More than half of the UK’s dogs are now moulting abnormally large amounts of hair, according to the National Dog Moulting Survey run by Dog World in association with Yumega, forcing owners to spend an average of half an hour extra vacuuming every week.

Over 350 dog owners from across the UK took part in the survey, with dogs ranging from Afghans and Alsatians to Westies and Yorkshire Terriers. Over 60% of owners said their dog moulted more than they would like, with 42% of dogs moulting excessively, which is leading to 69% of owners hoovering more than they otherwise would.

The survey also highlighted the scale of moulting in the UK:

58% of owners said their dogs are moulting continuously throughout the year

59% of dogs are losing significant amounts of hair

51% of owners would add a supplement to their dog’s diet to reduce moulting

64% of owners are hoovering at least once a day (this compares to the national UK average of 28%!), with 1 in 6 hoovering several times a day.

The extra vacuuming among the UK’s 5 million dog owning households is estimated to consume enough electricity to power every home in a city the size of Cambridge, leaving a carbon footprint of 22,000 tonnes.

The problem is being blamed on a combination of climate change, central heating and changes in diet. Whilst its difficult for dog owners to change their dog’s environment easily, nutrition does offer a potential helping hand. Many dog’s diets are low in the essential omega 3 and 6 oils required to maintain coat condition, and one of the characteristics is excessive moulting.

76% of owners surveyed said they would consider adding a supplement to their dog’s diet if it would help reduce dog moulting, which is exactly what dog owner, Lyndsey Parkes, did with the omega 3&6 supplement, Yumega. “My young Cocker Spaniel bitch was always scratching and moulting. There was hair everywhere in the house. I saw an advertisement in Dog World and thought I would give Yumega a try. Within 3 weeks I saw the difference and she had stopped moulting and scratching”.

“We developed Yumega to provide the essential omega 3 & 6 oils the dog needs to improve skin & coat condition, but the effect on moulting has been a real bonus”, comments Dr John Howie. “In our own trials, Yumega reduced moulting by 30-50%. Obviously you can’t stop the natural moulting process completely, but many of our customers are finding it’s a real benefit in reducing excessive moulting and aiding coat recovery”.

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