It’s completely normal for dogs to shed, but if your pup is losing an excessive amount of fur after a bath, there could be an underlying cause. While shedding after a bath is generally a sign that your dog is healthy and their coat is in good condition, there are several potential explanations for why your pup is losing an unusually large amount of fur. In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the question: why is my dog shedding so much after a bath?
Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much After a Bath?
When a dog sheds after a bath, it’s usually due to the shampoo you used. In most cases, the shampoo is too harsh and strips away the natural oils in your dog’s coat. This can cause your dog’s fur to become dry and brittle, making it more likely that it will shed after a bath. Other causes of excessive shedding after a bath include using too much shampoo or not rinsing it out thoroughly, using the wrong type of shampoo, or using a shampoo with harsh chemicals. Additionally, the water temperature could be too hot, which can also cause excess shedding.
If the above answers to why is my dog shedding so much after a bath don’t seem right to you, there are more you should consider.
- Loose Fur
- Brittle Hair Strands
- Dry Skin
- Shedding Double Coat
- Poor Nutrition
- Irregular Brushing
- Using the Wrong Brush
- Stress
Learn more about each cause of excessive shedding below.
Loose Fur
A dog’s coat sheds regularly. Many times, dogs with thick coats have dog hair that gets stuck in the coat. When you wash your dog, the loose hair detaches from the restraints of the thick coat. The water and rubbing are what dislodges it which is why you see more shedding after a bath.
Brittle Hair Strands
Unhealing dog hair can become brittle. As you’re rubbing the dog shampoo on your pup, the brittle hairs break off and fall. How much shedding occurs after a bath depends on the healthiness of the dog hair.
Dry Skin
A dog’s skin is the foundation of its hair. When a dog’s skin is dry, it can make the fur dry and brittle, leading to more shedding after bath time.
Learn how to treat dry skin with Grapeseed oil or Aquaphor.
Poor Nutrition
Dog food that doesn’t provide proper nutrition can contribute to the health of pet hair. It’s important that dogs eat a balanced diet to ensure that a dog’s body is able to remain healthy and strong. Dog Ownership Guide recommends fresh raw dog food, especially a dog’s shedding becomes unbearable.
Irregular Brushing
It’s important that dog owners brush their pups at least weekly if not every couple of days. This helps with a dog’s shedding because it removes excess hair that can stifle fur health and hair growth.
Long hair is especially hard to maintain, as it can get tangled and matted easily. Be sure to brush more frequently if you have a dog with long hair.
Using the Wrong Brush
Using the wrong brush is almost like not brushing at all. The right brush will remove hair on a regular basis and disperse oils that keep the hair and skin moisturized and healthy. What brush should you use? A slicker brush or bristle brush are two of the best that you can use for most dog breeds., especially double-coated dogs.
Stress
Dogs under extreme stress often shed more because the body produces more cortisol and inflammation, which can cause hair loss. If you’ve recently moved to a new house, introduced a new dog into the home, or a new family member, it may be causing stress for your pup. The reason you’re furry friend is shedding so much after a bath is that you’re noticing it as it comes off the coat with the rubbing and water pouring over it.
How to Reduce Shedding After a Bath
The following are ways you can reduce the amount of shedding that occurs after bath time.
Maintain a Healthy Coat
Maintaining a healthy coat isn’t as difficult as you may think. Your dog’s diet should be balanced with a lot of vitamins, nutrients, carbohydrates, protein, and fats. It’s just like a human needing to eat a well-balanced diet.
Learn More: Best Dog Food for Shedding
Not only does a healthy diet keep dogs from shedding as much after a bath, but it also promoted new hair growth. New healthy hair will look good and stay put for longer.
It’s also important to use a moisturizer on your dog’s hair. This will help keep your dog’s skin soft and strong.
Brush Regularly
Brushing your dog’s hair, especially dogs with longer coats, is essential. Your dog’s fur needs to have the natural oils dispersed and loose fur needs to be taken away. This will keep your dog’s fur off of furniture and on the floor.
