When the dog hair is flying in your home it can land anywhere. Furniture, curtains, and rugs can all attract fur. Some owners even say that no meal is complete without dog hair in it!

Some breeds shed more than others. Some lose their coat once or twice a year while others lose drifts of hair every day. If your canine best friend sheds quite a bit, there are things you can do that may help reduce the amount of dog fur you need to sweep or vacuum.

Keep in mind some amount of shedding is quite normal for dogs. You are unlikely to eliminate it altogether. There will always be some hair. The secret is to avoid excessive loss, and keep what is shed under control, so it does not accumulate.

Avoid Excessive Hair Loss

Hair loss is a major indicator of skin problems. For instance, dogs that have fleas will scratch. This will result in them shedding excess fur. Controlling the fleas will reduce the amount of shedding and make your canine more comfortable.

Other conditions that can lead to excessive malting include dry skin, bacterial or fungal infections, parasites such as Demodex mites, allergies and hormonal diseases. Also, hair loss can be associated with self-trauma due to anxiety or emotional distress. Some dogs will lick or bite themselves when they are distraught, resulting in bald patches.

A veterinarian can help you work out why your pet is losing so much hair. They can also help develop a plan for how to manage it.

Manage Normal Hair Loss

If his skin and coat are healthy, you cannot reduce how much hair your dog sheds. However, brushing him every day will make things easier. This will get rid of loose hair in his coat, and reduce what fur ends up drifting around your house.

Some dogs will need brushing twice a day if they are shedding their coat. The Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky lose their hair in tufts at certain times of the year. The drifts can look like a blizzard. Bathing can also help, but be careful not to dry out their skin and coat, as this can cause skin problems, which may make things worse!

As an owner, sharing your life with some dog hair is all a part of the territory. If you have allergies, choose breeds that are less likely to shed. In addition, investing in a heavy duty vacuum cleaner can help to reduce allergic reactions. These are a small price to pay for the unconditional love and companionship of a dog.

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Dr. Susan Wright, DVM shares her love of dogs through freelance writing on topics that teach owners how to be better caregivers and friends to their loyal companions.