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If you have a dog, you'll probably already know that hair shedding is part of the package.
In actual fact, all domestic dogs shed hair, even hairless dogs, and those considered non-shedders still moult.
Dog moulting is a completely natural and healthy bodily function.
Although moulting can be a nuisance, understanding the reasons behind it and why certain coats and breeds are affected more than others can help you manage it more efficiently.
Contents:
Why is my dog shedding or moulting?
What can cause my dog to lose hair?
How to stop a dog from moulting
How can I manage my dog's shedding?
Why is my dog shedding or moulting?
Many changes influence dog coats, and some dog breeds are affected more than others. Some dogs shed seasonally, whereas others shed hair all year round, with many factors contributing to this.
Historically, dog coats adapted naturally to suit the seasons. Working dogs and dogs that spent a lot of time outside were affected most by these seasonal changes, developing a warmer, thicker undercoat in the winter and naturally shedding this in spring and summer. The amount of light a dog's coat sees also impacts the amount of hair that they shed.
Light is one of the biggest contributors to a dog's shedding cycle.
Nowadays, dogs spend more time indoors with central heating and artificial lighting, which in turn naturally disrupts the behaviours of their coat and its traditional cycles, causing more unpredictable shedding patterns. Combine that with cold winters, and the fact that dogs can be exposed to extremely hot and cold conditions on the same day, it's no wonder that their coats become confused!
When is moulting season?
In the UK, we experience clear temperature changes from summer to winter. Seasonal moulting breeds tend to moult more in the summer, whilst their coat is thicker and fuller in the winter. In the wild, dogs moulted for survival, when temperature and day length triggered their bodies to create the correct coat for the season.
However, as dogs are exposed to multiple temperatures and lighting changes both in and outdoors, some coats are stimulated to shed all year round. Until evolution catches up, it's important to learn how to manage your dog's moulting for their health and comfort and a cleaner, hair-free household.
What can cause my dog to lose hair?
Alongside seasonal changes, there are other factors that are worth considering when it comes to your dog's hair loss.
Dog moulting varies from breed to breed and can be impacted by a dog's age, gender and whether or not they've been neutered. The volume of hair loss can also result from your dog's stress levels, hormone imbalances, diet, overall nutrition levels and their type of coat.
If you notice any changes to your dog's regular moulting pattern, it's always best to contact your vet.
Here are some of the things which can cause your dog to moult:-
1. Parasites
If you notice that your dog is scratching or biting itself more often than usual, it could be due to parasites. Parasites can cause inflammation and broken skin and put your dog at risk of bacterial and fungal infections, which could cause problems further down the line.
If in doubt, consult your vet for treatment.
2. Hormonal diseases and pregnancy
If your dog begins to shed symmetrically, this could be down to some hormonal changes, and it may be worth seeking medical advice to determine how best to treat your dog to prevent further moulting. Pregnancy hormones can also impact your dog's coat.
3. Diet
Changes to your dog's diet can affect its shedding pattern. This isn't always bad, as sometimes your dog can end up with a better, stronger, fuller and healthier coat due to their new diet.
If their diet is negatively impacting their skin and fur, you may notice that they've developed some allergies, scratching more often, or losing their fur.
If this is the case, it may be time to alter their diet again
4. Stress
Some dogs may shed their hair due to a change in circumstances whilst adapting to a new environment or situation. Once your dog has adapted to its surroundings, this should correct itself, but if things persist, consult your vet.
5. Post Clipping Alopecia
Caused by shaving or clipping dense coated or double-coated dogs too short, post-clipping alopecia can cause a dog's coat to grow back thin or patchy and can alter their natural cooling system. Always consult a professional groomer before clipping your dog to prevent post-clipping alopecia from recurring.
Post-clipping alopecia can mean that your dog is vulnerable to sunburn, which can lead to other skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation. In some cases, it can take up to two years for a dog's natural coat regrowth to return. If in doubt about diagnoses, always consult your vet.
Post clipping alopecia can mean that your dog is vulnerable to sunburn and can lead to other skin issues such as hyper-pigmentation. In some cases, it can take up to two years for a dog’s natural coat regrowth to return. If in doubt on diagnoses, always consult your vet.
