Now that the weather is getting warmer you may notice fur piling up more than ever around the house. And you’re probably wondering, “Why is my dog shedding so much?” Mainly, like our own hair and skin, dogs shed to allow new growth of healthy fur. All dogs will shed to some degree, but some shed more than others.
Main factors of shedding:
- Breed
- Environment (such as season changes or stress)
- Age
- Hormones
- Overall health
- Breed: Some dogs simply just need to be groomed more often. Breeds such as Shih-Tzus, poodles, terriers and schnauzers, tend to shed less because they have slower growing hair. This is why they need grooming to avoid knots and matting in their fur. Other dogs, like Labradors and Huskies, have a fuller undercoat and hair that grows more quickly causing them to shed more frequently and need fewer trims.
When should I worry about my dog’s shedding?
- Is it fur loss? Sometimes your dog will lose fur when they are sick. This is different than shedding. You’ll likely see actual bald spots or patchy hair loss. It could be the sign of a serious illness and you should contact your vet right away.
- Check their diet – sometimes if their diet is lacking nutrients they will shed more than usual. This is also true if their fur has become dry or brittle.
- Hair loss that is associated with skin irritations including ringworm, fleas & ticks.
- Talk to your vet if you feel that it is due to health issues such as thyroid and organ functions or immune disease.
No one likes to spend day after day vacuuming and sweeping up gobs of dog fur. Does your dog shed more than others, it may be just because of the genetic make-up, but make sure to talk to your vet about it if you have any concerns about their health.
Don’t hesitate to let us know if you need us to brush or comb your pet while doing a regular pet sitting or dog walking visit, we are always here to help!
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