What to Do About Heavy Shedding in Long-Haired Dogs Each Spring

1 Don’t Waste the Loose Fur

Before getting into cleanup, one tip: the fur you collect is worth keeping. Bundle it up and turn it into a soft bed pad to give back to your dog. It is comfortable and hypoallergenic, which makes it a great use for all that loose hair.

2 Rule Out a Health Problem First

If the shedding is not the seasonal kind, take it seriously and have the dog examined by a vet. As a general pattern, though, most dogs start blowing their coat in spring and summer.

3 Watch the Salt in the Diet

During the shedding season, do not feed food that is too salty. Excess salt discolors the coat. A good-quality kibble is the best base. If you want to check the salt level yourself, taste a little. Dogs fed table scraps need attention here: rinse the food with water to wash off the salt before serving.

4 Bathe on a Schedule, Not Daily

Bathe the dog regularly, about once a week, using a shampoo made for dogs rather than a human product. A proper dog shampoo protects the skin and coat and helps limit shedding and skin trouble.

5 Brush Every Day

Brush the coat daily, ideally outdoors, with a large comb, three times a day if you can. Regular brushing keeps the dog looking bright and stops the fur from matting.

If you brush indoors, mist the air with a little water first to keep hair from flying everywhere. Some air fresheners also help trap loose fur, so they are worth keeping on hand.

6 Keeping the Fur Off Yourself and the Floor

Skip dark clothing so the stray hairs show less, and keep a roll of tape handy for the fine ones that stick. Sweep and vacuum often to keep the place clean, and a vacuum cleaner does an excellent job on embedded dog hair.