Is Salmon Oil Good For Reducing Shedding in Dogs?

Shedding is a natural part of a dog’s coat growth cycle. But excessive shedding can be frustrating for pet owners having to constantly vacuum dog hair off the couch and floors. As a dog owner, you want your furry friend to have a healthy, shiny coat without excessive loose hair falling out. So what causes shedding in dogs, and can supplements like salmon oil help reduce excessive shedding?

What Causes Dogs to Shed Their Fur?

Before looking at solutions let’s understand why dogs shed in the first place. There are a few key reasons dogs lose hair

• Breed Characteristics: Some breeds like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are programmed genetically to be heavy shedders and blow their coat seasonally.

• Temperature Regulation: Dogs will shed their thick winter coat in spring to stay cool in summer months. In fall they shed again to make room for the winter coat.

• Pregnancy/Nursing Hormonal changes during pregnancy and nursing can cause temporary shedding

• Stress: Anxiety, changes in environment, new pets, etc. can trigger shedding due to stress.

• Poor Nutrition: Low quality or imbalanced diet leads to dull fur and increased shedding.

• Health Problems: Medical issues like hormonal imbalances, infections, parasites can cause abnormal shedding.

So while some shedding is normal, excessive hair loss often indicates an underlying problem. This is where supplements like salmon oil can help.

What is Salmon Oil and Why is it Beneficial For Dogs?

Salmon oil is a supplement derived from salmon fish. It contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, which have incredible health benefits for dogs:

• Supports skin and coat health – Omega-3s nourish the skin, reduce dryness and inflammation, and promote shiny coats.

• Eases joint pain – Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, helping dogs with arthritis.

• Boosts immune system – Omega-3s support immune function and response.

• Promotes heart health – EPA and DHA support cardiovascular function.

• Supports brain health – DHA boosts cognitive function and development.

Now let’s look at how salmon oil specifically helps reduce excessive shedding in dogs.

How Can Salmon Oil Reduce Shedding in Dogs?

The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon oil provide tremendous skin and coat benefits for dogs:

• Moisturizes Skin: Omega-3s increase fatty acid levels in skin cells, preventing dryness and itching.

• Reduces Inflammation: Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory, soothing inflammatory skin disorders causing shedding.

• Promotes Hair Growth: Omega-3s nourish hair follicles and stimulate growth of healthy new fur.

• Makes Fur Shiny: Omega-3s condition fur from the inside out, increasing shine and luster.

These effects help minimize excessive shedding by treating it at the root cause – optimizing skin and coat health from within.

Studies also confirm omega-3 supplementation leads to noticeable improvements in dogs’ coats, including reduced shedding.

What Type of Salmon Oil is Best For Dogs?

Look for salmon oil made from wild-caught fish vs farmed. Wild salmon oil has higher omega-3 content since wild salmon eat a natural diet.

The product should be purified to remove any contaminants. Third party testing ensures safety and purity.

Liquid salmon oil makes it easy to mix into your dog’s food. Look for a pump bottle to control dosage. Avoid capsules which dogs may struggle to digest.

A top choice is Brilliant Salmon Oil – made from wild Alaskan salmon, triple purified, and formulated specifically for pets. It undergoes rigorous third party testing for freshness and guaranteed EPA/DHA levels.

How Much Salmon Oil Should I Give My Dog?

Follow dosage guidelines on your specific salmon oil product. The amount depends on your dog’s weight and needs.

General dosage guidelines are:

• Small dogs under 25lbs: 1/2 teaspoon daily
• Medium dogs 25-50lbs: 1 teaspoon daily
• Large dogs 50-90lbs: 1 1/2 teaspoons daily
• Giant dogs over 90lbs: 2 teaspoons daily

Start low and gradually increase to the target dose over 2-3 weeks so your dog’s body can adjust. Mix the oil into their food at mealtimes to avoid stomach upset.

Monitor your dog after starting salmon oil. Look for improvements in their skin, coat, joints or other issues. Adjust the dosage up or down accordingly. Check with your vet, especially if your dog has medical conditions or takes other medications.

7 Additional Tips to Control Shedding in Dogs

While salmon oil helps reduce shedding internally, you can also:

• Brush regularly to remove loose hair before it sheds around your home
• Bathe when needed to lift dirt and loose hair
• Use deshedding tools like brushes and rakes
• Wash bedding frequently to remove shed hair
• Add air filters to capture airborne pet hair
• Give foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids to support skin health
• See your vet to rule out any underlying medical issue

The Bottom Line

While all dogs shed somewhat, excessive hair loss indicates an underlying issue like skin problems or nutritional deficiencies. Salmon oil can get shedding under control by nourishing your dog’s coat from the inside out.

Look for a pure, high-quality salmon oil and follow dosage guidelines based on your dog’s size. Combine with good nutrition and grooming for optimal results. Your dog’s healthy, luscious coat will thank you! Just be prepared to keep vacuuming, as some shedding is still normal in dogs.