How to Stop Your Dog from Shedding: Discover 5 New Remedies That Actually Work!
Hello, everyone, Dr. Andrew Jones here. If your dog is shedding excessively, you’re not alone. Today, I’m sharing five new remedies that could help manage this common issue. Thanks for supporting our channel! Don’t forget to subscribe by clicking here and get a free copy of my book by clicking the link below this video.
Understanding Hair Growth Cycles in Dogs
Firstly, it’s important to understand that hair growth in dogs follows three distinct cycles:
- Anagen: This is the growth phase where the hair is actively growing.
- Catagen: A transitional phase where the hair stops growing and loses its blood supply.
- Telogen: The resting phase where the hair eventually falls out.
These phases are a normal part of your dog’s life, but problems arise when there is excessive hair loss. If you’ve tried regular brushing, bathing, and improving your dog’s diet without success, here are some new approaches you might consider.
1. Melatonin for Stress-Related Shedding
Melatonin isn’t just for sleep; it can also help manage stress-related shedding in dogs. It acts on the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland to reduce cortisol release, a common stress hormone. Additionally, it’s a potent antioxidant and can reduce inflammation.
Dosage: Consider giving your dog 1 milligram per 10 pounds of body weight, 1-2 hours before bedtime, with a maximum dose of 6 milligrams per day. For example, I give Pippi, who sheds a lot, two 3-milligram tablets about an hour before bedtime.
2. Phytoestrogens from Ground Flax
Ground flax is not only a great source of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat but also rich in phytoestrogens. These plant hormones can reduce cortisol production, which may help decrease shedding.
Dosage: A typical dose is about one tablespoon (or three teaspoons) for every 50 pounds of body weight daily.
3. Safflower Oil
Safflower oil is high in linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid vital for normal cellular function and unavailable through other dietary components. It helps by increasing natural skin oil production, strengthening hair follicles, and reducing inflammation.
Dosage: The recommended dose is one teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight daily.
4. Probiotic Deodorizing Skin Spray
Using a probiotic skin spray can help address the altered microflora often seen in dogs with excessive shedding due to underlying allergies. A light mist can also make your dog smell much better!
5. Essential Supplements: Curcumin and Omega-3
Lastly, consider supplements that fight inflammation, crucial for dogs with allergies and excessive shedding.
- Curcumin: It’s a natural anti-inflammatory, and my new bioactive curcumin supplement has 250 milligrams per capsule.
- Omega-3s: Found in high concentrations in krill oil, omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA strengthen hair follicles and improve the skin barrier.
Dosage: For curcumin, 250 milligrams for every 50 pounds of body weight daily is a good standard. For omega-3s, follow the recommended dose on the supplement package.
Thank you for joining me in this edition of Vet Secrets. To try these remedies for your shedding dog, subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon for notifications. Click the link below for a free copy of my book, and here’s to a healthier, happier dog!
