POLOKWANE – Dog owners are well aware of the pros and cons that come with housing a furry friend; one con all dog owners will attest to is shedding.
A vetrenarian in the city, Mariska van Rooyen, spoke to Review about the causes of shedding and gave a few tips on how to manage it.
“Prolific shedders, such as German Shepherds, shed year-round, but even shed-resistant dogs such as poodles will shed occasionally,” she explained.
She added that weather conditions greatly affect how much a dog sheds, but the overall health of a dog is one of the biggest factors that influences how much hair actually falls out.
“If a dog is shedding more than usual for its breed, they may have health issues the owner may be unaware of. You can’t stop them from shedding altogether, but by keeping your dog healthy and well-groomed, you can reduce the amount of hair loss,” van Rooyen explained.
Ways to prevent or minimise shedding:
• Feed your dog a high quality diet. Better quality foods cost a bit more upfront, but they’re better for your dog for a variety of reasons. The nutrients in meat-rich dog foods are more easily digested and absorbed, so they promote better pup health overall and help control shedding and dry skin.
• Add olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. One teaspoon (5 ml) per 4.5 kg body weight is a good place to start. These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that calm inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve overall coat texture.
• Give your dog access to clean, fresh water. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can cause excessive shedding and even illness. Make sure your dog always has access to as much clean, fresh water as it wants to drink.
