Are you getting tired of vacuuming your dog’s fur every day?
Shedding is normal but sometimes can get tedious.
So you’re asking, “What home remedy can I give my dog for shedding?”
Read on to find out:
- 4 reasons why your dog is shedding.
- 9 home remedies you can do to minimize shedding.
- What omega-3 fatty acids and molasses can do for your dog’s fur.
- And many, many more…
Table of contents
What home remedy can I give my dog for shedding?
Home remedies you can give your dog for shedding are bathing, brushing, and de-shedding. Making sure your dog has a nutritious diet can minimize shedding. You can also give them omega-3 fatty acids, molasses, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, or brewer’s yeast.
4 reasons why your dog is shedding
#1: Seasonal shedding
If you’re not familiar with seasonal shedding, it’s when your dog sheds the most, depending on the season.
Most double-coated dogs will shed in fall and spring in preparation for winter and summer.
In fall, your dog will shed their lighter fur to grow thicker ones to protect them from the winter cold.
In spring, they shed off the extra fur to keep their bodies cool for the summer.
Some double-coated dog breeds that shed seasonally are:
- Pug.
- Akita.
- Collie.
- Beagle.
- Pekingese.
- St. Bernard.
- Chow chow.
- Siberian Husky.
- German Shepherd.
- Bernese Mountain Dog.
Read next: Yes, Corgis Do Shed! 15 Tips To Deal With Corgi Shedding.
#2: Poor diet
According to VCA, your dog needs a balanced diet that contains:
- Fats.
- Proteins.
- Vitamins.
- Minerals.
- Carbohydrates.
As well as the appropriate number of calories to meet their daily energy needs.
So if your dog has an inadequate diet, they will have a dull, dry coat that will shed excessively.
Foods that contain fillers, such as cereal by-products like:
- Rice bran.
- Corn starch.
- Citrus pulp.
- Oat hulls.
They can also be the cause of your dog’s excessive shedding.
High-quality dog foods will contain beef or chicken.
As adult dogs need 25-30% protein and 10-15% fat daily.
While puppies need 30-35% protein and 15-30% fat daily.
#3: Skin conditions
There’s normal, and then there’s excessive shedding.
If you notice your dog is shedding more hair than usual, then they could be suffering from one of these:
- Ringworm.
- Skin allergies.
- Thyroid disease.
- Fungal infections.
- Cushing’s disease.
- Bacterial infections.
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
- Genetic skin problems.
If your dog’s skin turns dark, it could either be an endocrine imbalance, allergies, or even tumors.
It’s also advised to bring your dog to their veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- Lethargy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Poor mental state.
#4: Stress
Moving to a new home, meeting or losing a family member, or even going to the vet’s office.
These are some of the reasons that stress your dog.
According to AKC, signs of stress in dogs are usually subtle and mimic their normal behaviors.
Some of these signs include:
- Panting.
- Shedding.
- Pacing or shaking.
- Whining or barking.
- Changes in body posture.
- Changes in eyes and ears.
- Changes in bodily functions.
- Hiding or escaping behavior.
- Yawning, drooling, and licking.
- Avoidance or displacement behavior.
If you notice your dog is getting stressed, remove them from the environment.
Find them a quiet place to regroup.
Distract them with petting or give them treats.
Let them perform their usual tricks, such as “sit” or “lie down”.
As responding to routine commands provides them a sense of normalcy.
Exercise, like walking or playing fetch, can also help your dog release tension.
But if none of the above tips help, your dog may be suffering from chronic stress.
In this case, they may need to see their veterinarian.
Their vets can prescribe anxiety-reducing medications.
Or refer you to a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist, depending on the diagnosis.
9 home remedies that you can give your dog for shedding
#1: Regular baths
Whether your dog loves baths or hates them, bathing can release a lot of loose furs that are stuck in their coat.
So if you’re tired of dealing with big chunks of your dog’s hair around your house, bathing them can minimize that.
Bathing them regularly in the spring or fall can help speed up their seasonal shedding.
So how do you properly bathe your dog?
Start with a non-drying shampoo.
Bonus points if it also contains a conditioner.
Conditioner not only moisturizes their coat, but it can also help reduce shedding.
If your dog has dry hair, it will break easily.
So it’s recommended to use a non-drying and moisturizing shampoo.
