Shedding Excess Weight Crafting a Diet Plan for Overweight Dogs

Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much?

Dogs rely on their fur to protect their skin, help regulate body temperature, and insulate the internal organs from cold and heat. Like our own daily hair loss, some shedding is natural in pets. Some breeds of dogs and cats naturally shed more than others, especially during seasonal changes.

But excessive shedding in dogs can be a sign of disease or illness that requires veterinary care. Thats why its important to determine the normal shedding pattern of your dog and know what to do if your dog is shedding a lot.

What Is Normal Dog Shedding?

The amount of shedding that is normal for your pet depends on many variables, including breed, anatomy, physiology, and genetics, said Roy Cruzen, DVM in Phoenix. Ideally, a pet parent should determine their dogs baseline shedding as soon as they bring home their new furry family member.

The notion that long-haired dogs shed the most is a myth. In fact, short-haired dogs have denser coats and generally shed morebut the length of their hair makes it less noticeable.

Of course, there are no hard and fast rules. But some dogs are just naturally heavy shedders, explains Cruzen.

Labrador Retrieversare shedding machines, Cruzen says. When a Lab comes into the vet clinic for 20 minutes, we have to immediately go in and vacuum. The floor is covered with hair.

Other high-shedding dog breeds include:

Causes of Excessive Shedding in Dogs

If you notice your dogs shedding more than usual, there are many reasons that could cause this.

One of the first things to do if it occurs is to look at your dogs hair. Does it have a healthy sheen? Does the skin beneath the fur appear normal, or is it flaky, dry, or discolored? If the hair is dull, dry, or broken, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and you should contact your veterinarian.

Seasonal Changes

Some dog breeds, especially those with double coats, shed a lot more seasonally, with peak shedding occurring in the early spring and early fall. Dogs may also shed more in response to temperature changes or the amount of sunlight they are exposed to.

When the warmer months approach, dogs shed their winter undercoats for a lighter summer coat. When the colder months approach, dogs shed their lighter undercoats and grow thicker, warmer coats for winter.

Feeding an Imbalanced Diet

The number one reason for excessive shedding in dogs is a poor diet, Cruzen says. People go to discount stores, buy a 40-pound bag of cheap food, and then see their pets shedding increase, he says. Even though the food meets the minimum quality requirements, it may not have enough protein or nutrients for your pet.

Choose a high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The best food for your dog depends on their age, lifestyle, and health. Talking to your veterinarian will help you find the best fit.

Food Intolerance or Allergies

Food allergies or intolerance is a common cause of excessive shedding in dogs. This often causes itchy skin and skin infections, which will contribute not only to more shedding but also areas of total hair loss in these pups.

Environmental allergies, such as those to pollen, grass, or dander, can also make your dog shed a lot, so its important to discuss your dogs coat changes with your veterinarian before switching to an allergy-friendly dog food. The issue might not be their food!

Using the Wrong Shampoo

If your dogs shedding a lot but you dont believe food quality, a food intolerance, or food allergies are to blame, consider your grooming habits.

Never use human shampoo on your dog. Its too harsh on their skin and coat, and it can cause excessive shedding, flaking, and even skin infections. Bathe your dog with a dog-safe shampoo instead, and make sure to rinse it all out of your pups coat.

Stress

Stress, such as a sudden change in routine or welcoming a new family member into the home, can also cause excessive shedding. You may also notice your dog shedding a lot during fireworks, thunderstorms, or even a trip to the vet. This is due to the bodys stress response.

Although its not known exactly why dogs shed when theyre stressed, its suspected to be due to epinephrine (aka adrenaline), which is the primary stress hormone in the body.

Skin Parasites

If your dog is shedding more than usual and excessively scratching, they may havefleas,ticks, ormange mites. Those parasitesand the itching and scratching they causecan lead to more serious health issues, including inflammation of the skin and secondary skin infections.

All dogs should be on year-round flea and tick preventatives. Because these parasites can hitch a ride on clothing or come in through screened windows and doors, all pets at homeeven indoor catsneed regular preventatives. Talk to your vet about the best flea and tick medications for your dog.

Hormonal Imbalances, Tumors, and Other Underlying Diseases

Excessive shedding may also be a sign of hormonal imbalances. Some dogs shed excessively after giving birth or after spaying or neutering.

