Why Does My Pet Shed?

There are many factors that contribute to why a dog does shed. Genetics, sunlight, diet, stress, and hormones are the most common. Double-coated dogs tend to lose more hair than single-coated dogs. Most dogs tend to shed more when the weather starts to warm up. Dogs may shed quite a bit in winter if the home is very dry because their skin may dry out.

Diet can affect why a dog will shed more hair. Most all commercial dog foods are formulated so the ̉average dog can maintain his health. Some dogs require more essential fatty acids in their diets due to breed and skin health.

Stress is a very important reason your dog may shed. You may notice that there is more dog hair around when you return from a trip or when they take the dog to the veterinarian or groomer. This is called flight shedding. It is due to whatever your dog consider stress.

Hormones affect shedding. Intact dogs shed more than neutered or spayed dogs. Altered dogs often revert to puppy-type hair and have more undercoat after periods of stress.

Your pet needs to be brushed on a regular weekly basis. Your veterinarian or groomer can tell you the proper type tools to use for your breed and hair coat. Doing this helps get your dog into a regular shed cycle and help keep the hair loss under control.

Deshedding shampoos do work, but you need to know why the dog is shedding. They have extra emollients in them which will make the skin more supple and get out the hair that is about to shed, as well as hair that is shedding.

Some other things that dog owners can do to help alleviate shedding. Get rid of carpets. Certain hair coats the wool fibers in the rug are serrated. If the dog rolls or rubs on the carpet, that will break hair as well as pull it out. Synthetic fibers are manufactured to mimic wool. Exercise the dog adequately. Many dogs need a job. If they have too much energy they can't work off, they are going to be under stress. One reason a dog will end up in a shelter, is that the owners were not adequately screened by sellers regarding how much care a dog would need.

If you have questions about your pet and shedding, contact Dr. Norette L. Underwood of the Trumann Animal Clinic at catdoc56@gmail.com.