8 Facts About Dog Shedding Every Pet Owner Should Know
Dog shedding is an important aspect of having a canine companion. Whether you're an experienced pet parent or considering getting a dog, shedding is something to monitor closely as it can provide insights into your pet's overall health.
I've put together this blog post to walk you through eight (8) important things you should know about dog shedding. Think of this article as my way to "shed" light on a rather "hairy" situation.
#1. Why Do Dogs Shed?
Dogs shed primarily to remove old, damaged, and dead hair, which encourages the growth of new hair. Additionally, shedding helps regulate their body temperature, a process that becomes especially important during the cooler and warmer months.
The rate at which a dog sheds varies due to several key factors, which we will explore in detail later. However, excessive shedding is abnormal and can cause skin irritation and dryness. It may also indicate an underlying issue with your dog's overall health.
#2. Is Excessive Shedding in Dogs Normal?
As mentioned earlier, excessive shedding in dogs is irregular. While daily shedding is common and can vary with the season, it is a cause for concern if your pet is losing a lot of hair.
Besides stress and anxiety, excess shedding can result from parasites and poor grooming practices. While this issue is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact your pet's quality of life. If you've noticed an increase in loose or dead hair, it's time to take action.
#3. Can You Keep a Dog from Shedding?
No, you cannot completely stop your dog from shedding. Shedding is a natural process and an inevitable part of every dog's life cycle.
While it's impossible to completely prevent a dog from shedding, there are ways to manage it becoming excessive. Some dog breeds naturally shed more than others, and factors like food allergies or underlying health issues can increase shedding.
Many dog owners mistakenly believe that short-haired dogs shed less than long-haired ones. While double-coated breeds may produce more loose hair, overlooking key factors that influence shedding can worsen the problem. We'll explore these factors in more detail shortly.
#4. How Do You Reduce a Dog's Shedding?
While it is impossible to completely stop your dog from shedding, there are effective ways to reduce the amount of hair your pet sheds. Excessive shedding can sometimes lead to hair loss and bald patches, which can be concerning.
Here is a quick guide on how to manage your dog's shedding more effectively:
Practice consistent grooming.
Grooming plays a very important role in helping reduce dog shedding. Activities like regular brushing and bathing help remove dirt, grease, food debris, pebbles, and other unwanted particles that can have an impact on dog hair.
When it comes to brushing, using the right shedding tools is essential. For dogs with short or curly coats, a bristle brush is crucial, while a slicker brush is best for long-coated dogs. Pet parents, remember that using the appropriate shedding tool can make the difference between a beautiful summer coat and excessive hair loss.
On the other hand, while bathing helps a dog shed less, its frequency varies based on factors such as lifestyle, coat type, breed, and specific skin conditions. Active dogs that frequently go outside need regular baths because they tend to get dirtier and smellier. In contrast, indoor dogs don’t require bathing as often since they stay cleaner and have less odor.
Examine your dog's body regularly.
Unwanted visitors like harmful parasites and fungi can cause your dog to lose a significant amount of hair. Therefore, regularly examining your dog's coat is crucial to identify and eliminate these pests promptly.
Consistent inspection is especially important for dogs with double coats and long hair. Regular coat examinations can prevent excessive shedding and help avoid health issues like dehydrated skin. Additionally, these sessions serve as bonding time with your dog, strengthening your relationship.
Hydration is crucial.
Dogs of all coat types need ideal hydration levels to reduce excessive shedding. Dehydration reduces the natural oils in your dog's skin, leading to weak and brittle hair that falls out easily. The amount of water you should give your dog depends on its weight, diet, lifestyle, and health considerations.
Keep stress levels minimal.
Did you know that dogs tend to shed excessively when experiencing high levels of stress and anxiety? This is because your pet undergoes hormonal imbalances, which can lead to weak and damaged hair. If not addressed properly, excessive shedding occurs.
Take preventive measures immediately.
As soon as you notice that your dog is losing more hair than usual, take the necessary steps to control the problem. Apart from excessive shedding, problems with your dog's skin can also arise quickly. Boosting your pet's immune system health also help significantly.
#5. Which Dog Breeds Shed Heavily?
Heavy shedding is often seen in double-coated breeds like the Chow Chow, Akita, German Shepherd, Border Collie, Great Pyrenees, Golden Retriever, and Siberian Husky. However, regardless of breed, dogs can also shed excessively when key factors are present. What are these factors that can lead to increased shedding in any dog? We will explore them in the next part of our discussion.
#6. What are the Factors that Can Affect Dog Shedding?
There are key factors that cause your dog to shed so much hair than usual. Here are the primary "culprits" behind excessive shedding:
Age and genetics
Your dog's breed and age can significantly influence the amount of shedding. Certain breeds, such as Siberian Huskies, Saint Bernards, and Labrador Retrievers, are predisposed to heavy shedding. Additionally, your dog might have an inherited skin health issue that exacerbates hair loss.
As dogs age, they tend to experience more skin problems, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic issues, all of which can lead to excessive shedding. These conditions can weaken hair follicles, disrupt normal shedding cycles, and contribute to overall hair loss.
Diet and nutrition
The quality and amount of the dog food you're using can also trigger excessive shedding. Many dogs may shed excessively due to a lack of proper nutrition. Ensuring your pet has a healthy, balanced diet is crucial. Additionally, integrating fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and adaptogenic supplements, which support overall health and stress management, can also help reduce shedding.
Environment and seasonal changes
Excessive dog shedding can be triggered by pollutants and toxins in the environment. Prime examples include constant exposure to cigarette smoke, household chemicals, heavy metals, and pesticides. Additionally, sudden temperature changes can exacerbate this issue. These factors collectively create stress for dogs, leading to increased shedding.
Grooming routine
Consistent grooming practices, such as daily brushing and regular bathing, can significantly reduce excessive shedding in dogs. Using the right brush tailored to your dog's coat type also makes a big difference. For instance, tools like shedding blades can efficiently remove loose fur, making grooming more convenient for dog owners.
Underlying medical condition
There are a number of medical issues that can exacerbate shedding in dogs. These include allergies, skin infections, parasites, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases. Regular consultations with your vet or pet wellness expert are crucial to managing these conditions effectively and ensuring your dog's overall health.
#7. Can Excessive Shedding in Dogs Indicate Health Issues?
The short answer is yes.
Unwanted or accelerated shedding in dogs can indicate a skin or hair-related health issue such as an allergy or an infection caused by a virus, fungus, or bacteria. Additionally, excessive shedding may result from parasites like lice, mites, and fleas, or it could be a side effect of certain conventional medications.
#8. Are There Natural Ways to Help Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy?
Zumalka’s HEALTHY COAT is specifically designed to promote and maintain the overall wellness and appearance of your pet’s coat. This natural product offers a holistic solution to hair loss, brittle and tousled hair, dry roots, and similar issues.
Formulated with your dog’s quality of life in mind, HEALTHY COAT harnesses the benefits of premium natural ingredients provided by Mother Nature. Ensure your pet's coat remains healthy and vibrant with this natural option.
About the author
Leave a comment