Tips for Controlling Shedding

When choosing a pet, many families seek specific breeds for the amount of hair they shed – or lack thereof. Shedding is not always a matter of heredity, however: there are also several environmental factors that can impact the amount of hair animals shed. Here are a few common reasons why pets shed, plus ways to control the amount of hair in your home:

Why Pets Shed
There are many different factors that affect shedding, such as:

• • Nutrition: Like humans, the food that pets eat can directly affect the amount of hair that they shed. When consuming proper nutrients, your pet’s skin will stay well-oiled and elastic, allowing for strong hair follicles. Vigorous hair follicles equate to healthy, lustrous hair. Conversely, if your pet isn’t getting the nutrients needed, his or her hair is more apt to become brittle and break off, leading to excess shedding. To avoid shedding caused by an unhealthy diet, feed your pet a mix of absorbable proteins, carbohydrates from whole grains, and healthy fats to nourish the skin and coat.

• • Cleanliness: Bathe your pet regularly to prevent him or her from developing a matted, dirty coat or infected follicles that can lead to hair loss and shedding. Routine grooming will also keep the skin stimulated and exfoliated, too.

• • Health: If your pet’s hair continues to look lank and sheds despite regular cleanings, this is physical evidence that there may be a more serious health problem at hand. It’s rare, but be sure to get your pet checked out if the condition persists.

• • Allergies: Pets can suffer from allergies, too, such as reactions to a new medication, soap, or shampoo. Excessive itching can cause your cat or dog to shed more than usual, so be sure to treat any rashes or skin conditions with help from your vet.

• Coat Type: Some pet breeds shed more than others, due to variations in their coats. For example, long-coated dog breeds like the Pekingese or Newfoundland shed much more than smooth-coated dogs like Dachshunds or Dalmatians.

How You Can Help
There are several measures you can take to prevent excess shedding in the home, such as:

• Brush Regularly: Keep a pet brush on hand for daily grooming. The more often you brush, the less chance there is for loose hair to make its way onto your floor or furniture. Also, with so many different types of grooming brushes on the market, ask your vet if it’s best to use a shedding blade or bristle brush for your pet.
• Vacuum Often: Frequent vacuuming is the best way to limit the amount of pet hair around the home. For best results, make time to vacuum every weekend, with touch ups during the week as needed.
• Cover the Furniture: Too busy to keep the vacuum close by? Try furniture slipcovers or throws. These fabric covers can be pulled off and thrown into the wash for frequent cleanings, or easily tucked away when guests stop by.
• Visit the Vet: Regular checkups will keep your pet looking and feeling his best. Plus, your vet can help identify any issues before they become major problems, such as food allergies or illnesses that may cause increased shedding.
• Supplements: Proper fatty acid intake will keep your pet’s coat looking soft and clean. Try boosting their diet with a supplement like Vitamin E.

For more helpful pet tips, check the Australia Pet Doors blog each week. We share articles about raising healthy cats and dogs, plus tips for using pet doors in the home. To learn more, call 0414 922 751.