If dog fur seems to be everywhere in your house, you're not alone. It’s a perfectly normal but sometimes annoying aspect of dog ownership to find your clothes, floors, and sofa constantly covered in fur—no matter how often you vacuum. Many dog owners find themselves wondering why their dogs shed so much and whether there’s anything they can do to manage it. The good news is with the right approach to grooming, diet, and home care, you can survive the hair storm and keep both your dog and your home looking fresh.

Why Dogs Shed
While nearly all dogs shed, the amount of loose hair they leave behind depends on breed, coat type, and even your home environment. In a tropical climate like Singapore—where there’s no winter or strong seasonal changes—shedding can happen year-round.
Shedding is completely natural—it's how dogs get rid of old or damaged hair. But in Singapore, because there are no cold winters or strong seasonal shifts, your dog’s coat doesn't go through the same "blowout" cycles seen in temperate climates. Instead, dogs here tend to shed in small amounts consistently throughout the year. Add indoor air conditioning, frequent bathing, and artificial lighting into the mix, and your dog's shedding cycle can become even more unpredictable.
Is My Dog's Shedding Normal?
Regardless of whether your dog sheds seasonally or all year round, all dogs shed. Some breeds shed more than others. A little fur here and there is perfectly normal. But excessive shedding combined with symptoms like bald spots, flaky skin, itching, or redness could indicate a bigger issue—such as allergies, skin infections, stress, or even poor diet. If you see such signs on your dog, always check with your vet. It’s better to rule out health problems than to assume it’s “just shedding”.
Grooming Tips to Tame the Fur
Regular grooming is your best defence against shedding.
Brush Regularly (Even Short-Haired Dogs!)
Brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up all over your home. It also spreads natural oils across the coat for healthier skin. For short-haired dogs, use a rubber curry brush or grooming glove. A slicker or deshedding rake works best for double-coated or long-haired breeds. For curly-coated dogs, a pin brush and moisturising detangler spray help prevent matting.
Tip: Do this outside or over tiled floors to make cleanup a breeze.
Bathing Done Right
Too much washing can dry out your dog’s skin. Stick to once every 3–4 weeks unless your dog is particularly dirty. Use a gentle, moisturising dog shampoo. Dogs with sensitive skin and excessive shedding can benefit from a gentle shed control shampoo like this Earthbath Shed Control Dog Shampoo Green Tea & Awapuhi. Rinse thoroughly—residue can cause itchiness—and dry your dog properly to prevent fungal infections (a common problem in our climate).
Nutrition: Feed the Fur from Within
A shiny, healthy coat starts with the right food. Dogs that eat a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet shed less and have fewer skin issues. Here are the key nutrients for a healthier coat:
- High-quality protein. Hair is mostly protein! Look for dog food with real meat as the first ingredient (like beef, chicken, or lamb).
- Omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids. Fish oil, fatty fish like sardines, flaxseed oil, and chia seeds all contain these fatty acids, which support skin hydration and reduce skin inflammation. You can also consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement that is formulated for skin and coat health like this K9 Natural Skin & Coat Health Oil (Flaxseed, Hoki & Borage) For Dogs.
- Vitamins and minerals. Commercial diets are nutritionally complete and balanced and will contain all the essential nutrients. If you are home cooking, ensure that the diet contains adequate amounts of biotin and zinc, which are essential for hair growth and skin health. Vitamin E is another essential nutrient for healthy skin and coat.

Fur-Control Tips for Your Home
No matter how committed you are to grooming your dog, stray fur will still find its way into every corner of your home. Especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate—where air-conditioning, tiled floors, and small living spaces are the norm—managing fur becomes a daily task. But with the right strategy, you can stay on top of the mess and keep your home clean and comfortable.
Vacuuming regularly is a must. Invest in a reliable vacuum cleaner, ideally one with strong suction and HEPA filters to trap fine dander. Vacuum floors, rugs, furniture, and even curtains at least twice weekly if you have a heavy shedder at home. In high-shedding seasons, daily vacuuming may be necessary.
Cover your dog’s favourite resting spots—like couches and beds—with washable covers or throws. These can be easily removed and tossed into the washing machine. Doing this not only helps contain fur but also protects your furniture from dirt, oil, and paw prints.
Keep lint rollers handy in several locations: your living room, car, office bag, or even by the front door. They’re a quick fix when you need to de-fur your clothes before heading out.
A damp microfibre cloth works wonders for wiping down hard surfaces like tables, shelves, or tiles. The electrostatic nature of microfibre helps lift fur, rather than just pushing it around.
Finally, running a dehumidifier helps reduce moisture in the air—especially useful in Singapore’s humid climate. Lower humidity discourages the growth of mould and fungi (which can worsen skin problems in dogs) and helps reduce the accumulation of allergens and fur on surfaces.
Extra Tips for Tropical Living
Living in a hot and humid climate like Singapore comes with unique challenges for our furry friends. When it comes to managing shedding and keeping your dog comfortable year-round, a few tropical-specific tips can make a big difference.
First, hydration is key. Just like humans, dogs need enough water to maintain healthy skin and coat. Dehydrated skin becomes dry and flaky, which can lead to more hair fall. Always ensure your dog has access to clean, fresh water—especially after walks or playtime outdoors.
Avoid heading out during the peak heat hours of 10am to 4pm, when pavements get scorching hot and the sun is most intense. Overheating can stress your dog’s body, leading to increased shedding. At home, offer cooling mats where your dog likes to rest. These simple tools help regulate body temperature and keep your dog from overheating indoors.
Lastly, don’t skip those regular vet check-ups. Conditions like skin infections, allergies, or thyroid imbalances are common causes of excessive shedding. Early detection can prevent these issues from becoming major health problems, helping your dog shed less and live more comfortably.

Dog shedding may be a normal part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. With a consistent routine that includes proper grooming, a nutrient-rich diet, and smart home-cleaning strategies, you can keep the fur under control. The secret is to work with your dog’s natural biology, not against it. Pay attention to their skin and coat. When you care for their skin and fur from the inside out, your dog stays healthier and your home stays cleaner.

KATHERINE KHOO
Katherine is a Pet Nutrition Specialist and GDP’s Pet Wellness Advisor. She is committed to helping pet owners make informed dietary and lifestyle choices in nurturing healthy pets. Katherine is also a practicing Nutritional Therapist (human nutrition) and has been helping hundreds of clients to heal naturally with nutrients.