Finding the best solution to help your dog reduce shedding is a headache for many owners who love to keep their dogs inside. While fish oil is recommended by many experts out there, we need to know whether it helps with shedding.
While fish oil is a natural solution for many other things, it has also been found to work well in reducing shedding in dogs. But, we will investigate for ourselves to see whether this method will help keep the furniture hair-free.
Read on and find out how this remedy will make our lives and that of our pets a bit easier.
What Is Fish Oil
Fish oil is a substance extracted from the tissues of those fish types that contain a lot of oil. This oil, also known as omega-3 fatty acids, comes from as many as 15 types of fish high in omega-3.
Sablefish, mackerel, herring, sardines, and anchovies are some of the best-known sources of the omega-3 fatty acids we need in our diet. This omega-3 fatty acid has several benefits for dogs, such as healthy growth and improving the skin and coat of your dog.
As in humans, dogs can only get this omega-3 fatty acid from their diet.
Shedding In Dogs
Every dog sheds, whether a short-haired dog or one with long hair, no matter what breed they are. It is a natural phenomenon for dogs to shed and can not be completely stopped, but luckily it can be reduced.
This shedding is a process where damaged and old hair is naturally shed from the dog’s pelts. Many factors will have an impact on how much your dog will shed.
The breed of your dog, the weather, and several other factors can influence the shedding. If you want to reduce the shedding and the number of hair in your house, you need to find a way to control it.
What Causes Extreme Shedding
When you find that your dog is shedding excessively, there might be something wrong, and these might be some of the reasons.
Stress
If your dog is stressed out, it might shed more. Look out for reasons why your dog can be stressed. This can be caused by such factors as a new pet in the household, if you may have moved to a new home, and more.
Unhealthy Diet
An imbalanced and unhealthy diet can cause more shedding than normal with most dogs, so you need to adjust that.
Parasites
Parasites on your dog’s skin can also be a reason for a lot of shedding. Look out for a high amount of scratching. Parasites can cause itchiness or irritation on the skin, which causes the dog to scratch more. It may even cause an infection.
Other Underlying Illness
If none of the previously mentioned signs or reasons are present, there might be something else wrong with your dog. Many common diseases found in dogs can cause more shedding. Take your dog to a vet to be on the safe side.
How To Give Your Dog Fish Oil
The best way to give your dog fish oil is to give them foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Not all dog food contains fish oil, so you need to find one that contains it. Read the ingredient list of your dog food.
If you find that your dog’s coat is dull or if it has dry skin and is shedding more, talk to your vet. Getting over-the-counter fish oil for your dog may also help, but it is best to get the right advice from your vet.
If you are in a pinch, you can also give your dog fish oil capsules used by humans to help them.
Important
Do not give your dog any fish oil if it has been injured or after surgery. Always talk to your vet about overdoses and the causes.
Benefits Of Fish Oil
There is a long list of benefits for your dogs in fish oil to give them a good overall healthy life.
- The omega-3 and 6 EFA found in fish oil can prevent inflammation and many other diseases in dogs.
- It can also help against urinary tract infections and other stomach and renal problems.
- Fish oil can also help to prevent cardiovascular illness in dogs and improve overall heart health.
- Older dogs can also benefit from it to improve their sight and eye health.
- The right doses of fish oil can help your dog against joint problems.
- Fatty acids can also help in the conventional treatment of illness that causes inflammation.
- Fish oil can help with a dull coat, itchy and dry skin, dermatitis, dandruff, and other skin problems.
Summary
Investing in a good omega-3 fatty acid supplement will be good for your dog when shedding and any other time. To be on the safe side, provide your dog with a well-balanced diet to prevent all the other health issues, and they will be happy!