Shedding on various parts of the body, clumps of shedding, and skin discoloration may also be signs of an array of serious issues, including:

When To See a Vet About Your Dogs Shedding

If your dogs shedding is leading to other issues, such as areas of hair loss or skin abnormalities, your dog should be examined by their veterinarian to help determine treatment. You should take your dog to the vet if your pups shedding has become excessive (outside of the high-shedding seasons of early spring or fall).

Take your dog to the vet if you notice any accompanying symptoms to the shedding, including:

A trip to the vet is never a bad idea if youre doubting whether your dogs shedding is normal.

Excessive Shedding in Dogs FAQs

When should I be concerned about my dog shedding?

Take your dog to the vet if theyre shedding heavily while exhibiting other symptoms such as total hair loss, itchy skin, skin lesions, and changes in their weight or temperament. These can be signs of an underlying medical issue.

What months do dogs shed the most?

Dogs, especially dogs with thick double coats, tend to shed more in the early spring and early summer.

How can I stop my dog from shedding so much hair?

11 Home Remedies To Stop Dogs Shedding (#3 Works Instantly)

Theres no shame in being honest

Its just getting tiring to come home to a place covered in fur. Then, having to vacuum around again and again

How about you try a different approach this time?

Focus on the source: your dog.

So, let me share home remedies to stop your dogs shedding once and for all

Keep reading to discover:

• Why does your dog shed so much.
• 11 home remedies to stop your dogs shedding.
• How a healthy and balanced diet can contribute to healthy skin and coat in dogs.
• And many more

Why does my dog shed so much?

Your dog sheds so much because theyre a breed of heavy-shedders. It can also be due to the season, usually spring or fall. But sometimes, theyre shedding due to stress. Other times, its a health issue like dermatitis or parasites. Then, allergies can also make your dog shed too much.

11 home remedies to stop dog shedding (how-to)

#1: Fish oil

This is something you should highly consider

You must use fish oil to remedy your dogs excessive shedding.

Why?

Well, fish oil is rich in this type of fat called omega-3 fatty acids.

And that greatly helps with your dogs overall health

Yes, not just with the shedding.

In fact, AKC says fish oil is among the best supplements you can give to your dog.

Benefits of fish oil in dogs

First of all, it promotes healthier hair in dogs.

The omega-3 fatty acid is believed to assist in fur growth.

According to this research, taking fish oil can increase hair growth. Then, it also reports a decrease in hair loss.

And although done in humans, experts assure us that it has the same effect in dogs.

Moreover, fish oil also promotes strong hair. All while it nurtures hair follicles.

And as I mentioned earlier, it doesnt just help with shedding

PetMD and AKC tell us that fish oil can also help with the following:

• Relieve allergies.
• Improve kidney functions.
• Aid joint pain due to arthritis.
• Lower the risk of heart disease.
• Strengthen the immune system.

Lastly, fish oil can also soothe your dogs coat.

How?

As you know, shedding can also bring dry and flaking skin to dogs.

Moreover, you might catch your pooch scratching and biting themself.

But, fish oil comes to the rescue again

Thats because it can reduce itchiness. It does so by minimizing dry and flaky skin.

How to use

Experts advise of one thing when choosing a fish oil for your pooch

And its to consider the following factors in your dog:

• Size.
• Breed.
• Weight.
• Overall health status.

To help you out with choosing, you can consult their vet. Then, the professional can suggest the best choice for your pooch.

Moreover, its dosage will depend on the said factors. It can also rely on the product that you choose.

For example, theres a liquid fish oil supplement. The usual rule here is 1 tablespoon per 20 lbs (9 kg) of the dogs body weight.

Then, theres also a fish oil chew supplement. The daily amount will also depend on your dogs body weight.

So, check the labels on the back to find out the ideal dosage.

#2: Olive oil

Look at your pantry, and you might find this one sitting on it

If you do spot an olive oil in your kitchen, youre one step closer to a shed-free pooch.

Yes, you can use olive oil to fight your dogs shedding.

Just like fish oil, olive oil packs an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids.

And I know Ive already talked about this property in the previous section

But vets prove to us that this fatty acid has so much to offer. So let me be specific

Moreover, you can also expect large amounts of Vitamin E on it. But, Ill talk about this components specific benefits further in the article

Lastly, mites hate the odor of olive oil.

And those parasites can be a reason behind your pups shedding.

They can cause mange, which is a transmissible skin disease. That means you can get affected by it, too.

But with olive oil, you can prevent such from happening

So all in all, olive oil can reduce shedding. It might also aid in the treatment of an underlying skin condition.

