Is there really nothing you can do about constant shedding?
I wouldn’t say that. Especially not if your dog lives indoors with you.
Shedding is a natural sign that a warmer or colder season is approaching, and your dog’s coat is preparing for the change.
Before warmer weather, dogs try to get rid of the insulating undercoat that protected them during winter.
Before colder weather, the lighter topcoat is replaced with a denser, warmer one.
But what about indoor dogs?
Many people accept that dogs living indoors shed constantly and that there’s nothing to be done about it.
So the vacuum cleaner comes out daily — sometimes several times a day — to deal with the endless dog hair.
I see this a little differently.
A dog’s largest organ is the skin.
The skin supplies the hair follicles with nutrients, and its elasticity directly affects how strong, shiny and healthy the coat is.
If the skin is neglected, we can’t expect shedding to be minimal or barely noticeable.
So what can you do?
At least twice a year, you should support your dog with a skin and coat care program.
This helps prevent excessive shedding, skin issues, dryness, irritation and itching.
These support routines aren’t just for “couch-loving” indoor dogs — outdoor dogs benefit just as much.
What does the skin really need?
The skin needs collagen and biotin, along with other vitamins that help these two absorb properly.
Collagen
Collagen can be supplemented naturally by preparing gelatin or broth from skin, bones and cartilage (such as beef, pork or chicken feet).
Just be sure never to feed cooked bones.
Biotin
Biotin is found in high concentrations in brewer’s yeast, available as flakes or powder.
It can either speed up shedding or help regulate it if it hasn’t started yet.
Important: baker’s yeast is not suitable for this purpose, as it may cause digestive issues.
Herbs that support skin health
Many herbs also help maintain healthy skin, such as:
chickweed, burdock root, dandelion, calendula, chamomile and cleavers.
Thanks to their detoxifying properties and their role in balancing hydration, these herbs help preserve skin elasticity and overall skin health.
A comprehensive solution
If you’re looking for a well-rounded, holistic solution, I recommend
My Bulldog Herbs Shiny Coat, a brewer’s yeast–based herbal blend.
This formula was created by me, Magyari Detti, canine herbalist, together with Fanni Perlaki, pet nutritionist, with careful attention to every need of a dog’s skin.
Wishing you a sunny spring and a home with a lot less dog hair 🌷🐕
Have a healthy day!
Magyari Detti
canine herbalist
