Dogs That Shed: Why and What You Can Do

There are so many dogs that shed, so you might believe a hairy house is an absolute if you want to adopt a canine companion. That's far from the truth! Don't hesitate to bring a dog into your family simply because you're worried about hair loss. There are many non-shedding (low-shedding) dogs to adopt and strategies you can employ if your dog sheds a lot in your home.

Why Dogs Shed

To understand why shedding occurs, it's important to learn the role hair plays for a dog. First, the hair's most important function is keeping your dog's skin, his most vital organ, protected from elements, such as the sun, heat, cold, and more. Hair also keeps your dog's body temperature regulated. Some dogs that shed have thick undercoats that act as insulation to keep your pet both warm and cool, just as insulation keeps your home warm and cool year-round.

Like humans, a dog's hair grows all the time. As the hair stops growing at the end of its natural life cycle, it breaks off. The amount of shedding can vary based on breed, season, or health. Some dogs are heavier shedders than others. Have you ever noticed stands of hair on your pillow or caught in the drain? While your dog's hair might not make it into your shower, it will end up everywhere else from your carpet to your clothes if you don't take proper precautions.

Also, a common misconception is that shedding depends on your dog's coat length, but that is not true. Shedding varies between breeds more than hair length. While a haircut of a long-haired dog will ultimately result in less shedding for a time, it doesn't mean he doesn't shed, it just may result in less volume of hair to clean up after.

Changes in Shedding

It's important to know what is baseline shedding for your furry friend, so you'll notice any changes in hair loss. Pay attention to how much your dog sheds as soon as you welcome him into your home. Do you notice stray hairs here and there, or do you find that every time you sit down, your pants get covered in fur? Once you know what is normal for your pet, you'll be better able to identify when there is a sudden hair loss change. An easy indicator to spot is thinning of your dog's coat which could result from excessive chewing or scratching resulting from some sort of skin condition or parasite.

Seasonal shifts play a significant role in dog shedding. Dogs usually shed once or twice a year, but that doesn't mean you won't notice fur around your house year-round, as it breaks off when the life cycle ends. Major seasonal changes happen when your dog releases much of his coat, and this usually occurs in double-coated breeds with undercoats, such as Siberian huskies.

Stress is another factor that contributes to hair loss. An anxious dog may lose more than a care-free dog. Identify any stressors in your dog's environment, remove them, and see if that slows hair loss. Shedding is serious when it includes other symptoms, such as skin lesions or itching.

There are many health reasons why your dog's shedding cycle may suddenly change. According to PetMD, "an infestation of parasites, like fleas, lice or mites, can cause excessive hair loss. Ringworm, dermatitis and certain types of fungal infections, immune diseases and cancers can cause hair loss, too. Hormonal changes and allergies are another cause of shedding. Certain foods, medications, household cleaners and grooming supplies may trigger allergic reactions in dogs."

Contact your pet's vet immediately if you notice a significant change in his hair loss.