One of the most important aspects of canine health is their coat, but it is also one of the areas that requires the most care; this can drive you crazy the longer it is and the more hair it sheds all over the house. This situation becomes even more uncontrollable during the shedding season, when your dog will drop most of its coat to replace it with the one it needs for this new time of year. To make this transition easier, we share these tips for caring for your dog in autumn.
What is shedding in dogs?
Shedding is the name given to the act of dropping a large amount of hair during certain seasons of the year. Many pets do this, especially dogs and cats.
The more hair your furry friend has, the greater the amount it will release during shedding. It will also be more noticeable depending on the length of its coat, since short-haired dogs also shed, but in smaller amounts. That said, all of them, without exception, go through this process every year.
When is the shedding season for dogs?
Shedding takes place so that the dog has the right amount of coat to cope with the approaching temperatures. Therefore, the shedding season occurs during the changes of seasons, especially during spring and autumn. Even so, hair loss is something that will happen throughout the year, but during shedding season it becomes more noticeable.
How to manage shedding in dogs?
To prevent the amount of hair your dog sheds from piling up all over the house, the best thing to do is to brush its coat regularly. The frequency with which you should brush it will depend on the type of coat it has (short, medium-length or long), as will the type of brush you should use for it, since each breed has skin that is more or less delicate.
Short-haired dogs
Since short-haired dogs shed a smaller amount of hair, they require less frequent brushing. With 2 to 3 sessions per week they will be just fine, and the brush you should use should have soft or rubber bristles since their skin is more delicate. You can also opt for a glove with a built-in brush, as long as it is also suitable for their sensitive skin.
Medium-haired dogs
Medium-haired dogs have a slightly higher coat density than the previous ones and, therefore, also shed a larger amount. For them, 4 to 5 brushing sessions per week will be necessary, and the brush you will need should be a little firmer than the previous one, since these dogs accumulate more dust, dirt and tangled hair in their coat. Make sure it is a brush with round-tipped bristles so as not to damage their skin.
Long-haired dogs
Finally, long-haired dogs are the ones whose coats require the most attention, since they not only accumulate a greater amount of dirt, but it is also very common for knots to form in their hair. In addition, they will be the ones that shed the most hair during their shedding season, so they will need daily brushing to remove as much hair as possible, and you should use a brush with harder bristles to untangle the coat. You can use one with half synthetic bristles in order to make it look silky.
“Shedding is natural, but regular brushing and good nutrition make a real difference to coat and skin health.”
Other factors that affect hair loss in dogs
In addition to the shedding season, dogs can lose excessive amounts of hair for clinical or dietary reasons. If you notice excessive shedding in one part of their body (possibly leaving that area bare) or you see some redness in an area with little hair, it is important that you visit the vet so they can assess whether there is another cause for your dog's hair loss.
Frequently asked questions about shedding in dogs
When is the shedding season for dogs?
The most noticeable shedding coincides with the changes of season, especially in spring and autumn, when the dog renews its coat to adapt to the approaching temperatures. Hair loss, however, occurs to a lesser extent throughout the year.
How often should I brush my dog during shedding?
It depends on the coat type: short-haired dogs usually need 2 to 3 sessions per week, medium-haired dogs between 4 and 5, and long-haired dogs a daily brushing to remove loose hair and prevent knots.
When should I take my dog to the vet for hair loss?
If you notice excessive hair loss concentrated in one area, bald patches or reddened skin, it is best to visit the vet so they can assess whether there is a clinical or dietary cause behind the hair loss.
Let's take care of your dog's coat together at Clínica Veterinaria Somo
At our veterinary clinic, we want your furry friend to go through their coat changes in the most comfortable way possible, so if you have any questions about it, we invite you both to visit our facilities in Cantabria to make sure their health is in perfect condition.
