Shedding solution added to water?

 Sometimes, it's more helpful to investigate your dog food.  If you are purchasing it from the supermarket, it may not be high quality digestible protein that your dog is getting, and his coat will suffer.  So, the extra expense of a premium dog food is probably worth it for you.  Some people advise adding a supplement, but if you are using a premium food, it may not be necessary.  If you want to try it, I would use something like Grizzly Salmon Oil.  I always opt for natural, versus something with unknown ingredients.  When you have the dog groomed, if he is not allergic, ask your groomer to use an oatmeal shampoo, as they are less drying to the skin.  Get a "hound glove" or Zoom Groom and use it in addition to daily brushing. 

Thanks for the advice. Maera already eats a premium grain free food, not a supermarket brand. Her coat is glossy and sleek and all other indicators (energy level, stool consistency, etc) are telling me that she is doing great on the food. She's just a big girl with a lot of hair - perhaps not an abnormal amount or anything to indicate a health problem, but she is an indoor, on-the-couch kind of dog and I'm always willing to explore possible new solutions.

I'm kind of a neat freak so I vacuum a lot, and that's fine. I wasn't actively looking for supplements until our new acquaintance mentioned this water additive stuff and I was just hoping to find out if anyone has heard of it so I can do more research. If not, ah well, this is why I have a Dyson. ;-)

 I second the Zoom Groom. Works super great while their in the tub and wet.

Another Zoom Groom fan here.  We simply have more frequent grooming sessions when Caleb is shedding heavily.

Hmm... how effective is the zoom groom on aussie fur? Benny's is SO thick and fluffy. Would this work for him? I've got tumbleweeds all over my house!

I was wondering the same about Hot Shot.   I did finally get my vacumm fixed, whohoo!  I brushed him for over an hour yesterday, got a full bag of hair and he still has hair coming out.   I dont mind brushing him and he loves it but my hands get numb from holding the brush.  IT almost seems like it is not getting deep enough.  I have tried putting something in their water before but they just didnt drink it. 

I found this.... http://www.dog.com/item/farnam-shed-solutions-for-dogs/492839/

And this is an AKC product http://www.dog.com/item/akc-shed-control/492280/

I don't think you add it to the water, but it might help.

Willow has a zoom groom too--very good product. 

Have you tried Welactin?  It's a fish oil supplement our vet suggested.  I once tried putting something for her teeth in her water and she wouldn't drink it. 

My friend has 2 labs. She said to recommend this site.

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/grooming.html

erica1989

Hmm... how effective is the zoom groom on aussie fur? Benny's is SO thick and fluffy. Would this work for him? I've got tumbleweeds all over my house!

I don't like the zoom groom on double coated dogs - it only hits the top of the coat, which is ineffective, and may damage guard hairs on a double coated dog.  Double coated dogs should be "line brushed": http://video.about.com/dogs/How-to-Comb-a-Dog-s-Hair.htm  (Even though he says "get to the skin", you do need to take care that you don't scratch the dog's skin with the slicker brush - that hurts and if it breaks in the skin, the dog can get an infection).

Mechanical Angel

My friend has 2 labs. She said to recommend this site.

http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/grooming.html

 I know Laura through a couple of other boards.  Her website is a wealth of information.

I just wanted to add-I ONLY use the zoom grom in the tub.  It does help to get the shampoo to the skin and it's much easier to lather with the zoom groom than your hands.  I cannot imagine using it on her dry fur.