My neighbor being so worried about the recent shedding of hair her dog has been experiencing for a few days now, reached out to me to inquire about what could be the trigger to this effect. I tried to share my knowledge with her, but still advised that she visit a certified veterinary clinic, and this is because, while shedding may be expected sometimes in our pets, it could also signify the presence of a more serious health condition.
The fur of a pet is essential, it helps to control the temperature of the body and also protects the skin against the sun and other forms of environmental hazards. When the hair of a dog stops growing, natural loss is possible through shedding, the level or the frequency of this shedding will be dependent on the breed of the dog, the season of occurrence, and also the overall health condition of the pet.
Typically, double-coated breed dogs shed their undercoats during the spring and fall. What may be regarded as normal in some dogs will be referred to as heavy shedding in others, that is why, the breed type is a strong factor. When a dog is stressed, probably due to a change of environment, they lose more hair at that time.
There is a myth that, long-coated dogs would shed more hair, but in reality, short-haired dogs have a denser coat and tend to shed more, but due to the length of hair, the long-coated ones will be more noticeable when it happens.
Some skin disorders may also cause bald patches and hair loss. Allergies are another strong factor, a dog may be allergic to a newly introduced household cleaner, medications, and some food. With the help of a vet, the allergy can be
found, discontinued, and treated.
Heavy shedding alongside heavy scratching signifies the presence of fleas, tickets, or mange mites. A lot of pet owners may not know this, but nutritional imbalance /inadequacy also causes shedding at high levels. Using the wrong shampoo can make this happen as well, you probably just got a new one that had an active ingredient that doesn't sit well with your pet.
Hormonal imbalance can trigger shedding too, some dogs shed a lot after they have given birth, or they have been sprayed. Shedding in different parts of the body combined with skin discoloration may be an indication of several issues; thyroid disease, bacterial infections, Cushing's disease, skin allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.
If in the company of the shedding, other symptoms like excessive itching, weight gain, increased urination, increased thirst, and noticeable parasites are seen, then pay a visit to the vet home instantly. Every time you feel unsure about the shedding pattern of your pet, a trip to the vet is never a bad idea, it is the best way to confirm if the situation is normal or not.
We cannot prevent our dogs from shedding especially when it's the natural patterned one, but we can limit the chances of its occurrence. Brushing the coat of your dog from time to time with the appropriate brush is important. The use of shedding tools helps too, with shedding tools, you can easily take out the extra coat from your pet's body.
Bathing is crucial, not only is it a healthy act for your dog, but it also helps to remove dead hair before they fall off.
Good nutrition makes hair follicles more resilient, strong follicles will minimize the shedding caused by unnourished fur. Providing neat water for your dog all the time helps them remain hydrated, and hydrated skin will help prevent hair shedding/loss.
