As much as we love our four-legged friends, there is one downside that many of us dread: Dog hair. You might have been wondering how to stop a dog from shedding, especially if you keep finding tufts on the sofa, a ball of hair on the floor, or strands on your favourite black trousers.
Here at Green Pantry, we truly care about the health and well-being of your beloved pet. That’s why we’ve created completely natural dog food that targets specific health conditions. While you can’t stop your dog from shredding completely, we’ve got some effective tips that you can use to manage the process and give your hoover a break.
Let’s have a look at them in a bit more detail…
What causes dog shedding?
First things first, it’s important to understand what dog moulting (or shedding) actually is, and what causes it. Shedding is pretty normal in dogs, and it usually happens to regulate their body temperature. Seasonal shedding can occur as a dog prepares for a change in weather, with double-coated breeds shedding in spring and autumn.
However, there are four more specific factors that influence dog shedding, and these are:
- Genetics – Some breeds are genetically more prone to shedding than others. For example, double-coated breeds like border collies and springer spaniels are heavy shedders, while poodles shed much less.
- Hormonal imbalances – Some female dogs may shred more due to hormonal changes during pregnancy or their heat cycle.
- Health and well-being – Stress or a poor diet can also be a trigger of excessive shredding. Feeding your dog a natural, wholesome diet, like you’ll find in our pantry, can help to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
- Diseases – If you’ve noticed that your dog has bald patches or red, dry, flaky skin, then they may have an underlying health condition. Paired with moulting, this may be a cause for concern. Skin disease can be common in dogs, but other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can also affect the hair on their coat.
How long do dogs moult for?
As we’ve mentioned above, dogs will typically shed their coats twice a year, during spring and autumn, with each shed period lasting around 3-6 weeks. However, this is totally dependent on your dog’s breed and the environment they spend their time in. You may also find that senior dogs shed more as they increase in age due to changes in their coat’s health and a decrease in physical activity.
Usually, your dog’s hair grows in three main phases.
The Anagen phase: This is the growth phase, where your dog’s hair grows continuously.
The Categen phase: This is a short resting period, where hair growth pauses.
The Telogen phase: This is the final phase where the old hair falls out, making way for new hair to grow.
How to stop a dog moulting: Our top tips
If you’re finding dog hairs in every corner of your home or are left covered in hair after a quick cuddle with your companion, you might be feeling frustrated. Living surrounded by dog hair every day isn’t the best approach, but we’re here to put you on the path to a cleaner, more comfortable life, for both you and your pooch!
Here are some of our top tips to minimise dog moulting:
Regular grooming
Regular brushing, like daily, is one of the most effective ways to stop your dog from shedding.
Brushing makes your dog’s coat feel softer, cleaner, and less likely to shed in the long term. When loose hair isn’t removed, it can get tangled with surrounding fur, leading to painful mats and knots. This can also, in turn, cause more hair loss. You’ll find that different brushes work best for different coats, so make sure you’re using the most effective solution! A healthy and clean coat is far less prone to shredding.
Discover expert grooming tips by reading our interview with dog groomer, Molly Norman.
Gentle baths
Another effective method for managing your dog’s moulting is to give them a bath every now and then. Make sure that you’re using a gentle shampoo like an oatmeal one or one that is dog-friendly and suitable for sensitive skin. The combination of warm water and a gentle shampoo helps open up the hair follicles and loosen old, dead hair. This is then caught by the water and easily rinsed away.
A healthy, balanced diet
Did you know that a dog’s diet can directly impact the health of their skin and the quality of their hair? Deficiencies in their diet can manifest in a dull, dry coat and excessive moulting. We’d recommend feeding your pooch our natural dog food and natural dog treats, which are made up of 100% naturally good (and delicious) ingredients, looking just like they would in a kitchen before being cooked.
In particular, our Chicken with Pumpkin & Apple dog food is great for itchy skin and can help to promote a healthier coat. Pumpkin is highly regarded for its help with digestion, which can aid in constipation and diarrhoea. Sweet potatoes and apples are rich in vitamins A and C, and contribute to maintaining a healthy skin and coat.
Consider supplements
Natural dog supplements, like the ones we offer here at Green Pantry, can also be a great method for managing dog moulting. This is because they can help fill nutritional gaps that might be contributing to excessive shedding. Plus, all dogs could do with an extra boost of nutrients!
The most common and effective supplements for coat health include Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as they can help to maintain skin hydration and reduce inflammation. Dry and irritated skin can lead to a brittle coat and increased shredding, so keeping the skin in tip-top condition is paramount!
You can find out more about what are the best supplements for your dog here.
Need more advice? Hear from one of our dog experts…
If our tips aren’t enough, hear from one of our experts!
Molly, Groomer and owner of Groomtastis, believes in the importance of a natural, healthy diet for dogs. They say:
‘By feeding your dog a high quality, balanced diet their skin and coat health will thrive – resulting in healthier moulting patterns and visibly your dogs coat will be super shiny and glow.’
Look after your dog’s coat with the help of Green Pantry
Hopefully, this blog has given you some top tips on how to stop a dog from shredding. Remember, moulting is a natural part of a dog’s life, but understanding the causes and adopting a consistent grooming routine is incredibly beneficial.
A healthy coat starts from the inside out. And at Green Pantry, we know a thing or two about pet nutrition. So, if you’re ready to see an improvement in your dog’s skin, coat, and overall comfort, explore our full product range today.
If you require any more information, please do get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll be more than happy to offer advice, answer your queries, or just have a chit chat!
