Tips to Reduce Shedding in Dogs and Cats
Excessive shedding is one of the most common complaints of animal guardians, especially during certain times of year. Regular grooming and shampooing with natural shampoos such as 1800PetMeds Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner can help remove dander, allergens and loose hair. I have found nutritional supplements work better than topically applied products to help with shedding.
The most important consideration is whether an animal is on a good diet. To help reduce shedding, I recommend a natural diet made with whole meats or meat meals and preserved naturally without any by-products or artificial additives or preservatives. Pet food diets such as Halo and Nature’s Variety are examples of excellent brands.
For pet owners interested in making homemade diets for their pet, I would refer to the book Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD for the ingredient proportions of his healthy powder, which can dramatically help reduce shedding and enhance coat quality. The main ingredients of the healthy powder include kelp powder, lecithin granules, powdered vitamin C, bone meal and nutritional torula yeast. These can all be combined and added as a single supplement to a natural diet to help cut down on shedding. In addition, digestive tract enzymes and probiotics such as NaturVet Enzymes, as well as Omega 3 fatty acids such as Super Pure Omega 3 and Nordic Naturals also make great supplements that can help reduce shedding and enhance health and well-being.
Have you found a product or nutritional supplement to significantly help reduce your pet’s shedding? Share your experienced with us in the comments below!
The most important consideration is whether an animal is on a good diet.
My 12 year old, 75 lb. male (neutered) Aussie shepherd/collie has been on a probiotic of acidophilus and other biotics for a month. His shedding has decreased dramatically. I’m so relieved not to have to sweep up handsful of dander every day.
Thanks for sharing. Probiotics have such varied health benefits that I always recommend their supplementation;
I have an 13 year old hound dog mix breed hes roughly 40-45 pounds. I had to have him neutered one year ago due to his sudden and drastic mood swings. When his Veterinarian removed his testes they were very inflamed & mismatched in size by quite a difference. She said that they were possibly cancerous but to know for sure they would have to be sent to the lab, but with him already so old & my spouse, myself horrified that the treatment could/would kill him faster then the short time he might have left to live I declined the test. Well one year later hes doing great but he sheds like the dickens non stop and never ending. It seems he should be bald by now but still has his full coat, its growing back as fast as its falling out. The hairy mess is gonna be the death or loss of sanity for myself.
My question is: Could my dogs hormones falling off the charts after being neutered so late in life cause his sudden non stop shedding?