Deshedding shampoos for dogs seem like a great alternative to other treatments.
Deshedding Shampoo
Dogs are constantly producing a thick "fluff" in addition to their regular fur. This is their undercoat, and that undercoat is notorious for shedding—oftentimes in large chunks. This is especially noticeable in breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Chows and other long, densely coated dogs. It's important for the dog's health that this undercoat (and other loose fur) to be removed on a regular basis to avoid problems. Not to mention, owners like their dogs to look nice.
Ingredients in Deshedding Shampoo
Most deshedding shampoos carry similar ingredients to one another, and almost all of them contain Omega 3 fatty acids (and sometimes Omega 6) which play an important part in your dog's skin and hair health. (A good dog food diet should contain plenty of Omega 3.)
Also included in most deshedding shampoos are Vitamin E (also important for skin/hair health), coconut, wheat protein, aloe vera, chamomile, and oatmeal, which is good for moisturizing dry skin.
Varied Reviews for Effectiveness of Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Reviews on deshedding shampoos vary. Some people swear by it, but a large majority of the pet community states it doesn't work effectively enough to avoid having to brush your dog.
The leading brand of deshedding shampoo states that, while the shampoo alone can help remove excess undercoat, a shedding tool or brush should be used along with it for the best results.
Even if the deshedding shampoos don't deshed as much as you think it would, it is still a rather nice blend of ingredients that is certainly not bad to use on your pet. Of course, it always helps to research your breed of dog to see if certain shampoos work better than others on his or her coat.
Results Vary by Breed
It can be used on all breeds; however there are some you may not see very satisfactory results with. These breeds include:
- Shitzuhs
- Maltese
- Poodles
- Irish Water Spaniels
- Bichons
These breeds have unique coat-types and often need specialized shampoo to keep their fur looking shiny and healthy.
Other Options for Shedding
Nothing beats shedding like a good bath with a good shampoo, and brushing with a slicker brush or a deshedding tool. Dogs develop a thick undercoat and no one thing is going to get rid of it.
Slicker brushes come in various sizes and shapes and are excellent for removing this undercoat. If your dog has sensitive skin, you may want to consider a different kind of brush as the bristles on slickers are quite sharp and shouldn't be used against skin too much.
Problems with Shedding
A shedding dog can be a problem for your house and furniture, but keep in mind it's also a problem for your dog. Be sure you treat your thick-coated dog to help him shed that coat. Excess fur can cause a number of problems. Especially during the winter when skin gets dryer, and during the summer where hot spots ("summer sores") can develop under thick or matted fur.