Vet-Recommended Solutions for Dog Shedding: Best Treatments & Supplements

Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)

Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.

I still remember the first time I went out on a date with my fiance. Although she was dressed very nicely, I noticed that her jumper was covered in her (now ours!) dog's hair. She said to me that she hugged the dog before leaving for the date. I must admit that was the moment when I knew I wanted to know her more.

However, not everybody on a first date happens to be a veterinary surgeon.

Shedding is a normal process for all dogs, but if you or your furniture are constantly covered in your dog's hair, there are things you can do to manage the situation. Although you can't stop your dog's shedding completely, you can still reduce excessive hair loss and work towards keeping their coat as healthy as possible.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Dogs shed to get rid of fur which is old, damaged or loose. Some breeds shed lightly (or even barely noticeably), while others, like (**cough** Labradors, **cough** Huskies, *cough** German Shepherds), have heavy (heavy!!) seasonal shedding. 

Despite shedding being completely normal, there are factors that can increase shedding, such as seasonal changes (spring and fall coat blowing), poor diet or nutritional deficiencies, allergies or skin condition, stress or anxiety and underlying health issues (such as hypothyroidism). 

For example, if your dog always has minimal to moderate shedding and suddenly starts shedding a lot, or you notice other symptoms (such as bald spots, excessive itching, or irritated skin) , this usually indicates a medical concern, and a vet visit is recommended.

1. Improve Nutrition for a Healthier Coat

Although in my humble opinion this is not discussed enough by my colleagues in practice, diet plays a huge role in your dog’s skin and coat health. We have tons of evidence to know that a poor diet can lead to dry skin, weak hair follicles and, therefore, excessive shedding.

There are some key nutrients that reduce shedding. Although the list is very long, the following are, in my opinion, the most important ones:

Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids – These help keep the skin moisturized and therefore reduce shedding. They can be found in fish oil, flaxseed, and some dog foods.
High-Quality Protein – Dog's hair (as well as every other mammal's hair) is made of protein, so a diet rich in proteins (chicken, fish, turkey, beef) can help strengthen the coat.
Biotin & Vitamin E – These support skin hydration as well as coat strength, therefore reducing excessive hair loss.
Zinc & Copper – These essential minerals also help prevent dry skin, dull fur and shedding.

My personal Vet Tip:  If your dog’s diet is missing these, you can easily add a good quality fish oil supplement or omega-rich treats to help with shedding. This is, based on my experience, the supplement I recommend:

Skin & Coat Supplement

 

2. Regular Grooming to Control Loose Fur

Brushing helps really immensely, if anything because it removes loose fur before it ends up on your furniture or on your clothes before your first date. Something very important to know which in my opinion pet owners don't realise is that grooming shouldn't be the same for every dog. In fact, the right grooming routine depends on your dog’s coat type. 

For short-haired dogs, such as Labradors, Beagles and Pugs , you want to use a soft-bristle brush or rubber curry brush, at least 2-3 times per week.

For double-coated breeds, such as Huskies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, you want to use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool. For these breeds you may want to do this daily, especially during seasonal shedding.
For curly or wavy coats, such as Poodles and Doodles, you want to do regular brushing with a slicker brush, in order to prevent matting and loose hair buildup.

Bathing & De-shedding Shampoos

Bathing your dog is extremely important.

In most cases, it is enough to do it  once a month. Ideally, you want to use moisturizing or de-shedding shampoo, as they help keep the skin hydrated and reduce loose fur.

Very important: there are cases where more frequent bathing is needed, but if the only problem is shedding (without any underlying medical conditions), you should avoid over-bathing, as it can dry out the skin and make shedding worse.

3. Keep Your Dog Hydrated & Stress-Free

Dehydration leads to dry skin, which increases shedding. I know this is boring advice and not something you would pay a vet for, but nonetheless it is extremely important: make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. 

Equally, if your dog is stressed (for whatever reason: new environment, loud noises, separation anxiety, etc), they may shed more. Mental stimulation (something as simple as feeding dinner on a snuffle mat rather than in the food bowl) and a consistent routine has indeed been shown to reduce stress-related hair loss.

4. When to See a Vet About Shedding

Right, based on all we discussed, the burning question is:  when can you monitor the situation and when should you see your local vet?

If shedding is excessive or comes with other symptoms (such as itching, redness, bald spots, or skin irritation) your dog may have a medical condition. The most common ones include:
Food or environmental allergies
Skin infections (which in most cases are either bacterial or fungal)
Parasites ( the most common ones being fleas or mites)
Hormonal imbalances ( the most common one being thyroid issues, followed by Cushing’s disease)

If your dog’s shedding suddenly worsens or comes with other symptoms, please don't hesitate further and book an appointment with your local vet.

Final Thoughts

I know this is an annoying problem, but evolution didn't care too much about our flats in the city center or our clothes: whether we like it or not shedding is a normal part of a dog’s life. However, as I hope I explained clearly, with the right nutrition, grooming and life-style modifications, you can manage it or at least keep it under control. 

As banal as it may sound, a healthy coat starts from within, so focus on a balanced diet and regular grooming to minimize hair loss and keep your best friend looking great.

 

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