How to reduce dog shedding: tips to keep your home clean and pet healthy

We hear you: shedding can get annoying. You've just vacuumed, your house is sparkling and the chores are done. But then your furry bundle of joy has left fur seemingly everywhere!

You're not alone - dog shedding is a common concern for owners, and poses a regular challenge for cleanliness, managing allergens and keeping your mental health intact.

But more importantly, it can sometimes indicate something about your pet's health. Here, we help you understand dog shedding, how to control it, when it's concerning and how dog insurance can help.

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Understanding dog shedding

Shedding is normal and natural. It's a process that helps dogs:

• Replace old fur

• Regulate temperature

• Keep their skin protected 

It can also be a response to:

• Parasites

• Different seasons

• Stress

• Skin disorders such as allergies

• Hormonal disorders 

• Nutritional deficiencies

So, while you shouldn't panic if your dog is shedding, excessive shedding with visible bald patches or skin inflammation can indicate a problem. 

All dogs shed differently, but their breed is a major factor in defining how much your pup may shed.

Dog breeds that don't shed

Generally, looking at breeds that don’t shed their fur  is a good place to start. While no dog can be considered truly hypoallergenic (as their skin flakes or ‘dander’ can still trigger people), these breeds can be better for owners with allergies. 

Poodles

Smart, lively, and playful, Poodles have a coat that's more hair-like than fur. That means minimal shedding.

Bichon Frisés

Bichon Frisés are a cheerful breed loves spending time with us humans, and benefits from a low-shedding coat.

Maltese

Maltese are known for being a relaxed breed that's easy to get along with, and it helps that they don't shed much.

Shih Tzus

Despite their flowing double coat, Shih Tzus don't shed much.

Yorkshire Terriers

Feisty and confident, Yorkshire Terriers are a small breed ideal for flats, small houses and those who want minimal fur.

Coton de Tulears

These cheerful dogs don't shed much. But they do shed quite a bit in spring. As long as you prepare for it, they're a breed we recommend if you want to keep fur to a minimum.

How to control dog shedding

So, how do you stop a dog from shedding? There is no way to stop a dog shedding altogether but there are four main ways you can reduce hair in your home:

Bathing

Regular bathing with dog-friendly, gentle shampoos and conditioners helps keep the coat healthy. It cleans away dirt and old, loose fur which reduces how much your dog has to shed.

Our guide on dog bathing can help.

Diet

Diet can impact a dog's skin heavily. For example, a diet that lacks the right nutrients can lead to skin issues. Also, if your dog has a diagnosed skin allergy, you'll need to avoid their triggers..

Our guide on pet nutrition covers more, but to keep things brief: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can keep your dog's skin and coat healthy. Supplementation is also an option.

Regular grooming

Regular grooming and brushing can help reduce shedding. Recommendations on how often to do this depend on your dog's breed, coat type and size.

Our grooming guide explains more.

Visit vet

Anything strange, sudden or excessive? Then you should see your vet. Bald patches, itchy skin, or areas of inflammation are a cause for concern. Spotting things earlier always means better outcomes.

When is shedding excessive, and when should you get help?

Shedding is considered excessive when it matches this criteria:

• The shedding is sudden

• There are other health issues, like red skin and itchiness

• Your dog’s coat seems thin or there are bald patches

It depends on your dog's breed and coat type. For example, dogs with double coats, like Border Collies and German Shepherds, shed seasonally, meaning they may seem to be excessively shedding out of nowhere.

But generally, sudden, extreme changes in shedding, alongside other signs like bald patches, is something your vet should check out - it's the skin's way of saying something is wrong.

And remember, dog insurance can help cover routine vet visits, which are an essential part of preventative pet care.

Tips for a shed-free home

Okay, but what if your dog is the type to shed? How do you control dog hair in the house? Is the solution to make everything in your house the same colour as your dog?

Well, it relies on good, proactive habits and the odd bit of tech.

Air purifiers

A good air purifier can help take dust and dander out of the air. While this won't prevent the big hair clumps, it'll prevent the build-up of skin flakes and other small contaminants that your pet creates.

When you combine this with regular cleaning and dusting, it may help owners who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions..

Just remember to change your filter regularly, and try to get one with a HEPA filter - these work best for pet hair.

Cover furniture

Keep pet hair off your couch or bed with washable covers. These can collect most of the hair build-up and you can just throw it in a washing machine.

Grooming

We've said it a lot, but if you need to hear it again: regular grooming is the best way to reduce dog hair in the home.

It stops shedding at the source, and if you can do it outside, then you don't have to worry about dog hair in the home at all.

It's an essential part of preventative dog health, and as an owner, it is your responsibility to come up with a grooming routine. Your dog will thank you for it, and it means less cleaning: a win-win.

Lint rollers are your friend

Lint rollers can easily remove pet hair from anything, like clothes or furniture. Just adding lint rolling into your cleaning routine should help you keep on top of it.

Vacuuming

Of course, regular vacuuming sorts out dog hair. We recommend doing this daily if your dog is shedding. Vacuum down places where your dog likes to chill out and common "pathways" they like.

How dog insurance helps

Managing shedding and grooming are important parts of dog ownership, but by staying proactive, it becomes easier to manage.

Oh, and remember: dog insurance always helps. With up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet, and a host of other ManyPets Perks, you can keep on top of things like skin allergies and excessive shedding easily.

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