Dog Shedding Problems &
Tips
Author:
Wishbone
Almost all dogs shed, probably except those hairless dogs
such as Peruvian Inca or America Hairless Terriers that are
considered non-shedding dogs. Human sheds too. Hair loss
usually results by environment change and genetics. "Blowing
the coat" or shedding is important to prepare the body from
season change and give way for new coats to come. Most dogs
will shed between seasons, either to prepare for dealing with
the summer heat, or to shed a lighter undercoat for a heavy,
dense undercoat for the wintertime. Dogs also shed in a similar
fashion as humans, in order to get rid or damaged or broken
hair on their coat. Shedding dogs that are not properly groomed
may be prone to matting.
Some breeds have a seasonal shedding season in the spring, as
their winter coats are lost. But if your dog is an indoor dog
it may not be outside enough for the dog's body to register the
change of season, so he may shed all year round. Lack of needed
skin vitamins, skin problems or any internal health problems
also causes shedding. Knowing the right ways to deal with
shedding will benefit you both from keeping your dog healthy
and eliminate those hairs easily.
Regular Grooming. Proper and constant grooming is the key for a
healthy dog coat and skin. Keeping in mind that the hair is
going to fall out either way and it is best to remove it
yourself and throw it in the trash, then to let the hair fall
out naturally all over your house. Brushing your dog once a day
will greatly reduce the unwanted hair all over your clothes,
carpet and furniture, especially during shedding season.
Depending on your specific breed, you will need to do brush
your dog at least weekly. Others may have to do it on a daily
basis. Using a slicker brush will keep hair from falling all
over the place during the process. That way you won't have to
vacuum it up afterwards.
Healthy Diet. The diet of a dog becomes essential, as dogs that
are fed an unhealthy diet may have more problems with their
coat than dogs that are fed the right dietary foods. For many
dogs the amount of fat content is essential to maintain a
healthy coat of hair. This does not just account for a shiny
haired canine, but dogs need this oil for their skin which in
turn holds the hair follicles in place. Dog's sebaceous gland
needs oil to properly produce for hair to be healthy.
Dietary Supplements. This helps a lot for dogs that are
shedding too much. Omega 3 and 6 fatty fatty acid supplements
work best. A lack of omega 3 and 6 in your dog's diet can cause
dry skin, dull coats, and excessive shedding. These supplements
usually take at least a month before you can see a noticeable
improvement in the amount of shedding.
Control Skin Problems. Ensuring a healthy skin is important.
Dry skin can lead to dog shedding problems. Therefore, you
should make sure your dog doesn't have any skin conditions.
These skin conditions can be very itchy or painful and prompt
your dog to scratch himself excessively. Treat dog skin
infections with medicated shampoo or an oral medication.
Physical Problems. There are physical problems that can cause
large, abnormal amounts of shedding such as ringworm, skin
infections, stress, mange, thyroid imbalance and cancer. If
your dog's hair loss is abnormal you will see bald spots. If
you see bald spots or you think your dog is shedding
abnormally, take your dog to the vet to perform some blood
tests.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com -
Dog Shedding Problems &
Tips
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