As it can help prevent hair breakage.
It can also keep their coat soft and fluffy.
Tip: Avoid using human shampoo on your dog as these can dry out their skin and will cause more shedding.
You might also be interested in: 13 Tips To Clean And Bathe A Chihuahua (How-To Guide)
#2: Brushing
Frequently brushing your dog’s coat will keep it soft and shiny.
But it can also help speed up their shedding.
Dog parents in a forum recommend using an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat.
They also recommend using the Furmintaor brush on medium or long-haired dogs.
But avoid overbrushing your dog as it can thin out their coat.
They also recommend the Kong Zoom Groom brush for short-haired dogs.
If your dog’s coat is prone to matting, you can also use a slicker brush.
Tip: Only brush your dog’s coat when it’s dry. Brushing wet coats will pull their fur and hurt your dog.
You might also be interested in: 9 Best Ways To Stop Husky Shedding ASAP (How-To Guide)
#3: Deshedding
Brushing can be effective for minimizing your dog’s shedding.
But if they’re double-coated, they’re going to need a de-shedding tool.
Deshedding tools are made to brush out your dog’s undercoat to remove loose hair.
There are deshedding brushes for different coat types and lengths.
As well as for different dog sizes.
To deshed your dog, start with brushing in the same direction as their fur.
Start from their head to their tail with long strokes.
Besides being the most efficient method, this can keep your dog calmer and more relaxed.
Continue to brush until you’re not getting any loose fur on the brush anymore.
The amount of time you spend brushing your dog will depend on the size and type of coat your dog has.
But regular brushing your dog will eventually take less time after a few days.
Otherwise, the loose hair will accumulate, and you’ll be back to brushing for longer periods.
But if your dog is going through seasonal shedding, expect to have more loose hair and a long time of brushing.
Also, remember not to press the brush down.
As deshedding tools have stainless steel heads with a row of sharp teeth.
They’re great for collecting loose hair but can cut your dog.
To learn more on how to properly deshed your dog, watch this video:
#4: Nutritious diet
According to WebMD, dogs with good nutrition have strong hair follicles.
Which helps reduce their shedding.
An adult dog needs at least 10% of their daily calories from protein, and a minimum of 5.5% from fats.
Their diet should also contain 50% carbohydrates, including 2.5-4.5% fiber.
Along with a nutritious diet, ensuring your dog is properly hydrated can also help keep their skin moisturized.
Which can result in a shinier and healthier coat.
It also decreases the amount of shedding and reduces itching and flaking skin.
#5: Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for your dog’s growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.
According to AKC, Omega-3 fatty acids create important hormones in your dog’s body.
They help regulate their blood flow and inflammation.
It can also help treat arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
In puppies, it can help in their proper brain and eye development.
While it can also improve cognitive function in older dogs.
Below are foods containing omega-3 fatty acids that can help your dog’s shedding:
Olive oil
Olive oil has moisturizing properties.
It will help treat underlying skin conditions and reduce shedding.
Besides containing omega-3 fatty acids, it also has vitamin E.
Which conditions and soothe your dog’s skin from irritation caused by severe itching.
Olive oil can also kill mites and mange, which are possible causes for your dog’s hair loss.
To incorporate olive oil into your dog’s diet, add about 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) per 10 lb (4.5 kg) of your dog’s weight.
Tip: Consult your dog’s veterinarian first before adding supplements into your dog’s diet
Fish oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
They’re great for improving their skin and coat.
As well as calming irritation and reducing shedding.
It’s recommended to follow the instructions on the fish oil label on how much to add to your dog’s diet.
But it’s usually around 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) of fish oil per 20 lbs (9.07 kg) of your dog’s body weight.
You can also feed your dog salmon, tuna, or any fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids to get its benefits.
Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids that boost your dog’s coat.
It helps in reducing dandruff, calming irritation, and reducing shedding.
Also, if you don’t want your dog to have a fishy breath from fish oil, you can substitute it with flaxseed oil instead.
The lignans in flaxseed oil also have cancer-preventative benefits.
You can add 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) of flaxseed oil per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog’s body weight in their food per day.
Chia seeds
Chia seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Which are good inflammatories to strengthen and soothe their immune and digestive systems.
They can also help normalize your dog’s blood glucose levels.
By slowing down the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars.
