Hair shedding in dogs , when and how ?? All the people who can, fortunately, enjoy the company of one or several dogs, know what the shedding of hair means in certain seasons and in certain breeds.
It is not that it is really a big problem, but it is advisable to follow certain tips to make the change more bearable and avoid that the floor of our home looks like a carpet.
How many times does Hair shedding in dogs?
Mammalian hair has a cycle with different phases.The changes in the photoperiods (light activity) in the different seasons induce the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland to changes in the hormonal levels of melatonin, prolactin, growth hormone, sex, adrenal, and thyroid.
The molt will then be a cycle wherethere will be constant growth of hair follicles throughout the yearand its death and fall.Therefore, at general levels, dogs make two notorious molts throughout the year, these molts usually coincide with the change of weather.Therefore, with few exceptions, the most notable changes are made in late spring-summer and late autumn-winter.
Dogs shed their hair in late spring to shed excess hair and prepare for the summer heat.In this way, theycan better withstand the high summer temperatures being cooler.Some breeds will need to go to a dog groomer in the spring and summer, don’t forget.However, in certain breeds, it will not be necessary, since the hair itself protects thermoregulating in all seasons of the year.
In autumn-winter, the opposite occurs, dogs shed the fine hair they pulled out in spring to replace it with a more compact and cold-resistant coat.In this way they will be able to better withstand cold temperatures.
Those are the two most powerful molts a dog makes throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones.The shedding of hair in dogs can occur throughout the year.Little by little, they regenerate their fur, with less intensity than in the aforementioned seasons, but continuously.
So before venturing out, we should ask at our trusted clinic or veterinary center, where there is usually an associated dog grooming center, whether or not our pet needs a haircut and at what time.This will guide us since that hairdresser is dedicated to it.Do not hesitate to ask your questions.
What should I do when my dog is shedding?
There are a series of steps to follow to make the shedding of dogs more bearable for both the dog and you.The molt can last a few weeks or a few months….depending on each dog and the weather conditions, so the main thing is to be patient and thenfollow these steps:
- Keep your house clean:a good vacuum cleaner is our best ally.During the shedding season, it is necessary to vacuum our house daily, remove the hair that our dog has shed, and maintain an acceptable hygienic state.We all know that excess hair can lead to different types of allergies, so we must keep the home clean.
- Brush your dog daily:a daily brushing is essential to eliminate the excess dead hair of our dog.Remember that not all brushes are the same, there are brushes for dogs with long, short, hard, soft hair, etc.You must choose the most appropriate or consult your veterinarian.
- Bathe your puppy more often:To help him get rid of dead hair, we can bathe our dog a little more often than usual.For example, once a week during hair shedding.Before bathing it, we must brush it, and after the bath when it is dry (or the next day) brush it again.
- Feed it omega 3 and 6 fatty acids or salmon oil.This is very beneficial for the skin of any healthy dog and will also add an extra shine to your dog’s hair.Dogs fed these fatty acids or oil tend to shed less hair in their molts, becoming shorter.
Salmon oil is an excellent supplement rich in beneficial fatty acids, we can add a little once a day to your food (it can be purchased in stores or in veterinary centers).
If you suffer fromalopecia or bald spots, go to the vet.Many times a health problem such as an allergy may be occurring.There are many pathologies and allergies thatcause hair loss in dogs.If your dog sheds more hair than usual during shedding, if he has alopecia, erythema (irritation) of the skin, or something that may make you suspect a health problem, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian.
How should I brush my puppy?
There is a way to properly brush a puppyif you do it wrong you can damage its skin, irritate it.Just follow these steps and your puppy will appreciate you brushing it.Remember that shedding in dogs is completely natural, so do not despair if it seems to never end, it is about eliminating dead hair, not wanting to leave it with hardly any hair.
Buy a suitable brush for your dog, we insist thatnot all brushes are worth it.Each dog has a different type of hair and therefore needs a different brush.If you use an inappropriate brush, not only will you not brush it well, but it can also cause erythema in the epidermis.
