top 10 tips to reduce shedding

May 2022 | BY: Dr. James Bascharon, DVM

Dogs and cats may be polar opposites, but one thing they have in common is shedding. If you are a dog or cat parent, chances are you have found what seems like an endless amount of pet hairs on your clothes and around the house. Luckily, we have some helpful tips to help reduce pet shedding!

1. Frequent Brushing To Reduce Pet Shedding

Brushing your pets every day can help prevent broken and loose fur from falling later. It also prepares the coat for healthy growth, which reduces the chance of developing mats and future skin issues. There are many benefits to frequent brushing, such as:

Stimulation of oxygen-rich blood to feed and nourish the skin's surface
Detoxification
Helps to remove toxins along with other unhealthy debris.
Bonding time for you and your pet

By regularly brushing your pet, you are helping them rid of dead skin cells and excess fur, which will help manage and reduce your pet’s overall shedding, leaving your pet’s coat healthy and shining!

Reduced shedding is not the only benefit of frequently grooming your pet! Other benefits include:

Avoiding infections

A quick brushing is a great way to make an all-over check to ensure there is nothing that needs veterinary attention, such as lumps, bumps, or skin problems!

Exfoliating & DeShedding

Exfoliation has many benefits, including stimulation of oxygen-rich blood to feed and nourish the skin's surface, detoxification, and helping to remove toxins along with other unhealthy debris. By regularly brushing your pets, you are helping them get rid of dead skin cells and excess fur, which will help reduce your pet’s overall shedding and leave your pet’s coat healthy and shining! We have all heard the saying “look good, feel good”– this saying applies to pets too! A clean pet is indeed a happy pet.

Rinsing Allergic Contaminants Off Skin

Pets can up pick pollutants while outside—pollen, dust, fleas, and ticks can all hitch a ride on your pet and end up in your house. They can also cause allergic reactions in some pets, resulting in itching and fur loss. Regularly grooming your pet will help support a healthy coat and healthy skin!

Pet Health Tip from Vetnique

An easy way to keep your pet clean and reduce skin allergies is to use a cleansing wipe! Wiping your pet's fur and paws when they come inside can help keep your pet feeling fresh and smelling clean in between grooming sessions!

Shop Cleansing Wipes

2. No Fleas Please

Fleas can cause extreme itching and scratching in pets, which can lead to skin irritation, infection, and excessive shedding in dogs.

Flea allergy dermatitis is an allergic reaction to fleabites, and just a couple of bites have the potential to cause skin irritation that could possibly last for weeks. This makes affected dogs itchy, usually at the base of the tail, armpits, under the chin, and belly. Their skin may become red, inflamed, and scabbed. You may also notice flea dirt or even see the fleas themselves.

If you are concerned that your pet may have fleas or other parasites, always consult your veterinarian for a thorough diagnosis.

Pet Health Tip from Vetnique

When bathing your pet at home, you can use a blow dryer on a low to cool setting to expedite the drying process! This will not only help your pet dry off quicker but, it will also help to remove loose fur gently. During the blow drying process, you can also brush the fur to assist with removing even more loose fur.

4. Reduce Shedding Through Nutrition

An unbalanced diet can cause a pet's coat to appear dull/ dry, experience excessive shedding, and dandruff. Luckily, switching your pet to a high-quality food or adding nutritional supplements can help provide your pet with all of the beneficial ingredients they need to look and feel better! When shopping for skincare supplements for your pet, try and find products that contain ingredients such as:

Omega 3,6,9
EPA & DHA
Biotin

5. Manage Pet Allergies to Reduce Shedding

Dogs and cats who suffer from food allergies are particularly prone to diet-related shedding. You may need to work with your veterinarian to experiment with elimination diets. This can help isolate the foods and ingredients your pet is sensitive to. Additionally, you can use natural supplements to help manage allergy symptoms. Products including the following ingredients may be especially useful when dealing with pet allergens:

Probiotics
Quercetin, Bromelain, & Licorice Root
Antioxidants

6. Alleviate Stress to Reduce Pet Shedding

Unfortunately, pets experience stress and anxiety just as we do. However, there are all-natural ways to help your pet manage stress and anxiety! If your pet experiences separation anxiety, you can try leaving relaxing music on while you are away and providing your pet with a stuffed animal buddy to keep the company. Additionally, you can give your pet a calming supplement to encourage relaxation. Products with the following ingredients can help your pet feel more bliss and less stress:

Chamomile & Valerian Root
Amino acids L-Tryptophan & L-Theanine
Passionflower & Lemon balm
Magnesium Gluconate

7. Hydrate to Help Reduce Pet Shedding

Keeping track of how much water your pet is drinking can be a daunting task. However, if your pet is shedding more than usual, keeping an eye on your dog or cat's water intake may be necessary. Generally, a pet should drink an ounce of water per body weight a day. Dehydrated skin is a significant cause of fur loss and can contribute to excessive shedding. As always, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian before making any major changes to your pet's daily diet.

8. Underlying Health Conditions that Cause Shedding

If you notice your pet sheds more than average or has just recently started shedding more than usual, you may consider consulting your veterinarian to address any concerns regarding underlying health conditions that could contribute to excessive fur loss.

9. Regular Exercise for Pets

There are many ways to mentally and physically exercise your pet, and luckily, pets make excellent workout buddies! A pet who lives a healthy lifestyle is more likely to grow healthier fur and maintain better skin health. Regular exercise can help reduce stress or anxiety in pets, which has been linked to higher than average levels of shedding. Aside from walks, your pet can enjoy going on runs, hikes, trips to the pool, and mentally stimulating games.

10. Air Purification for Pet Hair and Dander

Air purification will not reduce shedding. However, it can help reduce the amount of pet fur and dander in your home. This can be especially helpful for pet parents with allergies! Some air purifiers help to reduce pet odor as well, ridding your home of any unpleasant odors.

Putting the Vet in Vetnique

DR. JAMES BASCHARON, DVM

Dr. James Bascharon set out on a mission ten years ago to create a pet supplement company unlike any other. After realizing there was no solution for pets with anal gland issues, Dr. Bascharon set out on a research mission to create a supplement specifically for this problem. After years of research, multiple patents, and collaboration with top industry professionals, Glandex® is now a veterinary renowned solution for pets with anal gland issues. This journey proved that with the correct nutritional supplementation, pets could lead healthier and happier lives. Vetnique Labs® continues with an innovative veterinary mindset and approach to help make a long-lasting impact on the health and well-being of millions of pets.

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