When we have a dog, shedding usually comes with the territory. While we expect to deal with some amount of rogue hair, it can be frustrating when our dog is shedding more than they should be.
Is it just part of a normal cycle? Or is it something to be concerned about? Here are 8 reasons why your dog is shedding more than usual and how to help.
8 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Shedding More than Usual
It’s Part of Their Natural Shedding Cycle
Some dogs naturally shed more than others. Some of the most popular breeds, like labradors, retrievers, and German shepherds, are also big shedders.The season may also have something to do with your dog’s shedding.
As winter gets closer, many dogs get thicker coats. This is especially true if they go outside regularly. When spring and summer roll around, dogs shed those thick coats to get ready for the heat.
Parasites or Fungal Infections
Most dogs go outside regularly to use the bathroom or to go on walks. Unfortunately, that makes them susceptible to picking up fleas, ticks, and other unwanted guests.
When these parasitic home invaders start their attack, your pup will naturally bite and scratch to stop the itch. This can lead to hair loss and shedding.
It’s much easier to prevent parasites than it is to get rid of them, both on your dog and in your home. Fortunately, there are many options available to keep your dog flea-free and feeling great.
Fungal infections, like ringworm, also can lead to hair loss and shedding. If you suspect your dog has ringworm, contact your veterinarian to find out the best shampoo or ointment to kick it to the curb.
Pregnancy, Spaying, and Neutering
Dogs who are pregnant go through many hormonal changes. This can cause hair loss, especially on their stomachs, since they’re getting ready to nurse their puppies.
When a dog is spayed or neutered, they also have hormonal changes. This is especially true if the dog is older. These hormonal changes can cause more shedding than normal.
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Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are leading causes of excessive shedding in dogs. There are many different things that can stress our dogs out. They include any changes in their daily routine, like a new baby or a new dog in the house. Or maybe a new work routine keeps you away from home for longer periods of time.
If something has changed dramatically in your dog’s world, it can cause them ongoing stress. And that stress can cause shedding.
Dogs may also experience short-term stress from loud noises, like fireworks or sirens. Vet visits can cause stress also.
Identifying the cause of your dog’s anxiety is a great first step toward helping them. While we can’t always eliminate those causes completely, we can help our pups deal with them.
This includes things like making a cozy spot in the house that’s just for them – a safe space where they feel protected and secure, perhaps with a dog bed and a favorite toy. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription medication to help.
Sunburn
You may wonder how a dog that’s pretty much covered in hair could get sunburned. The truth is while dogs with thinner hair are more at risk, all dogs are susceptible. That’s because even dogs with the thickest fur have vulnerable areas like their ears, nose, and belly. These exposed sensitive areas can be burned, and that can cause hair loss.
Poor Nutrition
Dogs who don’t get all the necessary nutrients from their diet can experience shedding due to nutritional deficiencies.
When buying food for your dog, it’s important to note that all dog foods are not created equal when it comes to their nutritional value. Problems can arise when well-meaning pup parents give their dog a raw food diet without adding supplements. It can be incredibly difficult or even impossible to give a dog all the nutrients they need through a raw diet alone. Adding a well-rounded dog supplement ensures your dog is getting the correct nutrition.
Allergies
We may not think of dogs as having allergies, but they can be allergic to all the things humans are. Allergens for dogs range from pollen to dust to food and more. And the inflammation and itching from an allergy can lead to scratching and hair loss.
If you suspect your dog has an allergy, your veterinarian can assist in narrowing down the cause and suggesting a treatment plan.
Even if you discover it isn’t a food allergy that’s troubling your pup, changing their food to a limited-ingredient formula can help their system deal with the allergens. In addition, you can support your dog’s immune system and lower the inflammation associated with allergies by providing them natural anti-inflammatory support. Omega-3s and MSM are two natural additions to your dog’s diet that are often recommended to help dogs with allergies.
Our Omega-3 supplement contains fish oil from wild-caught cold-water fish and is freeze-dried to make it easy to serve while keeping it fresh.
Illness
Some serious illnesses like thyroid disease and Cushing’s disease can cause hair loss in dogs. It’s important to note that the other causes of shedding mentioned above are far more common and more likely. However, it’s also important to be aware of these more serious causes since early treatment is key.
If you notice things like large bare patches, skin discoloration, lethargy, loss of appetite, or any other dramatic change in your dog’s behavior along with the shedding, speak to your veterinarian right away. These could be signs of serious conditions that require a veterinarian’s assistance.