You brought home a rescued Black Lab from the community shelter five weeks ago, and she is the nicest, brightest, most lovable dog you have owned your entire life. Unfortunately, she also sheds more than the other three dogs you have owned put together. You've never seen so much shed fur. There is black fur all over the place. You are vacuuming every single day and still you're not keeping up.
You recognize, of course, that at least part of the problem is that it's springtime, the previous owner kept her chained up outside over the winter, and she is undoubtedly shedding her winter coat. A close friend told you last week, though, that labs are serious shedders even at the best of times. Evidently you're going to need some strategies.
## Restricted bathing schedules
There is a natural inclination to want to step-up a shedding dog's bathing schedule but this, in fact, is not generally a good idea. Too much bathing and shampooing can strip the naturally occurring oil from your dog's skin and actually increase shedding. The truth is that a healthy dog doesn't need to be bathed even monthly. In fact, if your dog is an enthusiastic water dog (and most labs are) you may not really need to bathe him more than three or four times a year. When you bathe your dog, if you are using warm water, stop. Dog shedding is decreased when your dog is bathed in cool water.
## Adjust your dog's diet
It's worth making sure that your dog's daily diet agrees with him or her. Sometimes even a small dietary change can make a big impact on the vitality of his coat. Adding an element which is rich in fatty acids (like salmon, for instance) can often be of great benefit.
## Brushing
The most effective way to keep surplus fur from ending up on your carpets and furniture is to proactively remove it from the coat ahead of time through a regular brushing routine. There exist special grooming combs available at nearly all pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is important not to brush too much or too often however as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increased shedding.
## Shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is totally natural and not something you can ever hope to stop. Dog shedding is, nonetheless, something which can be brought under control. Just because you own a big healthy indoor dog doesn't mean you have to be shackled to your dust buster. It simply means that you need to be mindful of how best to manage the health of your dog's coat.
You recognize, of course, that at least part of the problem is that it's springtime, the previous owner kept her chained up outside over the winter, and she is undoubtedly shedding her winter coat. A close friend told you last week, though, that labs are serious shedders even at the best of times. Evidently you're going to need some strategies.
## Restricted bathing schedules
There is a natural inclination to want to step-up a shedding dog's bathing schedule but this, in fact, is not generally a good idea. Too much bathing and shampooing can strip the naturally occurring oil from your dog's skin and actually increase shedding. The truth is that a healthy dog doesn't need to be bathed even monthly. In fact, if your dog is an enthusiastic water dog (and most labs are) you may not really need to bathe him more than three or four times a year. When you bathe your dog, if you are using warm water, stop. Dog shedding is decreased when your dog is bathed in cool water.
## Adjust your dog's diet
It's worth making sure that your dog's daily diet agrees with him or her. Sometimes even a small dietary change can make a big impact on the vitality of his coat. Adding an element which is rich in fatty acids (like salmon, for instance) can often be of great benefit.
## Brushing
The most effective way to keep surplus fur from ending up on your carpets and furniture is to proactively remove it from the coat ahead of time through a regular brushing routine. There exist special grooming combs available at nearly all pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is important not to brush too much or too often however as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increased shedding.
## Shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is totally natural and not something you can ever hope to stop. Dog shedding is, nonetheless, something which can be brought under control. Just because you own a big healthy indoor dog doesn't mean you have to be shackled to your dust buster. It simply means that you need to be mindful of how best to manage the health of your dog's coat.
About the Author:
Whether your dog suffers from common dog itching or something more serious like dog atopy Evolution Pets has an all natural solution for you. Visit EvolutionSupply.com for more information.
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