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Dog Shedding
Dog shedding is unavoidable but excessive shedding can be reduced by regular brushing and feeding the dog a natural healthy diet.
All dogs shed - even the nearly hairless breeds such as Mexican Hairless dogs do so. Dog shedding usually occurs in between seasons. They shed during spring to let go
of old hairs as new ones push their way through. They also shed in late autumn to get rid of their lighter undercoat in exchange for a heavy and dense undercoat for
the winter season. Many dogs also shed when they are emotionally stressed or frightened.
We cannot stop our dogs from shedding; however, we can do several things to keep stray hair to a minimum. As well, if your dog sheds excessively, it may be an
indication that his skin is not as healthy as it should be. There are many natural treatments that promote healthy skin and coat. Let's look at what we can do
when dog shedding is giving us a headache.
Preventing Excessive Dog Shedding
- Regular Brushing
Nothing can beat a thorough brushing for keeping dog shedding to a minimum. Regular brushing also makes your dog's coat softer, shinier, and healthier. Try to
brush your dog once a day.
Using a suitable brush is important, however, since which brush or comb to use depends on your dog's breed and coat type. Click here for more
information on choosing an appropriate brush for your dog.
- Feed Your Dog A Natural Diet
Hair is made of protein; therefore the quality of protein in your dog's food will affect how his hair grows and looks. It follows that if you want your dog to have
healthy hair, feed him a healthy natural diet that contains high-quality proteins
and other ingredients.
- Feed Your Dog Fatty Acids
It has been found that Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are extremely important in keeping a dog's hair and skin in good condition. Even if you are feeding your dog
fish sometimes, it is not enough. You need to supplement his diet with a high-quality fish oil in order to get the full benefits of fatty acids. Here is one that
is excellent:
Only Natural Pet Salmon Oil.
- Bathe Your Dog Regularly
Bathing your dog regularly can wash off loose hair and, more importantly, can keep your dog clean. A clean dog usually has a healthier coat. Be sure to use a dog
shampoo that is natural and soothing, such as
Halo Cloud-Nine Herbal Shampoo.
- Use Herbs to Strengthen the Skin
As mentioned above, excessive dog shedding usually means that the dog's skin is not as healthy as it should be. Herbs can be used to improve skin health in dogs. I have
found an excellent Chinese herbal formula that works wonder on dog skin health:
Health Concerns Skin Balance.
This formula moistens and nourishes the skin and helps treat skin inflammations caused by psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, hives, etc. If your dog has skin problems and
sheds more than it should be, try out this formula.
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Preventing Dog Shedding - Brushes and Combs
Different brushes and combs have different functions and are designed for different coat type. The basic ones are as follows:
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Bristle Brush: This is for daily brushing and can be used on all coat types and are best used for
finishing off haircoats after other brushes are used. They are excellent for small dogs and dogs with sensitive skin. The brush helps to smooth and shine the
coat by distributing healthy natural oils and stimulating the skin. |
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Pin Brush: Pin brushes, with or without rubber-tipped ends, are the preferred choice for pets with
medium to long hair and those with silky, curly, or woolly coats. Flexible pin brushes are also recommended for dogs with thin coats and/or sensitive skin. |
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Slicker Brush: This brush has bent wire bristles that help remove hair from the thick undercoat.
It can also untangle mats and snarls. Slicker brushes come in different sizes and are good for all coat types. |
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Combs: These come in many different tooth sizes. Dogs with very fine coats can use a fine-toothed
comb. Those with heavier coats need larger-toothed combs. Flea combs have very closely-spaced teeth designed to comb out any fleas that may be hiding in your dog's
coat. |
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Mat Breaker: This is designed to remove matted and tangled hair in long-haired dogs without loss
of hair length. |
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Grooming Glove: This is a brush that slips over your hand. It can remove substantial amounts of
hair. These gloves work for all coat types, but are best for dogs with short or only moderately thick coats. |
Preventing Dog Shedding - The Ultimate Tool
If your dog has a thick undercoat and sheds a lot in between seasons, you need the "ultimate de-shedding tool":
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FURminator deShedding Tools:
 This de-shedding tool quickly and easily removes (not cuts) the loose,
dead, undercoat hair that is the underlying source of shedding. The tool's unique stainless steel edge grabs loose undercoat hair and removes it without damaging the
topcoat. Highly recommended!
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Related Topic
How to Groom a Dog
Hair Loss in Dogs
TOP of Dog Shedding
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