You know what shedding looks like: fuzzy, white hair on black pants, just before a meeting, inevitably. But do you know how often it should be happening and what to do if it’s happening too often?

Pets that shed should “blow their coat” two times a year, usually driven by seasonal changes –  heading into the summer (thinning out the coat for the warm weather) and in the fall/winter (preparing their heavier coat for warmth). Pets may lose a little hair on a regular basis, just like humans, but that full-scale, fur on everything shedding shouldn’t be more than twice.

If you’re finding that your dog is shedding more often, it could be because of a skin or coat issue – usually dryness or brittleness – that is usually treatable. Sometimes, it can be as easy as a little more fat or oil to the diet, via the food. Look for proteins like salmon or duck, which have a slightly higher oil content to provide much needed moisture to the skin and coat.

If you want to further help or simply use a supplement instead, we recommend an omega 3 or coconut oil to help keep the skin and coat healthy and shiny while being super easy to use – just mix a little in with your pet’s food on a regular basis. Coconut oil specifically has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties along with those luxurious oils…pretty much all around great for your pet’s entire system, but particularly his or her skin and coat.

Pop by a store and talk to a Kriser’s Pack Member or Groomer for more tips on how to care for your pet’s coat.