Are you noticing more dog hair on your carpets and furniture than ever? It may be time to take decisive action against your dog’s shedding. Use these tips from your Habersham County, GA veterinarian:

See Your Vet

Did you know that various medical issues could be the root cause of your dog’s shedding problem? Parasites, infection, disease, and more are possibilities, so you’ll want to have your dog examined by a veterinary professional. Even if no medical reason is found for your dog’s shedding, your vet can tell you about more ways to combat the problem, like those found below.

Feed a Quality Diet

Poor diet is one of the most common causes of increased shedding, because your pooch needs the proper amounts of fatty acids and other nutrients to maintain a healthy coat of fur. Make sure your canine companion is eating a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for his or her age, weight, breed, and overall health. Some dogs even benefit from dietary supplements that promote skin and fur health—ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.

Brush Regularly

Regular brushing sessions can do wonders for your dog’s shedding. By trapping loose and dead fur in the brush, you’re preventing it from winding up all over your home! Brushing also soothes tangles and mats and spreads essential skin oils throughout the coat, cutting down on shedding in the long run. Always use a brush made specifically for dogs; these are available at pet supply stores and vets’ offices.

Bathe Occasionally

The occasional bath can help to remove loose fur, keep your pooch’s skin in tip-top shape, and get your dog smelling and looking their best. Use a canine-formulated shampoo, as human shampoos are often too strong for dogs’ sensitive skin.

Take care not to over-bathe your dog, as bathing too frequently can actually backfire, drying out the skin and leading to an increase in shedding. Ask your vet for specifics on how often you should bathe your particular pet.

Try Space Restrictions

Have you considered limiting your dog’s living area to a single floor of the home? It may also be helpful to only allow your dog up on one piece of furniture. Measures like these decrease the area that shedding can happen in, making cleaning easier in the long run.

Do you want further advice on controlling your dog’s shedding? Contact your Habersham County, GA animal hospital.