How to stop a dog shedding and keep the house clean

dog sitting on sofa

As Summer begins, so does a dog’s shedding season. It can be a pain having a dog that sheds their fur and trying to keep the house clean at the same time.

You seem to have the vacuum in your hand more than anything else and even though you’re spending the majority of your time using it, it still feels as if there is fur everywhere. 

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Why do dogs shed? 

Your dog’s skin and coat is super intelligent and dogs have a natural circadian rhythm which informs their body that it’s time to get rid of their thick fur and grow a thinner coat ready for the summer. 

It is a complete natural reaction to the warmer temperatures and increased amount of daylight. You might be surprised to know that dogs shed all year long, but it’s certain seasons that completely put your dog’s shedding into overdrive. 

You might even begin to notice that there are thin patches or uneven areas on your dog as the older coat blows and the new one comes in. 

Can I completely stop my dog from shedding? 

dog on sofa

In short, no. Although, if you’re trying to choose a dog and you’d rather they didn’t shred, then you can do that.

Hypoallergenic dogs don’t exist, but there are certain breeds that cause less problems than others. Some have similar fur to human hair which will produce less dander than others. 

If you’re someone who experiences allergies, then you might want to choose one od the below dogs that don’t shed. 

  • Afghan Hound
  • Portuguese Water Dog 
  • Bichon Frise 
  • Poodle 
  • Chinese Crested 
  • Schnauzer 
  • Maltese 

How can you keep your dog from shedding and keep the house clean? 

  1. Ensure that you’re keeping up with regular brushing. Giving your dog a brush every day will keep their coat looking nice and soft and give it less chance to shed.

If you have a long-haired dog, you might find the MaxPower Planet Pet Grooming Brush ideal. However, if you have a short-haired dog, then the crbn Short Hair Dog Brush would be better. 

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  1. Ensure that they have a good diet. You want your dog to have a good and well-balanced diet for many reasons, including to keep their coat in great condition and prevent shredding. 
  2. If your dog has newly shed fur then that’s the easiest to clear up. It becomes harder the longer it’s left in your carpet or around your house.

If you’re struggling with removing some fur then it is recommended to use a rubber glove to wipe it up. 

  1. A weekly bath for your dog will do their coat wonders and ensure that shedding is kept to a minimum. There are specifical shampoos that you can use for shedding dogs, including the TropiClean Dog Shampoo which is made with natural ingredients. 
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  1. During the shedding season, it might be better to cover your furniture and beds with throws that are easily washed. It will prevent any fur getting caught in hard to reach places or getting stuck. 
  2. Using a fatty acid supplement will keep your dog’s coat looking nice and healthy. 
  3. If your dog is scratching a lot during the shedding season, and their fur is flying everywhere, you might want to consult the vet just to check they aren’t suffering from fleas or allergies. 

If you remain consistent with your cleaning around the house and sticking to the above points in regards to your dog’s fur, you may notice that the fur is taken down to a minimum. 

What can you do around the house that will help with the dog fur? 

If you have carpets and you’re noticing the fur then it’s recommended to vacuum in all directions to ensure that you’re loosening the fur and then hoovering it up.

Use a squeegee or a rubber rake to remove any other hair that your vacuum was unable to pick up. 

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Lint rollers are cheap and cheerful, and definitely needed for yourself and your home if you have a shedding dog.

You can use these when you notice any hair around your home in order to keep it from accumulating and becoming unbearable.

Lint rollers are also great for you if you’re heading out and need to quickly remove your dog’s fur from your clothes. 

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An alternative to lint rollers are sponges and a spray bottle. Spritz the water lightly over your furry furniture and dampen a cloth to wipe over it.

You should notice that the dog’s fur bunches up really easily. 

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Ensure that you have a decent vacuum cleaner. When you have dog’s, you don’t want your average vacuum cleaner that is only designed for homes without pets. 

There are specifically designed vacuum cleaners like the BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum Cleaner for homes that have pets and even though these may be a bit more pricey, they are definitely worth it, especially if you have a shedding dog. 

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Use dryer sheets on items such as clothes and bedding. Dryer sheets are easy to use, you only have to throw them in with your items in the dryer for 10 minutes and they will get rid of any hair. 

Using pet wipes or a damp towel will keep the shedding to a minimum in between baths. This will also help with any loose dirt and keep your pup smelling fresh. 

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Washing your dog’s bedding will help prevent any loose fur flying around the room and attaching itself to other items. By doing this, you will also be keeping your house smelling nice, instead of like a dog. 

Ensure that you’re getting all surfaces, not just the floor. When you vacuum and clean the house, dog fur can fly everywhere, including on top of the ceiling fan blades.

This is why it’s important for you to get all the places around your home, not just the floor. 