With that, your pooch gains a much healthy skin and coat.

How to use

Your dogs goodbye to shedding starts with

Just 1 tablespoon of olive oil per 10 lbs (2.5 kg) of their body weight.

You must give this to them daily by adding it to their dry kibble.

You might also want to ask: Why do dogs scratch themselves?

#3: Coconut oil

Why wont I talk about and recommend the most famous choice?

Coconut oil is almost every dog parents go-to home remedy for their pups shedding.

Some claim that it works instantly.

Now, why is that?

Thats because coconut oil is extremely moisturizing.

And this research proves the hydrating property of virgin coconut oil. They did so by testing its efficacy on people with xerosis.

Whats that?

Its a chronic condition that causes dry skin.

In that study, xerosis had nothing against coconut oil.

Researchers observed improvements in terms of skin hydration.

Moreover, coconut oil can also ward off fleas and ticks.

Now, those parasites can cause shedding on your canine as well.

And with them gone, your pooch is less likely to scratch and bite themself.

Theyll also stop licking their body, especially the base of their tail.

All of those actions can aggravate the irritation on your dogs skin.

Which then contributes to even more shedding.

Thats why coconut oil can be you and Fidos best friend when it comes to fighting hair loss.

With that, you can be sure that youd be saying goodbye to those.

Topical use of coconut oil

The first option is to use coconut oil topically.

All you have to do is pour a reasonable amount into your hands. A teaspoon would be a start.

So, rub it first in your hands, then on your dogs coat.

Spread the oil by massaging their coat and skin thoroughly.

After every area is covered, let it stay for 15 minutes.

And dont worry, coconut oil is edible for dogs. Thats why it wont spell trouble when they try to lick themself.

And after waiting, its time to rinse the coconut oil off your dog.

For a much better result, I recommend you use a light shampoo made of organic coconut oil in rinsing them.

Feeding your dog coconut oil

Another way to give your dog coconut oil is to add it to their food.

According to PetMD, heres how much you should give Fido daily:

Heres a dog parent preparing coconut oil for his dogs. Doing so helps him feed it easily to his canines:

Remember: Its important that you strictly stick to this requirement. In using coconut oil, moderation is key.

And for more safety, its best to consult your dogs vet about it first.

#4: Molasses

Oh, I hope you have this on your pantry as well

Im talking about the natural sweetener, molasses.

Experts say that its a healthier option than the usual table sugar

But lets not focus on that

Instead, lets talk about how it can help with your dogs shedding.

You see, molasses is abundant in vitamin B16.

And anything rich in any variation of vitamin B is good news for hair growth.

Moreover, such a component can also help in the following:

• Digestion.
• Synthesis of red blood cells.
• Maintenance of amino acids.

All in all, those can contribute to making your dog healthy.

And when their health is intact, so will be their hair.

How to use

You can put molasses on their food daily. The requirement is:

1 tablespoon per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of their body weight.

#5: Flaxseed oil

Yet another remedy for your pooch. And its also packed with omega-3 fatty acids.

Flaxseed oil can be the answer to your fur babys hair loss

Thats because it carries the same enhancing properties for your dogs skin and hair.

Moreover, it can even lessen dandruff on your pups skin.

Then, it also helps soothe inflammation due to their constant scratching.

Did you know? Research says flaxseed oil can be as effective as fish oil. And thats why it can be an alternative to the latter.

Moreover, it can positively impact your dogs cardiovascular (CDV) system.

Their findings say that flaxseed oil can help stop CDV disease.

How to use

Put 1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil in your dogs food per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of their body weight.

#6: Apple cider vinegar

Some dont believe this at first

Apple cider vinegar can be a remedy for your dogs shedding

But given that its ringworms thats been causing Fidos hair loss.

So, lets talk about it one by one, shall we?

Ringworms in dogs

Contrary to its name, this condition isnt caused by a worm.

Instead, a fungal infection is behind it. And it leaves round and red lesions on the skin.

Now, VCA Hospital says some cases of the condition show no clinical signs.

But for a few cases, ringworm can bring shedding. Thats because the affected area might become hairless.

Remember: This condition is transmissible from humans to dogs.

Treating it using apple cider vinegar (ACV)

According to experts, ACV has potent antifungal properties.

With that, it can assist in treating ringworms.

How to use

You have to dilute the apple cider vinegar in water first.

And you should never skip that step.

Thats because pure ACV might hurt your pooch.

