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.
## Bathing
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.
## 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 furniture and carpets is to proactively strip it from your dog's coat ahead of time via a regular brushing routine. There are special grooming combs at most pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is essential not to brush your dog too much or too often though as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increase shedding.
## Shampoo
If you can discover an excellent organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to reduce shedding you might want to consider it. A shampoo that's formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It's essential to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any pet product you use. Overuse of even the most beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to an increase in 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.
## Bathing
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.
## 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 furniture and carpets is to proactively strip it from your dog's coat ahead of time via a regular brushing routine. There are special grooming combs at most pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is essential not to brush your dog too much or too often though as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increase shedding.
## Shampoo
If you can discover an excellent organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to reduce shedding you might want to consider it. A shampoo that's formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It's essential to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any pet product you use. Overuse of even the most beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to an increase in 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:
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