Adding molasses to your dog’s food can reduce shredding. You only need to add 1 tsp per 10lbs and it is an tastier option than fatty acid supplements. 

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Getting yourself an air purifier can reduce dust and allergens whilst you sleep. 

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Consider keeping your dog out of certain areas as this could reduce the risk of fur travelling all through the house. Shedding doesn’t last too long, and it may be ideal for you to keep your dog out of certain rooms. 

Consider adding an egg into your dog’s daily diet.

Eggs are known to strengthen hair follicles which will give your dog a healthy and shiny coat. However, this doesn’t necessarily decrease any shedding in dogs.  

If you’re not able to find the time to constantly hoover then you might want to invest in a robot cleaner who will be able to go around the floors without any hassle caused to you. Your pet might also become entertained with watching it do its thing. 

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Consider purchasing some dust slippers or a dust mop on your hard floors. 

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Walking and exercising your dog on a regular basis will reduce the amount of fur that they will shed indoors. Not only will they be losing the amount of time spent indoors, but the wind will also help to release some of the loose fur. 

Giving your dog designated sleeping areas if you don’t want fur all over your furniture. Your dog will spend a lot of time here when they’re in the home and so you should be mindful that you will also need to clean this area regularly too. 

Alternatives to ensuring that your house smells good: 

Essential oils 

If you’ve got a spray bottle then it’s recommended to put 20-25 drops of your chosen essential oils in there. You can use this to then spritz around your home in order to keep it smelling nice and fresh.

Although, be mindful of which essential oils you choose as some aren’t good for pets. 

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Simmer spices 

This makes your whole house smell incredible. Boil water over the hob, let it simmer for a little while and add some ingredients like cinnamon sticks, orange rinds or cloves. 

Beeswax or soy candles 

Using non-toxic candles which are specifically designed for pet homes can give you a slow simmer of amazing smells that will travel around your home. 

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Charcoal 

You can purchase products like a Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag which contains bamboo charcoal in order to absorb any odours that you might get from a shedding dog. 

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When should you be worried about fur loss? 

dog

There are some breeds where excessive shedding is part of their life. However, as an owner, it’s important that you’re paying close attention to their habits during shedding season.

If your dog has fur loss beyond the normal then this can indicate certain health issues such as: 

  • Parasites 
  • Topical irritants 
  • Bacterial infections 
  • Sunburn
  • Fungal infections 
  • Immune diseases 
  • Allergies 
  • Cancer 
  • Food allergies 
  • Anxiety or stress 
  • Kidney disease
  • Side-effects from medication 
  • Liver conditions 
  • Pregnancy 
  • Thyroid or adrenal issues 

If you’re noticing any additional or excessive fur loss then it’s best to consult your vet as soon as possible. 

Is your dog shedding too much? 

There are some breeds that can shed a lot, and this is perfectly normal. However, how do you know when your dog is shedding too much?

It is a common thought that long-haired dogs shed the most, however, this isn’t necessarily true.

Short-coated dogs such as Boxers will shed all year around. Whereas, other dogs like Huskies will only shed twice per year. 

It’s essential for you to find out how often and how much your dog is supposed to shed. This will enable you to identify any issues with too much shedding, which can be caused by other issues. 

When should you see a professional groomer?

dog being groomed

If you’re unsure of your dog’s shedding and what you should be doing about it, then it’s best to leave it with the professionals. It is recommended to take your dog to the groomers every 4-6 weeks.

This will ensure that any shedding is kept to a minimum. Groomers have the right tools and specialist shampoos for shedding dogs. 

It’s important for you to continue brushing your dog a few times a week at home in between the grooming sessions. 

Would an air filter help with dog hair? 

Yes, they would. An air purifier will get rid of any loose hair floating around the room and they also remove up to 99.97% of contaminants such as dust mites, pollen, dust and pet hair and dander. 

Which breeds are known to shed the most? 

There are some breeds that have fur which is known to shed a lot and mostly either all year around or if they shed twice per year, then it can be a big blow out.

The worst breeds for shedding are German Shepherds, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Siberian Husky, Chow Chow, Alaskan Malamute, American Eskimo and Great Pyrenees. 

Benefits of managing shedding 

There are many benefits in spending time managing your dog’s shedding. It can be a nuisance, but spending time grooming your dog and doing the steps above can create a calmer and nicer environment for you to live in. 

Spending time grooming your dog will also create a closer bond between the both of you and enable you to check for any parasites, dry skin and bumps.

You will also suffer with less stress over the amount of fur that is attaching itself to items within your household. 

Conclusion 

You can’t necessarily stop a dog from shedding, but you can do your best to keep on top of it so it doesn’t become an overwhelming task for you.

If you’re planning on getting a dog and have come here for tips on how you can keep your house clean before taking the leap, then it’s best to first consider the breed of dog you’re looking for. 

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Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Picture of Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

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