So, make a solution thats half water and half ACV.

Then, you can use it to use your dogs coat. Or you can soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the affected area.

#7: Vitamin E

Remember I said Ill go in-depth about Vitamin E?

Well, here it is

While vitamin B helps with hair growth

Heres vitamin E that aids dry skin.

And as Ive been saying, dry skin is among the many reasons to blame for shedding.

So, keep your pooch moisturized using vitamin E.

It has an oily base thats perfect for the skin.

Moreover, professionals say it also puts a stop to inflammation in the skin.

Not only that, but the oil it has can seep through cracks due to dryness. Thus restoring the damage done.

How to use

You can feed your dog vitamin E pills. Or you can also apply vitamin E oil to your pups fur.

But just like every treatment, you should give the proper dosage to your fur baby.

And again, its best for your pooch that you consult your vet for advice.

Their doctor will also give you a clear idea of how much does your dog needs.

#8: Plain yogurt

You might be thinking

Plain yogurt for dog shedding?

Well, only if the reason behind the shedding is a yeast infection

And before I justify that, lets talk about this first

Yeast infection in dogs

PetMD says that yeast will always be present in your dogs skin. But, they exist in low numbers only.

Then, an infection occurs when the amount of yeast increases.

Moreover, this condition is more common than most people think.

And that it can happen anywhere on your dogs skin.

The clinical signs of yeast infection in dogs are:

• Flaky skin.
• Greasiness.
• Constantly itching.
• Redness of the skin.
• Musty or sweet smell from the affected area.

Moreover, another symptom of this condition is hair loss

With that, let me make the connection now

Plain yogurt as a treatment

You see, plain yogurt is the best probiotic to give to your dog.

Moreover, probiotics can assist in preventing or fighting yeast infections.

And when it does its job

Your pooch would surely get to keep their coat smooth and their skin in good shape.

Try it now by giving your pooch 1 to 2 teaspoons of plain yogurt a day.

#9: Oatmeal

Oh, this ones quite odd at first

But hear me out

Oatmeal baths are actually quite popular in the dog world.

And its an effective remedy that can ultimately reduce shedding.

How?

First of all, this will work if your dog is shedding because of constant itching.

Canine atopic dermatitis can cause that itchiness. That condition describes skin irritation.

Now, PetMD says that oatmeal is a skin protectant.

It can also help with inflammation in the skin. Thus it calms irritated skin and reduces itchiness.

So, not only is it effective

But it might be within your reach as you might have this in your kitchen.

How to use

Step #1: Process the oats in your food processor or blender. Do so using the highest setting as you need the oats to be as fine as they can get.

To check, stir 1 tablespoon of the oat powder in warm water.

See if it gets absorbed in the water.

And what you wanna get is a milk-looking substance.

If you dont get that, continue processing the oats.

Step #2: Once the oats are fine, pour them into a tub of warm water.

Then, stir it until its totally incorporated into the water.

Step #3: Place your dog in the tub and use a cup to pour the solution on them.

Not only that, but you can also directly rub oatmeal on their body. But, you must do so gently.

Step #4: After massaging their body, its time to soak your pooch on the solution.

Let them stay on the oatmeal water for 10 minutes.

Step #5: What comes after soaking is rinsing them off with warm water.

And after that, you can dry your pooch using a towel.

#10: Chia seeds

Just when you thought youd heard the last of omega-3 fatty acids

Well, this will be the final one on this list that contains it

Chia seeds bear the same benefits that can reduce shedding.

It can also improve the appearance of your dogs coat.

How to use

You can give chia seeds to your dog, given that you soak them first.

Do you feed your pooch wet canned food?

If yes, then you can directly add chia seeds to that.

The rule is 1/4 teaspoon per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of their body weight.

And if you feed them dry food, then soak them first before adding to their food.

#11: A healthy and balanced diet

Approaching this problem using remedies is a great way to face it

But, theres also a long-term solution for this

Not only will it help reduce shedding, but itll completely improve your dogs health.

And its none other than providing your dog with a healthy and balanced diet.

To start, dont forget to keep your pooch hydrated.

A properly-hydrated pooch bears healthy skin.

So, make sure you always fill their water bowl with clean and fresh water.

As for the diet, provide the highest quality food.

Avoid those with too many additives. Such can cause poor nutrition to your pooch.

And most of all, incorporate fresh food into your dogs diet.

Give them fruits and vegetables

And youll see, this would all go a long way.