Excessive shedding can be frustrating, but with the right tools and routines, you can keep the fluff (mostly) under control.
Shedding can be a drag, but with the right tools (and a little patience) it can be manageable. We’re exploring the top 7 tips you need to know if your dog is a heavy shedder from how to
Brushing is one of the easiest ways to keep shedding under control, but only if you’re using the right tool. Slicker brushes are great for thick or curly coats, while rubber brushes may work better for short-haired pups. If your dog is a super heavy shedder—we’re talking tufts of hair on a daily basis—you should consider a deshedding tool like the Furminator.
During peak shedding seasons, daily brushing can make a huge difference. Typically, those seasons are spring and fall. In the spring, temperatures rise and cause dogs to shed their thicker winter coats. On the other hand, fall shedding is caused by dogs dropping their thinner coats to prepare for the growth of their winter coat.
Believe it or not, but a shiny coat starts in the bowl. The kind of dog food you give your dog can have a huge impact on the look and feel of their coat. High-quality dog food with fatty acids help reduce inflammation, soothe dry skin, and keep fur soft and strong. If your dog’s coat looks dull or patchy, or they’re shedding more than usual, talk to your vet. Once a health concern is ruled out, they may recommend switching foods or adding a skin-supporting supplement like fish oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil or flaxseed oil supplements, can support coat health and reduce shedding in some dogs. Before adding anything new to your pet’s diet, talk to your vet, especially if your dog is already on a balanced pet food diet.
“In most cases what is thought to be excessive shedding is actually normal. Dogs can shed a lot! If a dog is truly shedding excessively, has an overly thin coat, or has hair loss, there is often an underlying medical condition to blame. This can include parasites, like fleas or mites, allergies, or thyroid disease, among others.” - Dr. Jennifer Schott
Shedding doesn't just affect your dog—it shows up in every corner of your house from baseboards to bedding and even in your clothes. Regular vacuuming (especially with a pet-specific vacuum) can help you stay ahead of the dust bunnies. But sometimes that isn’t enough. We also recommend investing in other cleaning tools like lint rollers, pet hair removers, and microfiber cloths, which can aid in additional cleanups.
Hydrated skin means a healthier coat. And due to dry, flaky skin, dogs that don’t drink enough water may shed more. Make sure your pup has fresh water available at all times, and that it's kept fresh throughout the day.
For those pets that have a harder time meeting their water intake goals, consider adding water to their kibble. You can also freeze their treats inside of ice cubes or give them frozen bone broth to encourage drinking.
Bathing your dog helps remove dead fur and loosen up hair that’s ready to shed, but there’s a sweet spot that you’ll want to find. Especially since too many baths can dry out your dog’s skin. Stick to once every 4 to 6 weeks unless your vet says otherwise—or unless they get muddy or especially dirty. We recommend using a gentle shampoo made for dogs, or a deshedding formula during high-shed months.
🚨Don’t use human shampoo on your dog. It can cause a pH imbalance on your dog’s skin, leading to dryness, irritation, or adverse reactions.
If your high-shedding dog is allowed on the furniture, washable covers and throw blankets can be your best friend. They catch the bulk of the shedding and are easy to shake out outside then toss in the wash. It’s a simple way to protect your furniture, cut down on daily cleaning, and makes it easy to change up your decor with ease.
Excessive shedding can sometimes signal allergies, skin irritation, or even fleas or other pests. If your dog suffers from seasonal or year-round allergies, there are a few ways to help them out including bathing and giving your home a nice deep clean. All great ways to also keep your dogs shedding in check!
If allergies aren’t the issue, also take care to make sure your dog is on consistent flea prevention. If something seems off, a quick vet visit can help rule out a more serious issue.
