How to manage shedding effectively

Removing unwanted pet hair from the house is a tiring task on a daily basis. And then hours spent on vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning don’t seem to help much as new tumbleweeds of hair appear out of nowhere. The amount of hair shedding in dogs is based on several factors – weather, coat type, overall health of the dog, etc. While shedding cannot be stopped altogether, the amount of loose hair can be reduced through the usage of effective hair removal techniques and tools...
Healthy Diet
Your pet’s coat is a reflection of what he eats. Healthy and nutritious diet is one of the best ways to reduce excessive shedding. Some variants of dog food are made of fillers such as corn and grains, which are difficult to digest. Make sure to check the ingredient list of packaged dog food before purchasing.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids present in oils and fish helps soothe skin inflammation and decrease dandruff, while improving the overall coat texture. Olive oil and flaxseed oil are the best sources to curb shedding.

‘Human food’ snacks
Seedless apple slices, cucumbers, carrots, bananas, cooked lean meats (boneless) can be given. These moisture-rich foods help your pet stay hydrated. Also the healthy nutrients are effective in maintaining the shine and lustre of the coat and reduce shedding. Such food should only be given as occasional treats and not to be confused as full meals. Make sure your pet always has access to clean fresh drinking water. Dehydration can often lead to dry skin, thereby causing excessive shedding.

Grooming
Regular brushing is one of the best things pet parents can do to keep their pets and homes tidy. Dogs with short hair benefit from weekly brushing, while most medium or long-haired breeds might need to be groomed several times a week.
Brushing makes the pet’s coat cleaner, softer and less likely to shed. It gets rid of matted fur, stimulates circulation, and you can also look out for cuts, wounds, and abrasions (if any).

— Nitya Ramachandran

If you notice any change in the normal shedding patterns, get in touch with your vet at the earliest. Excess hair shedding can be a symptom of an underlying health condition too. It is also common for pets to have hair shedding in stressful situations

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