How to Reduce Dog Hair Loss

Feed your dog quality food. One of the best ways to reduce hair loss in dogs is to adopt a healthy diet. Cheap food is mostly just filling and hard to digest ingredients for dogs like corn or cereal. Look for dog foods that list meat as the main ingredient. ^[1] High-quality dog food is a bit more expensive but is better for your dog for a variety of reasons. The nutrients in dog food with a high meat content are easier to digest and absorb, thereby improving your dog’s overall health and helping to control shedding and dry skin. ^[2] Note that adopting better nutrition can help reduce shedding, but does not completely eliminate the phenomenon. hair loss.

• Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities are especially susceptible to food-induced shedding. You may need to experiment with several types before you find the right food for your dog and consult your veterinarian for advice. ^[3]
• Do not give your dog a vitamin supplement unless your veterinarian recommends it. “Hypervitaminosis,” a vitamin poisoning caused by consuming too many vitamins, can lead to health problems in dogs. ^[4]

Add olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. One tablespoon (5 ml) for every 4.5 kg of your dog’s weight is a good starting dose. ^[5] These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to soothe inflamed skin, reduce dandruff, and improve the texture of your dog’s coat.

• Many pet stores also sell omega-3 supplements in capsule or powder form. You can ask your veterinarian for the best option for your dog.
• You can also increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by feeding your dog salmon, tuna, or other fish rich in fatty acids. Fish skin is fine, but you should never give your dog bones, as the dog can choke on the bones and pose a choking hazard. ^[6]

Occasionally feed your dog human snacks. Sliced apples ( remove the seeds , as the cyanide in apple seeds can accumulate in the dog’s body), bananas, cucumbers, and cooked lean meat (without the bones) are all water-rich foods, helping to replenish water for the dog. dog. The above foods also contain nutrients that help keep the dog’s coat shiny and reduce shedding. However, you need to remember that snacks should only make up about 5-10% of your daily food intake – the rest should be good quality dog food. ^[7]

• Many human foods can also be eaten by dogs, even good for them. However, there are certain foods that you should never give your dog. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has created a complete book of dog foods that should not be given to dogs, including avocados, chocolate, grapes, dairy products, onions, and surprisingly, meat. ^[8]

Provide clean water for dogs. Dehydration can cause dogs to dry out, which in turn causes excessive hair loss and even disease. You need to make sure your dog always has enough clean water to drink. ^[9]

• You can also increase your dog’s water intake by incorporating water-rich foods into his diet. Dry food contains only 10% water, while wet food is up to 78% water, so this can be an effective way to make sure your dog is getting enough water. ^[10]