How To Stop A Dog From Shedding So Much - PetMD

Reviewed and Updated on May 5, 2020 by Jennifer Coates, DVM

Although shedding is usually normal, you’re probably looking for ways to reduce your dog’s shedding so you don’t have to constantly rid your clothes, car, and home of all the hair.  

The first step is determining whether the amount of hair that your dog is shedding is normal, or if they are shedding excessively due to a health problem. Here’s what to look for, plus tips for how you can reduce shedding in your dog.

Is Your Dog Shedding Too Much?

What’s considered a normal amount of fur for dogs to shed? In many cases, this will depend upon the breed.

Breed-Related Shedding

“Some breeds shed year-round, as in Boxers or most short-coated dogs, while others, such as Huskies or Akitas, usually shed most [of their hair] twice a year.

Many people think that long-coated dogs shed more often, but that is not usually true. Most long-coated dogs have shedding seasons when the weather changes,” says Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania.

Once you have an idea of your dog’s usual amount of shedding, then you can monitor your dog for changes. Are they shedding more or less, or at different times than usual? If your dog is shedding more than they usually do, there might be an underlying health condition.

Shedding Due to Health Issues

According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, Colorado, you should be concerned if you see an increase in shedding, particularly when it’s accompanied by:

• Itchiness

• Patchy hair loss

• Skin lesions

• Signs of generalized illness

If you see these signs, your dog needs to see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

“If shedding is abnormal, such as with thyroid disorders, diabetes, or poor nutrition, it can be helped by improving the health of your pet,” says Dr. Denish. “Animals that have dry skin, dandruff, or skin diseases will tend to have more shedding problems as well.”