When do dogs start shedding? is natural pet behavior. Shedding in dogs depends on the dog’s breed. Some dogs shed a lot, while some consider shed-free. There are many reasons for Shedding in dogs.
Pet owners often want to know about when dogs start shedding? And how to control dogs shedding?
In the article, we will let you know the complete information about shedding in dogs. You can use the table of content for smooth navigation.
When do dogs start shedding?
Mostly dogs Shedding starts in the spring and fall.
Shedding is natural pet behavior to get rid of dead hairs to make way for new growth and prepare itself for the upcoming weather.
Shedding in dogs varies from breed to breed. Some dog breeds shed a lot while some consider shed-free such as Poodles, Broder Terriers, and Dachshunds.
Types of Dogs Shedding:
There are generally two types of dogs shedding depend on the dog’s coat
- Seasonal
- Year-round.
Some breeds with long fur growing cycles and thick coats often not shed, while others, such as golden retrievers and collies, shed year-round.
Puppies that usually live indoors often shed more than usual because of the control temperature indoor.
How long does seasonal shedding last? The seasonal shedding usually starts in the spring and fall to make it coat suitable for winter and summer. In spring, the pet coat became lighter while shed, to prepare itself for the summer, and in fall, the coat became heavy to prepare itself for the hard weather winter.
Cause of dogs shedding:
1. Seasonal Shedding:
What months do dogs shed the most? Seasonal shedding in pups usually occurs in the two-season the spring and the fall. Certain dogs breed having a double-coated body, the topcoat which we see, and the undercoat of soft and short secondary hairs.
why is my dog shedding in winter? This shedding behavior occurs naturally as the result of temperature and to ready, the body for the upcoming season. The amount of shedding vary from breed to breed. Some shed more while some shed less.
2. Year-Round Shedding:
Year-Round shedding is common in many animals. The Year-Round hair fall behavior is considered common and natural. Usually in this cycle, the hair shafts within the follicles which stops the hair for further growth and leads to hair loss.
The year-round shedding depends on the bread, temperature, environment, and age.
Dogs breeds having continuously growing ability like Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles. The hair life span of such breeds is long and shed little.
Why is my short haired dog shedding? Dog breeds with short hairs like huskies and Labradors shed a lot because of the shorter hair’s life span.
3. Skin Problems:
Frequent hair loss and shedding could be the sign of Skin problems in your dogs. Some common Health issues life Hotspots in dogs and skin allergies leads to dogs shedding.
4. Poor Nutrition:
Poper and balanced diet promote healthy skin and hair growth. Lack of good nutritional food leads to Vitamin and minerals deficiency which directly affects the metabolic disorder and leads to hair loss in pups.
5. Presence of parasites:
Parasites such as mites, ticks, and fleas lead to skin irritation, scratching, and an increase in shedding. Make sure proper treatment of Mites in dogs, scabies in dogs, thick and fleas in dogs.
Learn more How to dogs get mites? Home remedies.
How to Control a Dog’s Shedding?
Dogs shedding is a natural process. You can not stop this; however, you can control the behaviors with some of the tips. Follow the below tips to prevent pup shedding.
1. Proper Grooming:
Pet grooming is most essential to keep your canine good-looking and to control shedding. To prevent your dog’s hair fall everywhere, your need to brush and groom your furry friend daily.
Use a dog shedding rake. It will help you remove all the dead hair without damaging the coat and the healthy hairs. Always choose the best dog grooming brush for your pet.
If you have a busy schedule and this is not possible to brush daily, make sure to brush in every three days.
Regular grooming not only prevents hair fall but also keeps your canine hair soft and sleeker.
Learn more about 7 Best Dog Grooming Hacks of All Time.
2. Prevent your dogs from Parasites:
Parasites such as mites, ticks, and fleas lead to skin irritation, scratching, and an increase in shedding. Make sure proper treatment of Mites in dogs, scabies in dogs, thick and fleas in dogs.
You can use Apple cider vinegar and Mites and Flea control shampoo for your pet to overcome the problem.
3. Improve healthy skin:
Healthy skin will help to grow healthy hairs and will stop the hair fall. To keep your dog’s skin healthy, follow the below tips.
- If you notice any skin issues in your canine, contact your vet immediately.
- Make sure proper grooming.
- Always feed a healthy diet to improve its metabolic activity.
- If you notice any skin issues in your canine, contact your vet immediately.
- Make sure to protect your dog’s skin from parasite attacks.
- Make sure to use proper moisturizers for your pup’s skin.
- Protect your pet from going outside in the winter. Follow these 11 winter safety tips.
- Use an air humidifier for your pup at night.
- Always use the best and vet recommended pet shampoo.
4. Feed Healthy Diet:
A healthy diet is a key to nutritional health. Feed your pup a healthy diet rich in vitamins, digestible proteins, minerals, and fatty acids. Always make sure to feed in moderation.
Make sure to confirm it with your vet before offering any food to your dog.
5. Make a proper bathing schedule:
Make a proper bathing schedule for your pet, do not use human shampoo. Why human shampoo is bad for dogs?
Always use the best and vet-recommended pet shampoo for your furry friend. After batching, use a best dog moisturizer for your pet.
Top 20 High/Worst shedding dogs:
- Akita
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Icelandic Sheepdog
- Newfoundland
- Keeshond
- Leonberger
- Great Pyrenees
- Finnish Lapphund
- Finnish Spitz
- Pomeranian
- Alaskan Malamute
- Beagle
- Chow Chow
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
Top 20 Low-Shedding Dog Breeds:
- Bichon Frise
- Basenji
- Cane Corso
- Cirneco dell’Etna
- Redbone Coonhound
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Poodle
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Basenji
- Shih Tzu
- Maltese
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Italian Greyhound
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Basenji
Phases of dog’s hair growth:
Dog’s hair growth is categorized into four Phases.
- Anagen Phase: Start of new hair growth
- Catagen Phase: Stops further growth when reached maximum growth.
- Telogen: Resting phase. Not Growing, not shedding.
- Exogen Phase: Start of shedding/ Hair fall.