6. Allergies
Allergies can play a significant role in dog alopecia. They can occur at any stage of a dog's life and can be food, environmental or parasite-related. Allergies that cause hair loss must be treated quickly, as they can quickly spread to other body areas. If your dog starts to lose large amounts of fur or shows signs of balding, visit your vet for an evaluation and treatment.
How to stop a dog from moulting?
While you may not be able to stop this heavy seasonal moult entirely, there are a number of useful tips and techniques to help reduce and abate mass shedding.
To best control your dog's shedding, you must first understand their coat type.
Here are the most common types of dog coats and some breeds that fit into each category;-
Smooth coats
Smooth-coated dogs have short hair which grows close to their bodies and, therefore, requires minimal professional grooming.
However, this coat type does shed a lot of light hairs which does require regular brushing. Dogs with this hair type include smooth-coated Dachshunds, Doberman and Bull Terriers.
Double coats
Double-coated dogs have a dense undercoat of shorter hairs and a top coat of longer guard hairs.
Dogs that carry this coat are often from the working group, whose ancestry required them to be outdoors more often, so their coats naturally developed to suit the changing season.
Border Collies, Huskies, German Shepherds and Chow-Chows are all double-coated breeds and require regular brushing to remove the moulting undercoat.
Avoid clipping double-coated dogs, as this can lead to post-clipping alopecia.
Wire coats
A harsh top coat and soft undercoat are characteristics of wire coated dogs.
A typical coat type for most terrier breeds, they require regular grooming to prevent heavy matting and tangling unless their coat is short, like a Border Terrier's coat.
Hand-stripping is a popular grooming method for this coat type, which can take hours but nicely maintains the coat's wiry texture. Hand stripping removes dead hairs from the coat and is usually completed twice a year during spring and autumn, with some people choosing to roll the coat continuously for more even growth.
Wool coats
Curly and fluffy in appearance, wool-coated dogs have fast-growing coats that hardly shed but mat easily. They are a great breed choice for those with allergies as they shed very little hair and dander but require regular daily brushing to prevent matting. Poodles are an example of a wool-coated breed.
Long coats
Requiring the most regular grooming and washing routine, long-coated dogs are the most susceptible to matting and tangling. Yorkshire Terriers are an example of a long-coated breed. If you are searching for some more information on tackling a matted coat, make sure to read our Top Tips To Help Save A Matted Dog Coat blog for more information.
Combination coats
Combination coats are more prevalent in mixed or 'designer dog' breeds such as Labradoodles and Cockapoos, combining elements of both breed's coats to make them shed less but often require regular grooming to prevent matting.
How can I manage my dog’s shedding?
Here are some top tips for managing your dog's moult now you've got a better understanding of their coat;-
Brushing
Regular brushing is essential when dealing with heavy pet moulting. To control shedding, you should brush your dog daily or weekly during moult season, depending on the severity of their moult.
Regular brushing reduces falling hair; the more hair you remove with a brush, the less hair you'll see around your home. A slicker brush is a great initial investment as it collects and removes loose hair effectively, although it isn't advisable for short-haired dogs, as they can be too harsh and irritate the skin.
If your dog is going through a particularly heavy moult or is a double-coated breed, undercoat rakes, shedding blades, or dematting tools are a sound investment. These tools pull loose undercoat hair away from the skin and coat it in one quick, simple and pain-free motion and significantly reduce mass-moulted hair.
Recommended products:
Other things to consider
Whilst brushing is the simplest and most effective way to control pet moulting, there are several additional methods you can employ to help with the process.
- Bathe your dog with a gentle shampoo. It is important to use a shampoo designed for dogs; otherwise, the coat can become damaged and brittle. Human shampoos have a different PH level therefore, it is imperative to use a shampoo designed for dogs to avoid skin irritation.
- Use a bath brush when bathing your dog. Bath brushes massage deep into the coat, encouraging hair to come free more readily, particularly if the coat is long and dense.
- Consider including fatty acids in your dog's diet. A healthy diet, in general, will benefit coat health, but fatty acids, in particular, enhance and nourish dog coats very effectively.
Keep your dog’s unruly hair under control by shopping at Groomers
Give your dog's coat some much-needed TLC, by shopping for grooming products at Groomers Online using the links above. Or, for more at-home grooming products, why not explore our shampoos, conditioners and fragrance sprays, to keep your dog feeling healthy, happy and smelling fresh between grooming appointments?
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