning, though, is that it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
In this blog post, we will explore the common reasons why dog sheds, how to address this issue and share with you our top picks for shedding supplements or vitamins.
AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):
- Best Overall: DOGSWELL Omega-3 Fish Oil Dog Food Supplement
- Runner Up: GNC for Pets Advanced Skin & Coat Dog Supplement
- Also Great: Premium Krill Oil Skin and Coat Supplement
Why Does My Dog Shed So Much?
When a dog sheds, it can be quite frustrating for every pet owner. Besides the bother of cleaning after dead dog hair and vacuuming balls of fur here and there, you worry about what could cause your dog to shed so much.
We share with you here some reasons why your dog sheds and some remedies to minimize this incident.
There are several reasons why your dog may be experiencing excessive shedding.
Dog Breeds
All dogs (except maybe for a very few breeds like the American Hairless Terrier) are prone to shed.
However, there are some breeds that are more prone to shed than others. Some known heavy-shedding dogs are Akitas, Chow Chows, Corgis, Labrador Retrievers, Afghan Hounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Siberian Huskies, to name a few.
Allergies
Skin and coat health is important to reduce your dog’s shedding. Skin allergies in dogs can also cause them to shed hair more often. Healthy skin would prevent shedding in dogs.
Dog allergy is often caused by the diet or food our furry friends consume, which brings us to the next reason.
Diet
Excessive dog fur loss may also be caused by some vitamin deficiency in your pet.
A dog fed a high-quality diet would develop healthier skin and coats. In addition, hair follicles would be stronger and more resilient to falling out.
As pet parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our pets consume what their body needs. Your dog may also shed as an effect of vitamin deficiency. When your dog’s food lacks essential nutrition, adding a dog supplement to his diet might be necessary.
Regular and Proper Grooming Routine
Lack of regular hygienic habits can cause hair loss among our pets. An unhealthy coat encourages fur to tangle and fall.
Ingredients in some dog shampoos may also be too harsh for your dog’s skin and fur, which causes hair loss. The same goes for improper fur brushing and detangling.
How to Stop Dog Shedding?
Here are some guides on how to minimize dog shedding a lot and some remedies.
Diet
The best dog food for shedding should contain the essential nutrition your dog needs.
Check your dog’s diet that they are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote skin, coat, and overall health. When his regular diet lacks a bit of the needed nutrition, supplement his food with vitamins that can provide the health benefits for better dog skin and coat.
Stop dog shedding by giving your dog high-quality food enriched with fatty acids and minerals.
Vitamins and Supplements
Are there dog supplements that can help against shedding? Yes, there are!
The provision of a dog vitamin or supplement would not only boost your dog’s immune system but can also help your dog achieve a healthy coat and skin that would reduce excessive shedding.
Before giving your dog any vitamin or supplement, consult your veterinarian first. Your veterinarian is the best person to identify the cause of why your pet sheds and provide the best solution to the problem.
These supplements for shedding are available as soft chews or chewable tablets, so it’s easier for your dog to take in or consume. A liquid supplement is also available for dogs that are picky about chewing on tablets or chews.
Fish contains essential fatty acids like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that help avoid excessive fur loss. Using a fish oil supplement has shown efficacy in promoting coat and skin health.
Omega 3 fatty acids maintain healthy coats and help reduce shedding. Omega-3 works to moisturize the skin, promoting healthy hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Water Intake
One of the home remedies for dogs that shed excessively is to provide them with adequate clean water. Ensure that your dog drinks enough water for his body.
Lack of moisture in the body results in dehydrated and itchy skin. This, in turn, can cause unhealthy skin. Keeping your dog’s coat and skin healthy and moisturized will help control hair loss.
Bathing and Grooming Routine
Proper bathing and grooming are also two home remedies to stop excess shedding. These routines do not merely keep our dogs clean. It likewise cleans the skin and removes dead furs.
You may also use some solutions while bathing your dogs. Reduce hair loss with the help of anti-shedding shampoo like this this one from Burt's Bees.
Brushing your dog’s hair massages the skin and keeps the blood flowing. This promotes healthier skin and coats and minimizes hair fall. Brushing also untangles messy fur, which pulls and causes hair to fall as well.
Best Dog Shedding Supplements and Vitamins
Our pet experts here at dogschool.com researched the best supplements available in the market. And we share them with you here.
Again, be responsible pet owners by consulting your vet before giving your pet any of these to avoid complicating conditions.
Here are our top picks of supplements to help your dog shed less often.
Our Top Pick
- Promotes Healthy Skin & Coat – Support your dog’s skin health and shiny coat with omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil. Also a relief for dogs with hot spots, flakes and itchiness due to dry skin or allergies
- Better Immune Function – Essential fatty acids rich in EPA and DHA, like those found in Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil for dogs, can help protect dogs by bolstering their immune systems
- Brain Function & Development – Omega-3 fatty acids in wild-caught salmon oil are beneficial for the cognitive function of all life stages, but especially for puppies. Omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, is essential for puppies’ brain development
- Supports Joint Health – Make their older years easier with healthy hips and joints. Fish oil for dogs helps improve mobility by supporting joint health, giving you more time to walk and play together
Runner Up
- GNC PETS ADVANCED DOG SKIN & COAT SUPPLEMENTS —Give your dog the glossiest coat around with GNC Pets Advanced Skin & Coat Soft Chews for All Dogs, complete with the necessary nutrients your dog needs for healthy skin and a beautiful, shiny coat
- 90 COUNT SOFT CHEWS —90 easy-to-swallow soft chews make it simpler than ever for your pet to get the nutrients required for optimal health. No more pill swallowing struggles for you and your pup
- DELICIOUS CHICKEN FLAVOR SKIN & COAT SUPPLEMENTS —Dogs love the delicious flavor of these dog supplements, making it easier than ever for them to get the nutrients they need while satisfying their taste buds
- MADE IN THE USA — GNC Pets is proudly made in the USA, providing you and your pet with safe, secure, and high quality products
Also Great
✔ Ultra low allergen formula perfect for pets with allergies. Irresistible savory cheese flavor your pet is guaranteed to love!
✔ Promotes shiny coat and healthy skin while alleviating itchiness and stopping excessive shedding. Great for aiding in the healing of irritated, inflamed, or damaged skin from allergies and other medical conditions.
✔ Powerful Antioxidant Astaxanthin for whole body health. Omega 3 and 6 from cold water krill oil. Essential vitamins and minerals to support health.
✔ Guaranteed to reduce shedding and promote healthy skin and coat or your money back. We guarantee smiles, tail wags, and purrs with every purchase.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a vitamin or supplement can play a crucial role in managing the tendency to shed in our furry companions. Shedding occurs naturally, especially for dog breeds with high shedding tendencies. However, excessive shedding can be a sign of an underlying health problem or nutritional deficiencies.
When such is the case, your dog may need dog supplements. Choose dog vitamins that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acid, biotin, and vitamins A, E, and C. These are essential nutrients that could promote healthy skin and coat health and prevent excessive shedding.
In extreme cases of fur shedding, it is best to seek professional advice from a veterinarian on how to address your dog’s extreme shedding properly. As individual dog has unique needs, the veterinarian could provide recommendations tailored to your dog’s needs.