Chia seeds also contain:
- Fiber.
- Vitamin B.
- Vitamin E.
- Folic acid.
It also contains high levels of calcium.
Which if coupled with boron, can help their body absorb and use calcium better.
Chia seeds also contain 3x the amount of iron found in spinach.
To have your dog benefit from the nutrients in chia seeds:
- Add 1 tablespoon (12.7 g) for small dogs.
- Add 3 tablespoons (25.5 g) for large dogs.
Or ¼ tablespoon (9.58 g) per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of your dog’s body weight.
Sprinkle it directly onto your dog’s regular food.
You can also soak the chia seeds in water or bone broth, along with their dry food.
#6: Blackstrap molasses
Molasses is a natural sweetener that contains several health benefits.
It’s a thick, gooey substance that’s extracted from sugarcane and sugar beets.
Depending on where it’s extracted from, there are two types.
One is the darker molasses, or also known as blackstrap molasses.
It is more bitter and is extracted from sugarcane.
While the other one’s the lighter molasses, which are more sugary and extracted from sugar beets.
Lighter molasses contains high sugar content, which doesn’t benefit your dog.
Give your dog blackstrap molasses instead as it contains:
- Iron.
- Copper.
- Calcium.
- Selenium.
- Potassium.
- Chromium.
- Vitamin B6.
- Magnesium.
It also contains vitamin B16, which is great for your dog’s digestion.
As well as, amino acid and hemoglobin synthesis, which helps keep their skin and hair healthy.
You can give your dog 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) of blackstrap molasses per 10 lbs (4.5 kg) of their body weight to their dog food.
#7: Coconut oil
Coconut oil is extracted from mature coconuts and is used in food and beauty products.
It is high in saturated fat and medium-chain triglycerides that can:
- Improve digestion.
- Improve skin and coat.
- Increase energy levels.
- Reduce allergic reactions.
It can also help with physical and digestive ailments.
As they absorb into your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Then go into their liver.
Which is then metabolized into useful energy.
You can give your dog coconut oil 1-2 times a day with their meals.
Start with ¼ teaspoon (3.6 ml) for small dogs.
While 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) to 1 tablespoon (14.78 ml) for large dogs.
But if you have an obese or overweight dog, it’s recommended to only give them coconut oil once a day.
As it contains high levels of fat.
Aside from adding it to your dog’s food, you can also apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and fur.
It prevents their skin from flaking, as well as freshens up their coat.
Just pat a small amount on their coat, and massage a little down onto their skin.
You don’t even have to worry about your dog licking themselves after, as coconut oil is safe for them.
Warning: Do not give your dog too much coconut oil as some dogs can get diarrhea.
#8: Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
It can boost your dog’s immune system.
As well as improve their skin and coat appearance.
Preventing potassium deficiency and helps digest food.
To add ACV into your dog’s diet, add 2 drops into their drinking water.
You can also give your dog an antifungal bath to relieve itching and hair loss symptoms.
To do this, apply undiluted ACV onto your dog’s coat, and rinse after a few minutes.
Be careful not to get it onto their eyes as ACV stings.
#9: Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast, or also known as, baker’s yeast, is a good source of several vitamins and minerals like:
- Protein.
- Selenium.
- Potassium.
- Dietary fiber.
- B-complex vitamins.
According to a study, dogs prefer diets with a moderate amount of brewer’s yeast.
That’s why some commercial dog foods have brewer’s yeast to enhance their flavor.
So it’s helpful for picky eaters or dogs that don’t have much of an appetite.
Brewer’s yeast also has several health benefits, including:
- Enhancing immune function.
- Supporting healthy digestion.
- Increasing palatability of food.
- Maintaining skin and coat health.
- Improving nutritional deficiencies.
It can help maintain your dog’s skin and coat health.
Because it contains several B-complex vitamins like:
- Niacin.
- Biotin.
- Thiamine.
- Folic acid.
- Riboflavin.
- Pyridoxine.
- Pantothenic acid.
Brewer’s yeast comes in powder or tablet form.
The powder can be sprinkled on top or mixed with your dog’s food.
While the tablet ones can be ingested orally.
It’s important to read the label of the brewer’s yeast you’re using to determine the proper dosage.
Tip: Consult your dog’s veterinarian first if you can add brewer’s yeast into your dog’s diet.