Dealing with hair around the house is part of owning a dog. At Dan’s Pet Care, we’re used to having some dog hair around – and we’ve gotten really good at cleaning it up. But sometimes, the amount of dog hair you find can get a little overwhelming. Has your pet been shedding their coat faster than you can keep up with? If so, keep reading to learn a little more about dog hair. We’ll discuss why your dog might be shedding so much, and what you may be able to do about it.
Your dog might have a genetic tendency to shed a lot
Depending on your dog’s breed, you might be in for some extra hair to deal with. Some breeds naturally shed more than others. These are just five of the popular dog breeds that will give your vacuum cleaner a run for its money:
However, there are many breeds that shed a significant amount of hair. When choosing a dog breed, you should consider many different factors, like temperament, exercise needs, and predisposition to health conditions. If you really hate dealing with dog hair, you might be looking for a breed that’s known for shedding less than the average. Five of these breeds include:
Maltese
Poodles and Labradoodles
Schnauzers
However, it’s important to consider many other factors before making your decision – don’t just choose a breed based on their shedding habits. Also, keep in mind that low-shedding dogs may have higher grooming needs (and costs) than their high-shedding counterparts.
Your dog could be suffering from a disease
Shedding can be a symptom of many diseases in dogs. Of course, you probably can’t diagnose any specific condition based on your dog’s increased shedding. But if you’ve noticed more hair than usual, it’s worth contacting your vet for some advice. Be sure to tell them about any other new symptoms you’ve noticed.
These are a few serious illnesses often linked to an uptick in shedding:
Kidney or liver disease
Cancer
Hormonal imbalances
Bacterial or fungal infections
Your dog may be suffering from environmental triggers
Sometimes, irritants that come into contact with your dog cause them to shed more. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to substances that make them itchy and uncomfortable. The more your dog scratches, the more they’ll shed hair. Your dog might be allergic to substances like:
Grass
Pollen
Shampoo
Soaps and detergents
Food ingredients
A good way to test whether something is irritating your dog’s skin is to remove it for a while and see what happens. When that’s not possible, your vet may be able to prescribe allergy medications that can offer relief.
It might be shedding season for your dog
Did you know that some types of dogs have shedding seasons, while others shed at a steady rate year round? It all comes down to the type of coat your dog has. Double-coated dogs have both a top coat and a bottom coat of hair. They tend to shed their top coat during the spring – and sometimes during the fall as well. There are many popular double-coated dog breeds, such as:
However, single-coated dog breeds do still shed. They just do it at a more consistent rate year-round. A few of the best-loved breeds with a single coat include:
Whether your dog has a double or single coat, it’s important to brush them regularly to keep shedding under control. In fact, brushing every two days is highly recommended. Your dog might not love being brushed at first. But with regular practice, they’ll get used to it and even enjoy it.
Your dog might be pregnant
Just like humans, dogs often experience some hair thinning during pregnancy. This can be due to rapidly changing hormones, but it may also happen when your dog is struggling to get the nutrients she needs. Make sure your pregnant dog is eating a high-quality diet and taking any supplements your vet recommends.
A little hair (or a lot) doesn’t scare our team!
The team of specialists at Dan’s Pet Care spends a lot of time around dogs. We understand what it’s like to constantly need a lint roller – but we think it’s a small price to pay for everything dogs do for us. If you need pet care services in Long Island or Brooklyn, why not work with the top pet care company in the area? We offer a full panel of services, including doggy day care, walking, grooming, and much more. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 or fill out our online contact form!
