Home is Where Dog Hair Sticks to Everything — Learn How to Tackle It!

Tackling shedding is easier than you thought! If you’re a pet parent and know the woes of shedding, then these helpful tips are definitely for you. Implement these tips and use the correct tools to tackle shedding.
Anand Pittie
Shedding is a natural process in which your pet gets rid of old and dead hair to get a shiny new coat. Some breeds shed more as compared to others. Shedding depends on various factors like – season, overall health, medical conditions, etc. Pet parents can control shedding in these easy and effective ways.

Pick the right shedding tools
Shedding tools are specially designed to remove dead hair from the coat and make it smooth and silky. So regardless of whether your pet sheds seasonally or all year-round, selecting the right shedding tool can greatly reduce the shedding of their fur.These tools come in many forms like shedding blade with a serrated border or a brush with closely-spaced tines that help in removing the undercoat. It is recommended that you use shedding tools only on breeds who shed profusely. Do consult your veterinarian if you are unsure whether your dog has an undercoat or not.
A healthy diet makes a huge difference
A healthy and balanced diet provides all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your pet needs. Be it overall growth, development, or maintenance, a healthy diet is the prerequisite for all body functions. The right nutrients will also help in healthy growth of hair and will prevent hair breakage and hair loss.
Supplements enriched with omega-3 fatty acids are great for hair and coat health. These supplements not only promote healthy hair growth but also boost immunity and keep joints and heart healthy.
Talk to your vet about the best supplements for your pet.
Hydration is imperative for good health
When talking about health and well-being, we cannot overlook the importance of water. It is so important that you keep your pet hydrated at all times. It’ll help in maintaining healthy skin because dehydrated skin is one of the biggest causes of hair loss. Keep a keen eye on your pet’s water intake to prevent dehydration.
Experts recommend that a dog should ideally drink an ounce (around 30ml) of water per pound of body weight every day.
De-shedding treatments and baths
Regular bathing will not just clean your pet’s coat, but it will also help get rid of dead hair. Use a good quality de-shedding shampoo and conditioner while bathing your pet to tackle the shedding menace. These shampoos and conditioners contain moisturisers and omega fatty acids which help in keeping the skin hydrated and also promote healthier and stronger follicles.
Bathing your dog frequently and using the right brushes or a deshedding tool to groom him can considerably combat shedding. Make sure you consult your vet to know the right frequency of giving your pet a bath, and also to know the best suited de-shedding shampoos and conditioners.
When to consult a vet?
Certain medical conditions such as fungal infections, parasites, stress, or sunburn also cause excess shedding. Hormonal issues as a result of a thyroid imbalance cause skin inflammations and make the hair brittle which leads to excessive hair loss. If your pet suffers from skin allergies then it may lead to chronic skin inflammation which causes itchiness and rashes. When your pet scratches it causes even more hair fall. If you notice any unusual signs of hair loss or sudden hair fall in your pet, then it is recommended you should consult your vet.
Get rid of dead hair and tangles with the right brush
Your pet’s coat type determines how often you have to brush them. Breeds with thicker and longer fur need frequent brushing while those with a shorter coat need to be brushed less often. There are different types of brushes available for different coat lengths and breeds. Make sure you use the right brush for your pet.

• Bristle Brush – The bristle brush can be used on all breeds but is most suitable for the ones with short hair and smooth coats.This brush helps to remove the dead hair and makes the coat super soft and shiny. Some bristle brushes also come with a pin brush on the other side which can be used for removing knots in the fur. 
• Pin Bursh –The pin brush is good for breeds with wooly or curly coats that are medium to long in length. It is used for removing dead hair and mats from the coat. The plastic coated bristles prevent scratching your pet’s skin and allow smooth brushing. 
•  Slicker Brush – The slicker brush has fine wire bristles that helps tackle mats and tangles. This brush can be used on all breeds. But since long haired breeds tend to develop tangles a lot more as compared to other breeds, it is most effective for them. 
•  Rakes – Rakes are used for removing loose or dead hair from your dog’s undercoat. They also prevent your dog’s coat from getting matted and tangled. Rakes are best used on thick haired or double-coated dogs.

(Anand Pittie is Director of ABK Imports Pvt Ltd, Pune)