6 Natural Ways to Prevent Nonstop Shedding

You’re not a true pup parent until you’ve had to face the daily struggle of finding your dog’s hair on everything and everyone around your house. Seriously, how are our pups not bald by this point?! Spring is typically the time when they shed the most—but as many of us (and our couches) know, it can happen all year long. Luckily, there are some healthy and natural ways to combat a surplus of fur. These tips will make your dog’s coat stronger, and ultimately reduce the amount they shed.

Diet

Omega-3s

These nutritious fatty acids are all-stars when it comes to strengthening your pup’s coat. And excess shedding can be caused by a lack of dietary fat, so integrating certain oils into your pup’s diet can help. Flaxseed and olive oil are packed with omega-3s—just be sure to talk to your vet about what amounts are best for your dog.

Blackstrap Molasses
That’s right, it’s good for more than just baking your favorite cookies. The natural sweetener is actually rich in nutrients and safe for dogs to consume in small doses: It contains copper, a trace mineral that can help strengthen their hair. Molasses is also rich in B vitamins, iron and antioxidants, which can improve coat quality. Add a little to their food, or put it in one of their favorite treats!

Fruits and Vegetables

Incorporating fresh, natural ingredients into your dog’s diet can have a big impact on the quality and strength of their fur: Feeding them foods like fruits and veggies that are naturally high in nutrients will improve the overall health of their skin and coat, thereby minimizing shedding. They’re also high in water content, and that extra fluid in their body can prevent hair loss too.

Grooming

Weekly Warm Baths
A regular bath is an excellent time to check your pup’s coat for any signs of poor hygiene—ticks, fleas, dead skin—which can cause shedding. Rinsing with warm water (as opposed to hot or cold) is best because it is gentle enough to remove dead skin cells and dirt without damaging their skin or hair.

Baking Soda and Oatmeal Shampoo

If you’re bathing your pup once a week, it is best to use a non-abrasive, natural shampoo (stay away from human products!) to prevent hair damage and fallout. One of our favorite DIY combinations: baking soda eliminates odors while oatmeal relieves dry and itchy skin, preventing irritation.

Brush Regularly

Imagine if you didn’t brush your hair every day—those dead strands would be falling out all over the place! Your dog’s coat is very similar: Brushing every day for five minutes removes excess fur and dead skin, so it doesn’t wind up everywhere but (or including) the kitchen sink. Find the right brush for your dog’s coat or try the FURminator and the Love Glove for more extreme shedding.

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.