5 Tips to control shedding during winters

Having a pet at home is amazing. It is amazing how they welcome you home each day, play with you, and love you. But in all this fun and love, the most dreaded part for every parent is the fur that falls off its coat and that sticks to the clothes and other parts of the house. Although pets shed almost throughout the year, the intensity is more during the winters.

Shedding usually occurs as a coping mechanism to survive the changes in the season. Before winter, pets shed their short and light summer fur to develop a thick and warm undercoat for winter. Around spring, this winter undercoat is shed to cool down the body for summer. But sometimes, if the shedding is excessive, it could be due to skin irritation, allergy, flea infestation, or probably an underlying medical condition. While there is no way to escape shedding, here are five simple ways you can keep it under control.

1. Good food

The quality of the coats is never determined by the shampoos you use for the showers. The quality is known by the kind of food and nutrition that is provided. The stronger the hair shafts, less is the hair fall. This is the reason why it is crucial to include foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in your pet’s diet. Raw fruits and vegetables like banana, de-seeded apple slices, cucumber, and carrots are healthy alternatives to packaged treats.

2. Oils

Adding olive oil and coconut oil in quantities of a tablespoon, help in making the fur soft and conditioned. Massages to the dog with the oil also helps to reduce dryness and improve the blood circulation to the hair follicles which in turn reduces the hair fall. Fish oil supplements are also great for improving hair health and luster.

3. Hydration

One of the major reasons why there is excessive shedding during winters is because of dry skin. Keeping your pup hydrated at all times helps in avoiding the dryness. When the water intake is not much and there is a need for it to have more, the best thing to do is to flavor it, probably with chicken broth.

4. Regular bathing

Regular bathing is the most important step to reduce shedding in dogs. Using shampoos with natural ingredients like Oatmeal, Neem, and Hibiscus can help soothe skin allergies that could be causing the shedding. While excessive bathing can dry out your pet’s skin, it is important to clean the dirt from the fur at regular intervals that could be causing hair to break.

5. Routine grooming

Brushing hair every day is important to remove any loose fur from your pet’s coat. Also, combing helps in the even distribution of natural oils throughout the skin, thus improving skin luster and texture. You would need a bristle brush if your dog has short, soft hair. Slicker brushes are ideal for dogs that have curly fur.

Your pets love you unconditionally throughout their life. Just a little effort on your part to take care of their needs will not only improve their health, but also make your bond more special and long-lasting.