Help in controlling dog shedding

Question
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Followup To
Question -
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY THAT WAS GREAT. I WILL START ADDING IN THE OMEGA 3AND 6 IN HER FOOD. AS FOR THE BHT, YES THE DOG FOOD THAT I HAVE NOW DOES HAVE THAT IN IT. I JUST READ THE INGREDIENTS. I WILL SWITCH. ALSO THE VET TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO BATH HER ONCE A WEEK FOR MY HUSBANDS ALLERGIES. I KNOW THAT IT IS TERRIBLE FOR HER SKIN AND I WAS USING BABY SHAMPOO BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE MORE GENTLE. IS IT NOT? I WILL ALSO GET A SHEDDING BLADE THAT I DO NOT HAVE AS WELL. THANKS AGAIN SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP IT IS NICE TO SEE A LIGHT IN THE TUNNEL! HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
APRIL

Answer -
Hi April,

It's good that you are already are brushing your dog
daily, you probably couldn't imagine the shedding being worse than it is, but just by diligently brushing the shedding is probably better than it would otherwise be. What might help is what you're brushing the dog with.

If you're using a bristle brush, you may see better results by using a "Shedding Blade". Shedding Blades are ideal for removing large volumes of dead hair and reducing shedding around the house. They are perfectly safe, and in no way hurt the dog. Look for shedding blades wherever dog grooming supplies are sold.

You didn't say if you've been bathing your dog, or not. Using a human-type shampoo, for example, can cause excessive shedding because these shampoos can be quite harsh to a pet's skin and perfumes can cause hypersensitivity reactions. Bathing too frequently can dry out the hair coat and cause excessive shedding.

You can try adding an omega 3 and 6 fatty acid supplement to your dog's diet. Animals that do not receive enough essential fatty acids in their diets typically exhibit dull coats, dry and flaky skin, excessive shedding and chronic allergies.
There are several essential fatty acid supplements available for pets. They are generally easy to feed because dogs and cats enjoy their fishy flavor. The best essential fatty acid supplements contain a mix of vegetable oils and fish oils -- this provides a balanced assortment of omega-3 and omega-6 oils. A typical daily dose up to a teaspoon for dogs. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Like any dietary supplement, you'd need to give it to your dog daily for at least a month before you could expect to see improvements.

You didn't say what you feed your dog. Some dogs have sensitivities to ingredients in their dog food. If you will consider switching dog foods, look for a food that does not contain corn, does not have the preservatives BHA, BHT or Ethoxiquin, artificial colors or dyes or salt. Instead, a better grain source is rice or oatmeal, and is preserved with vitamin E, also called mixed tocopherols.

It's important when changing a dog's food to do so slowly, over a period of about a week. Changing foods too quickly can cause diarrhea.

Some breeds are just naturally heavy shedders. Shedding hair is normal but excessive shedding needs help from a
veterinarian.

I hope I've been a help. Best of luck, and happy holidays!

Patti  

Answer
Hi April,

Just a quick note...
By all means switch to a shampoo made especially for dogs. Dogs have surprisingly delicate skin under all that fur! Human shampoo (even a baby shampoo) is too harsh for a dog's sensitive skin. Try using a dog shampoo with added moisturizers. I think they even make a dog shampoo especially for allergy suffering pet owners.

If you switch your dog's food, just do so slowly, over a period of days, like I said before.

Let me know if I can be of further help. Have a happy holiday!

Patti