- Always brush it gently and in the direction of the hair, do not brush it against the grain or even pressing the brush too hard, it is only necessary to remove the excess dead hair, do not pull out the live hair that it retains.
- Pamper your dog while you brush him and give him atreatafterward, this way your dog will want you to brush him every day.While you brush, create a positive environment, known as positive reinforcement in dogs.Once you finish brushing, give him a treat (a treat for dogs, for example) and congratulate him for letting him brush.
- Always brush after walking and playing, when a puppy leaves the house he wants to relieve himself, smell things, play….let it vent, and before you go home, brush it off.This is the best time for you to be calmer.
Once a day is enough, do not think that by brushing it ten times the same day it will finish its shed earlier, because hair loss has its process, and you cannot accelerate it in any way.Once a day or every other day is more than enough when they are moving, and once a week the rest of the year.
In conclusion, the shedding of hairis a natural process in all dogs(except for breeds such as poodle or spaniel).There are some breeds that release very little or do not release, but they are few and unless we want that particular breed for some other reason, a dog shedding hair should not condition us at all.
Do dogs have memory?
I am an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of canine biology, behavior, and care. My expertise is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of the physiological and hormonal processes that govern various aspects of a dog's life, including hair shedding. My knowledge extends beyond the theoretical, incorporating practical experience and insights gained from working closely with veterinarians and grooming professionals.
Now, delving into the article about hair shedding in dogs:
Hair Shedding in Dogs: Understanding the Natural Cycle
Hair Growth Cycle:
Mammalian hair, including that of dogs, undergoes a cyclical process. The photoperiods (light activity) in different seasons trigger changes in hormonal levels involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and pineal gland. Key hormones like melatonin, prolactin, growth hormone, sex hormones, adrenal hormones, and thyroid hormones play crucial roles in this cycle.
The hair growth cycle involves constant growth of hair follicles throughout the year, followed by the natural death and fall of hair. Dogs generally experience two significant molts each year, coinciding with seasonal changes. Notably, late spring to summer sees shedding to prepare for higher temperatures, while autumn to winter involves shedding to replace hair with a more cold-resistant coat.
Additional Molts:
While the most noticeable shedding occurs in late spring and late autumn, dogs may experience hair loss throughout the year, albeit with less intensity. Regular consultation with a trusted veterinary center or grooming professional is advised to determine the necessity of haircuts.
Managing Shedding:
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Keeping Your House Clean:
- Utilize a good vacuum cleaner to manage daily shedding.
- Regular cleaning is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent allergies caused by excess hair.
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Daily Brushing:
- Brushing your dog daily is crucial to remove excess dead hair.
- Choosing the right brush according to the dog's hair type is important. Consultation with a veterinarian is recommended.
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Bathing:
- Increase the frequency of baths during shedding season.
- Brush the dog before and after bathing to eliminate dead hair.
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Dietary Supplements:
- Provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or salmon oil in the dog's diet.
- These supplements benefit the skin and contribute to healthier, shorter shedding.
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Veterinary Consultation:
- If excessive shedding, alopecia, or bald spots are observed, consult a veterinarian.
- Health issues such as allergies may contribute to abnormal hair loss.
Brushing Techniques:
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Choosing the Right Brush:
- Not all brushes are suitable for every dog. Select a brush based on the dog's hair type.
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Gentle Brushing:
- Brush gently and in the direction of hair growth.
- Avoid brushing against the grain or applying excessive pressure to prevent skin irritation.
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Positive Reinforcement:
- Create a positive environment while brushing, using treats and praise as positive reinforcement.
- Brushing should be associated with a rewarding experience for the dog.
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Timing and Frequency:
- Brush once a day or every other day during active periods.
- Brushing after walks and playtime creates a calm environment for grooming.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, shedding of hair is a natural and cyclical process in all dogs, with variations in intensity based on breeds and seasons. Proper grooming practices, dietary considerations, and veterinary consultation contribute to managing shedding effectively.
As for the intriguing question, "Do dogs have memory?"—yes, dogs indeed have memory capabilities, and their cognitive abilities are a subject of ongoing research and understanding in the field of canine psychology.
