You brought home a rescued Black Lab from the neighborhood animal shelter six weeks ago, and she is the nicest, brightest, most lovable dog you've owned your entire life. Unfortunately, she also sheds more than the other three dogs you've ever owned put together. You have never seen so much shed fur. There is black fur everywhere you go. You're vacuuming every single day and still not keeping up.
You recognize, of course, that at least part of the problem is that it's springtime, the previous owner left her chained up outside over the winter, and she is no doubt shedding her winter coat. A friend and fellow dog owner told you the other week, though, that labs are heavy shedders even at the best of times. Clearly you're going to require a few good strategies.
## Bathing
You recognize, of course, that at least part of the problem is that it's springtime, the previous owner left her chained up outside over the winter, and she is no doubt shedding her winter coat. A friend and fellow dog owner told you the other week, though, that labs are heavy shedders even at the best of times. Clearly you're going to require a few good strategies.
## Bathing
There is a tendency to want to increase a shedding dog's bathing schedule but this, in fact, is not usually a good idea. Excessive bathing and shampooing can strip oil from your dog's skin and actually increase shedding. A healthy dog does not need to be bathed even once a month. In fact, if your dog is an enthusiastic water dog (and most labs are) you may not need to bathe him more than four or five times a year. If, when you bathe your dog, you are using warm water, stop. Dog shedding is reduced when your dog is bathed in cool water.
## Diet
It is worth making sure that your dog's diet agrees with him. Sometimes a small dietary change can make a big impact on the health of his coat. Adding something rich in fatty acids (like salmon) can often be of benefit.
## Brushing
The best way to keep excess fur from ending up on your carpets and furniture is to proactively strip it from the coat ahead of time through a good brushing routine. There are special grooming combs available at most pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is important not to brush too much or too often though as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increase shedding.
## Take the time to find an appropriate shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is
## Diet
It is worth making sure that your dog's diet agrees with him. Sometimes a small dietary change can make a big impact on the health of his coat. Adding something rich in fatty acids (like salmon) can often be of benefit.
## Brushing
The best way to keep excess fur from ending up on your carpets and furniture is to proactively strip it from the coat ahead of time through a good brushing routine. There are special grooming combs available at most pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is important not to brush too much or too often though as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increase shedding.
## Take the time to find an appropriate shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is
The best way to keep excess fur from ending up on your carpets and furniture is to proactively strip it from the coat ahead of time through a good brushing routine. There are special grooming combs available at most pets stores specifically designed to thin out coats. It is important not to brush too much or too often though as this can lead to drying out of the skin and increase shedding.
## Take the time to find an appropriate shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is totally natural and not something you can ever hope to stop. Dog shedding is, nonetheless, something which can be brought under control. Just because you own a big healthy indoor dog doesn't mean you have to be shackled to your dust buster. It simply means that you need to be mindful of how best to manage the health of your dog's coat.
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## Take the time to find an appropriate shampoo
If you can find a good organic dog shampoo that's specially formulated to combat shedding you ought to consider it. A shampoo that is specially formulated to target itchy dog skin will also help to reduce the amount of fur ending up in the air. It is critical to read and follow all the instructions and recommendations on any product you use. Overuse of even a beneficial shampoo will dry out your dog's skin and lead to more shedding.
It's important to recognize that shedding is totally natural and not something you can ever hope to stop. Dog shedding is, nonetheless, something which can be brought under control. Just because you own a big healthy indoor dog doesn't mean you have to be shackled to your dust buster. It simply means that you need to be mindful of how best to manage the health of your dog's coat.
About the Author:
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