Use Dog Shirts for Shedding
To prevent your dog’s shedding hair from getting all over your home and car, consider dog shirts. They cover your dog’s body, which keeps the loose hair inside of it for when you’re ready to dispose of it. Learn more about it here: Do Dog Shirts Help with Shedding
Fish Oil Supplement for Shedding
For dogs that don’t get enough essential fatty acids in their diet, fish oil supplements can help reduce shedding. You can learn more about fish oil for shedding by reading: Does Fish Oil Stop Dogs from Shedding
See also: De-Shedding Your Dog with an Air Compressor: Tips and Tricks
CBD for Dogs
More and more pet owners are giving their dogs CBD for excessive shedding. Stress causes an increase in cortisol in the body, which can lead to inflammation. The rise in cortisol and inflammation can lead to hair loss. CBD for dogs attacks shedding by reducing both inflammation and cortisol. Dog Ownership Guide recommends the following CBD manufacturers.
HolistaPet
HolistaPet’s CBD dog treats and oil are exactly what dog owners want in terms of high-quality cannabinoids. Their organic dog treats are delicious and healthy, made with all-natural ingredients and superfoods.
King Kanine
When searching for the best CBD oil for your dogs, be sure to choose a high-quality formula like King Kanine. Their CBD oil is made from natural ingredients sourced from the United States, and their proprietary blend of krill oil, hemp oil, and copaiba oil makes it even more effective.
Diamond CBD
The primary mission of Diamond CBD is to investigate and develop new CBD hemp extracts so that they are available to people all over the world. By providing a broad range of CBD dog products, more people and their furry companions can easily reap the benefits that CBD has to offer and live happy, healthy lives.
LolaHemp
Lolahemp’s CBD brand was inspired by a cute pup named Lola who suffered from anxiety until her owner tried CBD instead of prescription medication. The effects were amazing, but the CBD options were frightening. Lolahemp’s mission is to provide top-quality hemp oil products containing naturally occurring CBD to as many furbabies as possible.
When to Contact the Veterinarian About Excessive Hair Loss
While shedding is a natural process, pet owners that notice a lot of hair loss all of a sudden should check with their veterinarian. A medical condition could be causing hair loss and treatment could end the problem with shedding.
Grooming Products for Heavy Shedders
Proper grooming is one of the best ways to control shedding, especially for breeds with double coats. Consider the following products to help manage loose hair and promote new healthy hair.
Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker
The self-cleaning dog slicker is designed to take the hassle out of grooming your dog. The slicker has a built-in self-cleaning system that will remove dirt, debris, and mats from your dog’s fur. The slicker is made from a lightweight, water-resistant material that is both comfortable and durable. It also has adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit. The self-cleaning mechanism is designed to be gentle on your dog’s fur, so it won’t cause any discomfort. The slicker also comes with an easy-to-follow instruction manual to help you get the most out of your grooming sessions. The self-cleaning dog slicker is an ideal solution for busy pet owners who want to keep their furry friends looking their best.
Mr. Peanut’s Hand Gloves
SHED-X Shampoo
SHED-X Shampoo is not only an effective way to reduce shedding, but it is also a great way to keep your pet’s coat looking and feeling its best. SHED-X Shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients that help to nourish and moisturize the skin and coat while providing essential vitamins and minerals for healthy skin and hair. It is also enhanced with natural fruit extracts to help keep your pet’s coat soft and shiny. SHED-X Shampoo is a great choice for pet parents looking to keep their pet’s coat looking and feeling its best.
The Coat Handler – Undercoat Control Deshedding Shampoo
NutriVet Shed-Defense
NutriVet Shed-Defense is a supplement for dogs that helps to reduce excessive shedding. It contains omega fatty acids that help to promote a healthy coat and skin. The supplement also contains vitamins and minerals that help to support overall health. This supplement also helps to keep your pet’s coat healthy and shiny. It also helps to reduce shedding and promotes a healthier coat for your pet. The supplement is easy to use and can be added to your pet’s food. NutriVet Shed-Defense is a great way to help keep your pet looking its best and reduce shedding.
Now you know the answer to why is my dog shedding so much after a bath. Consider the above products to help reduce shedding in your dog. Don’t forget: if this is a new problem, reach out to your vet if there haven’t been any changes in your household that could be causing your pup stress.
Related Articles:
Does Bathing Your Dog Help with Shedding
Why Does My Dog Shed in the Winter
