8 Tips to Speed Up Your Dog’s Shedding
To welcome spring, I've put away my winter clothes. Dogs do the same by shedding their winter coat. Dog hair, seeming to have a life of its own, is now everywhere. Shedding season is here! Here are 8 tips to make the process easier for you and your dog.
Benefits of vitamin B for your dog's coat
Supplementing with B-vitamin is beneficial for the coat and skin. An extra dose may be needed during spring and fall (If you live in a place where seasons prevail) when many dogs experience shedding due to changes in temperature. You can speed up the process with a B-vitamin supplement.
Glossy coat with the right oil supplement
Adding oil to your dog's diet also aids in coat care. Coat shine is at its best when it comes from the inside out rather than being sprayed on top. A glossy coat is easier to untangle and won't mat like dry and flaky fur. Salmon oil is a good choice.
Gentle care with undercoat carding
Invest in a good undercoat rake if your dog has a dense undercoat. This type of rake gently removes loose undercoat without damaging the guard hairs or scratching the skin. A quality undercoat rake is worth the extra money!
Effective coat care with gentle brushing
Regularly brush your dog, once a week is usually sufficient. Avoid using forceful brushing strokes. Let the rake run through the coat without digging into the skin, as it can be painful. Stop brushing when the rake no longer pulls out more fur. Continuing to brush may risk skin damage or pulling out fur that is still attached. Shorter, more frequent brushing sessions are better. For more tips on how to care for your dog's coat during the shedding season, take a look at our grooming tips.
Use of rumor stones for shorthaired dogs
If you have a short-haired dog without much undercoat, try a grooming stone. Use short, quick strokes, and the stone will gently remove loose hair.
Always brush dry fur for best results
Starting spring with a bath? Ensure that the coat is thoroughly dry before beginning the combing process. Brushing wet or damp fur can cause strain on the hair shafts.
Better feed for better fur
Changing the food? If your dog has prolonged and persistent shedding periods, try a new diet. High-quality food works wonders for coat quality and often shortens shedding seasons. Check out our guide to changing food - how to make the transition for tips.
Reused fur as nesting material for birds
Gather the fur into a ball and place it in a tree; excellent nesting material for birds as they furnish their nests during spring.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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