Shedding is a normal part of a dog’s cycle. There are many reasons why this might be happening. However, there are potential warning signs that you might need to keep an eye out for when your dog is shedding. This post will tell you everything you need to know about dog hair and shedding dogs.
Read More:
- 5 Tips To Help You Groom Your Dog
- How to Stop a Dog from Shedding
- The Importance of Dog Grooming Gloves: Types, Applications, and Selection
- These 5 Tips Will Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy
- 15 Reasons Why You Should Train Your Dog
This post will tell you everything you need to know about dog hair and shedding dogs. Preventing dog hair is a different story, so if you’re traveling with your dog, we recommend a custom cargo liner built for dogs. Ruff Rugs does exactly this; they make custom cargo liners that are hand-made for each SUV, waterproof, and come with optional padding to keep your pets comfortable.
Reasons Why Dogs Shed
There are several reasons why a dog will shed its hair, but there are three factors that everyone must know about:
- A dog’s breed
- The health condition of the dog
- Season and environment
Season Shedding
Dog owners know once the first spring heat hits, dog hair starts falling off in excess. In fact, dogs tend to shed the most during the month of March, so making sure you have the correct grooming supplies and protective covers is important.
Dogs will shed more during the warmer months because that is how it regulates their temperature. You see more double-coated breeds shedding more often because they will shed their undercoat during the spring and fall seasons. Some of the heaviest shedders are:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Border Collies
- German Shepherds
- Beagles
Heavy shedding might seem normal for most dogs, but it can also signify health complications. If you notice that your dog’s hair is coming off excessively, you should take it to the vet.
Stress Shedding
Dogs get stressed out like people. When there is a significant change to their environment, they can begin to shed a lot more hair because their stress levels are heightening. Also, if they don’t like the vets, going there can cause them to stress and shed more hair. However, this can be easily looked at by a professional.
If you notice that your dog’s hair is coming off more and more, you should speak to your vet. They will be able to point you to a veterinary behaviorist. These professionals will treat your dog if they have any behavioral issues. Additionally, they can also give you medication to give your dog to help bring down their stress levels.
Skin Issues
Many skin disorders can cause shedding dogs to lose more hair. Conditions like parasites, ringworm, and certain fungal infections can cause hair loss in dogs. You will know if their hair loss is happening because of a skin issue because you will be able to see bumps, rashes, and scabs on their skin underneath their hair.
If you notice any of these skin issues, you should take your dog to the vet right away.
Allergies
Dogs get allergies too! They can be allergic to seasonal changes, food, flies, etc. When their allergies are acting up, you might have a shedding dog on your hands. A lot of the time, there isn’t anything to worry about. All you need to do is take your dog to the vet, and they will be able to figure out what your dog is allergic to.
Once they have gotten that information, they will prescribe a treatment to help your dog with its allergies.
Is My Dog Shedding the Normal Amount?
The truth is, there is no normal amount of shedding. Every dog is different, and they all have their reasons for shedding. There are some signs you do need to look out for, though. If you notice that your dog has any rashes, bumps, or markings on its skin, that might tell you that there is something wrong.
Also, if you don’t know how much your dog should be shedding – ask a vet. Going to a vet is an excellent way to get your dog checked out, so you know that they are healthy and safe.
How Do You Manage Your Shedding Dogs Hair?
You will never be able to prevent your dog from shedding because they need to carry on with their normal day. However, you can ask the vet or groomers for a product to help you maintain your dog’s hair while you brush it. This can help you reduce the shedding and loose hair that might end up in your home.
For grooming, we recommend any fine-tooth combs that will brush out excess dog hair. The main three brands are Oster, Andis and Wahl. Each of these grooming brands is built with durability and made to keep your pet comfortable while grooming them. Each of these brands will be all great and will leave your dog’s coat healthy and clean.
Also, dog hair can be prevented by the correct nutrition in your pet. Testing multiple dog foods for them can help with their coat and often can reduce the amount they shed. We recommend testing many different options with your dog’s diet to make sure you find one that fits.
The best diet for pets is primarily made up of a balance of amino acids and protein but make sure to talk to your vet if you think something isn’t suited well for your pup. Looking at your dog’s coat, one can tell if their diet is working for them. If their coat is looking dull and is lacking shine, it is probably a sign that you should be attempting to find a different dog food. Again, check with your vet if anything is wrong with their coat.
Conclusion
A shedding dog is usually the sign of a healthy dog that is getting ready for the seasons to change. However, there are many other signs that you should look out for to ensure that your dog is shedding for only healthy reasons. If you think that there is something wrong with your dog, you should get it checked out immediately by a vet. They will make sure that your dog is healthy and happy.
