Your dog enjoys lounging on your dark brown sofa, and as the kind dog parent that you are, you let him. However, anytime he jumps down, you wonder why is my dog shedding so much, and you’ll need to “shave” it before sitting in that chair yourself, or risk wearing your dog’s hair.
What is the cause of my dog’s excessive shedding?
Similarly, you’ll notice a trail of hair left behind by your canine buddy when you glance down at your rugs and carpets. Visitors at your home are hesitant to sit on the sofa, and you sometimes appear a little furry when you arrive at work.
Let’s face it: your dog sheds, and you’ll have to deal with it. However, you frequently question if there is anything you can do to control the strewn doggie fur.
While it is impossible to totally eliminate your dog’s shedding, there are a few things you can do to help:
Shedding Prevention Tips
Every day, brush your dog.You’ll be able to catch a lot of the falling fur before it lands on the sofa or the carpet. The lint roller — not on the couch, but on the dog – is a well-kept secret.
Some dog owners use a lint roller in addition to brushing their pets. It does not harm the pet, but it does allow for the removal of some hair in between brushings.
Seasonal Variation
If you’re in the middle of a season transition, such as from winter to spring, your canine companion is likely to shed his winter coat. Although there is little you can do to avoid this from happening, there are a number of grooming products available that will allow you to remove the winter fur before it lands on your sofa.
Discuss your situation with your veterinarian or groomer to see if they might suggest a tool that will assist you. Before using a new grooming item for the first time, make sure to read all of the directions or, better yet, ask your groomer or vet to show you how to use it properly.
Grooming on a regular basis
Make an appointment for grooming. Grooming your dog properly will get rid of a lot of the dead hair that is shed in between seasons, as well as keep his skin healthy. Your groomer may also be able to suggest some home remedies for keeping the flying doggy hair under control until your next grooming session.
Of course, there are situations when shedding can be a sign of a serious health concern.
If your dog’s shedding is followed by the appearance of bald spots in his fur, it’s time to take him to the vet. Any sickness, such as mange, or other conditions that cause patterned hair loss should be ruled out. Hair loss is a key indicator of failing or decreasing health, and if identified early enough, many health issues can be resolved before they worsen.
Malnutrition could be a contributing factor
Malnutrition is sometimes indicated by a loss of fur. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s nutrition, or have him examined for nutritional inadequacies if you just obtained him.
It is extremely beneficial if you bring a sample of the food you are feeding your dog to the vet visit, preferably in its original packaging, so that the veterinarian can check through the ingredient list in case she or he feels the need to adjust the dog’s diet.
Deficiency in vitamins
A vitamin shortage can cause itchy skin, which can lead to shedding. There are a variety of over-the-counter medicines available, but any supplementing should be discussed with your veterinarian first.
Self-medicating your dog should only be attempted if you are completely confident in your abilities.
As you can see, having a shedding dog is something you’ll have to deal with, but the amount of shedding can be minimised with a few basic actions and some common sense. So go ahead and enjoy the changing seasons while making sure you have your doggie brush on hand!
As a result of parasites or fungi,shedding may occur
Fleas, ticks, and mites may be visible in your dog’s fur, or you may merely notice inflammation and/or redness on his skin, prompting him to scratch, lick, or bite the area in search of comfort.
You may see circular or randomly distributed hair loss if he has fungi-induced ringworm, whereas hair loss caused by parasites usually appears around the ears, stomach, chest, and eyes. In most circumstances, antifungal shampoos or other topical treatments or medications can be used to keep such pests at bay.
Shedding as a result of allergies
Dogs, like humans, can have allergic reactions to a variety of allergens. Your puppy’s hair loss could be caused by a drug that he doesn’t like. Pollen, mould, or the aforementioned fleas or dust mites are examples of prevalent environmental stimuli, whereas dietary allergies can include beef, dairy, wheat, poultry, maize, or soy.
Alcohol, avocado, chocolate, coffee, citrous, coconut, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, salty snack foods, xylitol, and yeast dough are among the human foods that can be detrimental to pets, according to the ASPCA.
Allergies, like infestations, can cause your dog to scratch or bite at red areas on his skin. Allergies in dogs are typically treated with new or different drugs, dietary changes, or immunotherapy; unless you can determine a specific reason on your own, a professional diagnosis is likely.
Shedding as a result of pregnancy
Your female dog may be pregnant, in which case she may be deficient in the calcium and minerals required to keep her coat healthy. She may sweat abundantly, out of season, and/or in the days following her delivery.
Shedding occurs as a result of a major sickness.
Unfortunately, a variety of conditions can cause your dog’s coat to begin to shed excessively. Cancer, immunological illnesses, or a kidney, liver, thyroid, or adrenal condition like Cushing’s are also possibilities.
