Anything I can give my malmute/collie to reduce coat shedding?

Answer 1

This is what I do with my shelties (another double coated breed)

In general, double coated breeds shed twice per year - the spring to shed out most of their winter coat and in the fall when the new coat is coming in, they shed out the rest.

Bathe in warm (not hot) water. It causes the folicles around the hair shafts that are ready to release to go ahead and open to release. Then take an undercoat rake (you can buy these at a pet supply house or on line) and start brushing. Start with the back legs at the bottom and move up and forward a little at a time. Do not leave one area until it is completely done.

When it comes to food, buy some Flax Seed Oil. squirt about 2-3 capsules on the food daily. This will help to make sure the hair is healthy and thus reduce breakage resulting in shedding.

DO NOT SHAVE!! This will only make matters worse and will cause harm to the skin which is extra sensitive on a double coated breed.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

There is actually a once a month grooming system called "shed Stopper" your pets groomer will be able to explain it in more detail but it is essentially a shampoo and super blow drying that removes much of the undercoat. The coat will grow back so it is not a one time thing. Professional grooming is the answer. Shaving your dog down will only make the sheding hair shorter. Diet also effects your dogs coat. Hills Science diet is a great nutritional food that is prob the best on the market see your vet or petsmart or petsco about getting a bag.

Answer 3

No. Dogs moult their coats. It is a natural process. They need to cast the dead fur to make room for the new fur. Brush your dog daily with the appropriate brush for the coat type. Ask your local groomer for advice as to what to use. I would buy yourself a couple of long toothed steel combs and perhaps a slicker from your local pet shop and groom thoroughly, right down to the skin, at least once a day when it is moulting. This will help reduce the amount of fur coming out in your home. But there is nothing which stops the process I'm afraid. All animals with fur or hair or feathers, moult the dead stuff to make room for the new.
If your dog lives in a centrally heated home, he will shed a lot of fur to stay cool. If he lives outside, he will not shed as much as he needs to keep warm. By having the dog indoors during the day and putting him out at night, his body will find it hard to adjust to the temparature changes and be shedding almost constantly.
I have 6 dogs here who live mostly indoors with free acess to outside at all times. They have a normal shed and I simply brush them daily and use my vacuum cleaner more often when they are moulting, usually twice a year. That seems to keep the mess to a minimum.

Answer 4

It sounds crazy but a good daily grooming helps (coat brushing). After all, imagine how much hair we would shed daily in all the wrong places if we never brushed, tamed or combed our hair?

Answer 5

No there is nothing you can give, except 10 minutes of you time to brush him daily, this way he enjoys the attention and you have less hair to clean as most of its on the brush.

Answer 6

U could try giving it a number 1. If that doesn't appeal try turning down the central heating if it is switched on, failing that opt for regular grooming.

Answer 7

Give it a bath in PVA sealer, does wonders for sealing in those hairs, makes the dog water proof too, an added bonus.

Another excellent 'solution' is Immac cream, removes hair beneath the root for a long lasting hair free atmosphere, will last around 6 weeks, Brilliant! !!

Answer 8

I was told ages ago by someone that putting some vegetable oil in the feed helps with the coat.

Answer 9

i give my dog a can of sardines a week and that keeps her from shedding and makes the coat shiny

Answer 10

Yeast tablets. It works with my 2 dogs. 2 everyday. If you cant get yeast tablets, wilkos have something called Condition.