Dog Shedding: How to Stop and Control Shedding

Dog shedding is a natural process for most dogs. So, while you can't stop shedding completely, there are some things you can do to reduce and control the amount of hair your dog sheds.

The amount of hair your dog sheds and how often they shed is dependent on their breed, season (temperatures), and health condition. In majority of cases, regular brushing and grooming can help to reduce your dog's shedding. However, if you notice an excessive amount of shedding or a change in your dog's hair (such as bald spots or their hair becoming dry and coarse), it's important to consult with your local vet.

Do all dogs shed?

Some breeds may have been selectively bred to be low shedding. However, their coat will still need regular maintenance to prevent tangles. Even short haired dogs require consistent grooming. Especially in between seasons, to reduce shedding. Most dogs grow a heavier coat in the winter even if they spend most of their time inside. Breeds with medium or short coats will develop a heavier coat to protect themselves from low temperatures. This extra coat means that as the weather starts to warm up, there’s going to be hair everywhere!

Additionally, thick coats can become matted due to loose hair catching and tangling on the remaining coat. We always recommend regular brushing. However it's also a good idea to regularly book your fur baby in for a professional groom.

How can you stop a dog from shedding?

Although you can't stop a dog from shedding, regularly grooming your dog will reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds. Here are some tips for reducing and controlling dog shedding:

Have a bath to loosen their hair

Dogs have a delicate skin, therefore it's important to use a shampoo that does not contain soap and is pH balanced to your pet's delicate skin. Using a shampoo that is not formulated for dogs can cause an allergic reaction or even produce more shedding. Finally, finish the bath with a proper drying session to blow out any remaining loose hair from the dog.

Our most popular dog wash is the 2in1 Oatmeal Wash - a professionally formulated gentle shampoo and conditioner for all hair types. Especially for dogs with sensitive, dry or itchy skin.

Regular brushing reduces dog shedding

The main thing you can do is to regularly bush your dog. Brushing spreads the natural oils throughout your dog's coat which keeps it healthy, prevents shedding, and stops tangles and matting from forming. Even short haired dogs need regular brushing!

If your dog has not had much experience with being brushed, you may need to be patient and gentle. Keep the sessions short and offer lots of treats to create a positive experience. Our Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is great to use for regular brushing. The rounded bristles are designed to gently detangle and leave a smooth, glossy finish without irritating your dog's skin. It also has a charcoal infused head to help naturally prevent the growth of bacteria.

For a more complete finish, use it together with our 4in1 Pamper & Detangler Spray to provide UV protection and reduce sun bleaching. Use during, after or between washes to deodorise or detangle.

Reduce dog shedding with a trim

For dogs with medium to longer coats, regular trimming helps to reduce dog shedding. Trimming keeps your dog’s coat soft, removes tangles and damaged hair, and prepares them for a warmer season. Additionally, thick coats can become matted due to loose hair catching and tangling on the remaining coat.

On top of regular brushing, it's also a good idea to book your fur baby in for a professional groom as the seasons change. A professional groomer has experience with various dog coats and hair types. Therefore, they will be able to trim and groom accordingly to reduce the shedding.

Rule out Health Issues 

If you notice your dog shedding excessively or the amount of hair your dog is shedding is not normal, this can be a sign of stress, imbalanced nutrition or a medical condition. Check your dog's skin for any signs of bald patches or parasites. If your dog is stressed due to a sudden change in routine or the environment, get in touch with a dog trainer to help you restore the balance. If nothing has changed in your dog's life and you are still in doubt about the excessive dog shedding, consult with your groomer or vet who may be able to advise you if the amount is normal for the season or if it's something that you need to be concerned about.