Are you constantly finding dog hair on your clothes, furniture, or even in your food? Let us guess: you have a Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, or Great Pyrenees wreaking hairy havoc in your home. Excessive shedding can be frustrating for many dog owners, and if you’re facing this issue, you’re definitely not alone.
While all dogs shed to some extent, some breeds tend to shed more than others, leaving behind a trail of fur that can be difficult for pet parents to manage. Fortunately, there are quite a few supplements out there that may help reduce shedding, which should make life easier for both you and your furry friend.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether excessive shedding is normal, some ingredients to look for in supplements for shedding, and the best supplements for shedding in dogs. We’ll also provide you with some tips for maintaining your dog’s healthy coat, so don’t go anywhere! As always, Under the Weather is here to help. A healthy pet means a happy home, after all!
Is Excess Shedding Normal?
Shedding is a totally natural process for dogs, particularly during seasonal changes. For example, breeds like Huskies and Golden Retrievers have thick coats that shed heavily, especially in the spring and fall.
Dogs with “double coats” shed more because they need to switch out their thicker winter coat for a lighter one as the weather warms up. That said, if your dog seems to be shedding excessively all year round, it might be more than just the usual cycle.
Several factors can contribute to this—like allergies, parasites, stress, poor diet, or even underlying medical conditions. Excessive shedding can also be a sign of health issues like skin infections, immune system disorders, or even cancer. If you think your dog is shedding more than usual, you should take them to the vet to be on the safe side.
Ingredients in Supplements That May Help Reduce Shedding
While there’s no magical solution to stop shedding altogether, there are certain supplements that can help improve your dog’s coat health. At any rate, these supplements are bound to make your dog’s shedding problem less of a headache. Here are some ingredients to look for in supplements for reducing shedding:
Oils (Essential Fatty Acids)
A simple addition of healthy oils to your dog’s diet could make more of a difference than you might think. A lot of dogs shed more because their diet lacks essential fatty acids—which play a really important role in both skin and coat health for dogs. Thankfully, a lot of supplements for shedding reduction contain essential fatty acids.
Wondering what types of oils you should add to your dog’s diet? Fish oil and flaxseed oil are especially popular choices because they are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats help keep your dog’s skin hydrated and can reduce hair loss. They’ll also help keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy, so it’s well worth it.
Of course, it’s important to store these oils properly, since they can go rancid if not kept in a cool, dark place. Another option is coconut oil, which many dog owners find helpful because it’s less prone to spoiling. Coconut oil can also improve skin moisture and add a nice shine to your dog’s fur.
Brewer’s Yeast
It might sound strange, but brewer’s yeast can work wonders for your dog’s coat health. Packed with B vitamins, biotin, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, brewer’s yeast helps maintain a healthy coat and can reduce shedding.
Your dog will benefit from the additional nutrients, which should improve the quality of their fur—making it shinier, thicker, and less likely to fall out.
You can find brewer’s yeast supplements that are specially formulated for dogs, and they’re usually available in tablet or powder form. Before adding this to your dog’s routine, though, it’s a good idea to ask your vet to make sure it’s the right fit.
The Best Supplements for Shedding in Dogs
Did you know that combining supplements with proper grooming and a balanced diet can make a significant difference in your dog’s shedding? It’s true! Here are a couple of supplements from Under the Weather that stand out for their effectiveness when it comes to shedding reduction and improving coat health:
Collagen Chews for Dogs
Collagen is not just for humans; it’s also great for dogs! These collagen chews by Under the Weather can help reduce shedding by improving your dog’s skin and coat health. Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, and it’ll help keep your dog’s coat smooth and shiny.
Not only that, but collagen benefits joint health and digestion, so it’s a great supplement for older dogs or dogs with joint issues. These chews are typically flavored with chicken liver, so most dogs find them quite tasty. It should be pretty easy to add them to your dog’s daily routine.
10-in-1 Multivitamin Chews for Dogs
If you’re looking for an all-in-one supplement, 10-in-1 multivitamin chews might be the solution you’ve been seeking. These chews are formulated to support different aspects of your dog’s health—including skin and coat health, digestion, joints, and immune function.
Ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin specifically promote joint health, while probiotics support digestion and help improve the immune system. With these multivitamins, you’ll be able to address multiple health concerns at once, and since they come in a chewable form, they’re super easy to give to your dog daily.
Why Do Dogs Need Collagen?
As dogs get older, their bodies naturally produce less collagen (just like humans). This decrease can lead to issues like joint stiffness, a dull coat, and digestive problems. By supplementing with collagen, however, you can help counteract these effects.
Collagen helps rebuild cartilage, which makes it easier for your dog to move around comfortably. It also helps with maintaining skin elasticity, which keeps your dog’s coat healthy and reduces shedding.
Tips for Maintaining Your Dog’s Healthy Coat
Supplements can help, but they work best when paired with other methods to maintain your dog’s coat health. Here are a few extra strategies you can follow to minimize your dog’s shedding:
Adjust Their Diet
Not a lot of people know this, but one of the most effective ways to improve your dog’s coat (and reduce shedding) is through diet. Make sure your dog is eating a well-balanced diet that includes high-quality ingredients. Foods that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (as well as other essential nutrients) can significantly reduce shedding.
You should also avoid feeding your dog foods that contain lots of fillers, by-products, or artificial additives, since these ingredients can actually lead to poor coat health. If you’re not sure about what the best food for your dog is, we’d recommend talking to your vet. They should be able to provide you with some helpful suggestions.
Regular Grooming
No matter how many supplements you give your dog, regular grooming is still one of the best ways to control excessive shedding. Brushing your dog’s coat helps remove loose hair before it can spread throughout your home (and end up literally everywhere). It also distributes natural oils, which will help keep your dog’s coat nice and shiny.
If the idea of regularly grooming your dog is overwhelming, don’t worry. There are actually special de-shedding tools available, which can be particularly effective for heavy shedders. Finding the right grooming device can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the one that works best for you and your pup.
Visit the Vet if Necessary
If your dog’s coat still looks dull or there are signs of excessive hair loss, you should consider taking them to the vet. There could be an underlying medical issue causing the excessive shedding, such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or an infection.
Don’t worry, though, because a thorough check-up from your vet will be a super effective way to diagnose any health problems early. Your vet will provide you with guidance on what you should do next, and what the best treatment plan will be for your fur baby.
Conclusion
Managing your dog’s shedding might seem like somewhat of an impossible task, but it doesn't have to be. By giving your dog the right supplements, feeding them a well-balanced, healthy diet, and grooming them regularly, you’ll be able to help them maintain a healthy coat. You’ll also be able to reduce the amount of hair that ends up all over your house.
To recap, we’d recommend giving your heavy shedder a supplement (such as collagen chews or Under the Weather’s 10-in-1 Multivitamin Chews for Dogs) that contains high-quality ingredients—like brewer’s yeast and essential fatty acids. Many pet parents find collagen supplements, in particular, to be quite helpful when it comes to excessive shedding.
Remember to have a discussion with your vet about what’s causing your dog’s shedding problem, too. If you want to learn more about supplements for dogs, feel free to check out our blog!
