Shedding is normal for dogs and very important for coat care as well as thermoregulation. But if a dog is not shedding as it should, it becomes a cause for concern for its owners. Knowing why your dog is not shedding can help you address overlooked medical issues or maybe just help you take better care of your pet.
Understanding normal excretion patterns
What is excretion?
Shedding is the natural process in which a puppy sheds its hair, usually old or damaged hair, to make way for new hair to grow. This cycle usually depends on factors such as the breed, environment, and health of the dog. The amount of hair a dog sheds most often depends on its breed and life stage, but it peaks in the spring and fall when dogs are changing their coats. But it should be noted that the rate of shedding can be frequent and sometimes significant depending on the breed type of an animal.
The seasonal fall
Hair loss will likely be more noticeable in double-coated breeds, meaning breeds with both an undercoat and an outer coat, such as the Husky or Shepherd. These dogs have an undercoat that, in this case, needs to be shed to make way for new hair. In the spring, their winter coat sheds and in the fall, they shed to grow a thicker winter coat.
However, there may be certain conditions that may mean your dog is not shedding as much as he should:
Genetic factors
There are specific breeds of dogs that are hairless and low shed because of the inherited characteristics of their fur. Some breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzus etc; their hair is continuous like that of humans and therefore they hardly shed. These breeds are called “hypoallergenic” due to the fact that they produce minimal levels of allergens in the home, although this is a myth that will be addressed later in this article.
Health problems
If a dog is not shedding as it normally should, it is usually a sign of health problems. Here are some common health problems that can affect shedding:
1. Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal changes greatly affect your dog’s shedding and this will be noticeable if your dog sheds more often. Two of the most common conditions are:
Hypothyroidism: This condition is triggered by hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland produces inadequate hormones, resulting in negative signs such as a dull coat, dry skin, and obesity. Dogs with hypothyroidism have been known to have hair that does not grow back after shedding.
Cushing’s Disease: Also known as hyperadrenocorticism, this is a condition that occurs when there is excess production of cortisol. Some of these are poor coat texture, excessive salivation and drooling, and a pot-bellied appearance.
2. Skin and coat disorders
Other skin disorders such as dermatitis and allergies are other important factors that can influence your dog’s skin shedding. These include:
Dermatitis: This is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed and this can be the result of an allergic reaction, parasites or other influencing factors. A particular type of eczema is atopic dermatitis which can cause incessant itching leading to hair loss.
Bacterial and fungal infections: Pellagra, paratuberculosis, fungal infections, as well as conditions such as folliculitis and ringworm can lead to patches of hair loss. These infections make the skin sensitive and sometimes inflammation leads to hair loss because reaching the surface of the skin is painful and uncomfortable and you are forced to scratch.
3. Nutritional deficiencies
A balanced diet is very important especially for the care of the skin and the coat it covers. Dogs with poor diets, poor diets lacking in basic components such as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, tend to suffer from dry skin and hair loss. Feeding your dog food containing these nutrients will also help improve the health of their coat.
Behavioral factors Disorders
Cognitive and behavioral factors could also be other factors that can cause a change in shedding behaviors. The flu, stress, anxiety, changes in their environment, and overall health can negatively impact the amount of hair a dog sheds or excessive grooming by the client.
Stress and Anxiety: Stressed dogs may lick or chew their fur regularly, which can cause hair loss in certain areas. Transitions such as moving to a new home, getting a new pet, or changing our daily schedule cause stress.
When to worry about the absence of
symptoms of excretion of other associated diseases
People should pay attention to changes in their dog’s coat and behavior at an early stage of the disease. Here are some signs that should prompt a visit to the vet:
Excessive licking or scratching : This could be due to allergies, parasites, or skin infections. .
Bald patches: Such hair loss can be patchy and could be due to diseases such as mange or ringworm.
Dull and brittle hair: A lack of shine in the coat is indicative of poor health, possibly due to lack of nutrition or hormonal issues.
As mentioned above, if you identify any of the above signs, you should seek advice from your veterinarian. They can run a series of lab tests, including blood samples or skin swabs, to identify the causes of your dog’s shedding. High blood pressure should be addressed early enough to avoid complications from other chronic diseases.
Coordinates and markets the healthy shedding of dead hair.
Grooming Tips
Daily grooming practices that include brushing are important for the well-being of your dog’s skin and coat as well as encouraging shedding.
Brushing: Bathe your dog by brushing him to remove loose hair and to keep him free of tangles. This is especially true if the dog breed or type has long fur or is prone to developing tangles. Massaging also allows for good blood circulation to the skin, improving hair growth when brushing.
Bathing: Pet your dog with a mild soap that will help retain moisture in his skin, improving his health. When bathing, use dog products as human shampoos can be very harsh and will strip your dog of skin oils that are necessary for his health.
Food and supplements
It is very important to emphasize that great importance must be given to nutrition if we want to achieve a good quality coat. Make sure that your dog has a healthy diet, rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: These are very important for the shine of the coat and the health of the skin. Fish oil can be added to the diet or the dog can be given foods containing these acids.
High-quality dog food: Select a properly formulated dietetic dog food to feed your pet in a way that meets the balanced diet of dogs. Choose foods that have “meat” as the first ingredient and avoid those that contain processed grains such as corn and soy, as they cause allergic reactions and bad skin.
Environmental and behavioral adjustments
It is also possible to encourage healthy shedding in your dog by making small changes to these factors.
Stress reduction: Protect your pet and create the right environment for him in the form of a safe and secure kennel. If your dog is anxious, provide him with a “den” to retreat to, bring items that will calm him or seek help from a professional behaviorist.
Home environment: Consistency of the humidity and temperature sensation in the home. Often, dry air also causes dry skin, which leads to flaking issues. It may be helpful to run a humidifier in your home during the winter to keep the skin hydrated and, therefore, your dog too.
Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
Examples of low shedding breeds
Some dog breeds don’t shed as often or shed dander that can trigger allergic reactions, making them perfect for people with allergies or those who want a tidy home. Here are a few examples:
Poodle: Poodles also have curly hair that doesn’t shed as much, making them suitable for people with allergies.
Shih Tzu: Unlike other cat breeds, this one has fur that is similar to human hair, and it continues to grow throughout the cat’s life and hardly sheds at all.
Low Shedding Cat Breeds (continued)
Shih Tzu: This breed has hair like humans and this hair grows all the time and hardly sheds. They need grooming to keep their coat tidy which needs to be groomed frequently.
Bichon Frise: Like many other toy breeds, Bichons have a curved layer of body fur which is dense and tends to hold most of the shed hair and not shed it all over the house. They need to be groomed frequently to prevent it from getting bushy and also for the feel and texture of their coat.
Maltese: Small dogs with long and thick white fur require very little grooming and do not shed much. Their hair needs frequent grooming to ensure that it does not get tangled and also to maintain good hair health.
These breeds are usually selected by people who suffer from allergies or those who do not like fur and like hypoallergenic pets. But it is essential to understand that there are no hypoallergenic dogs, because allergies are also found in the dog’s skin and saliva.
Creating and Demystifying Hypoallergenic Dogs
Pet hair is usually classified in terms of breed as “hypoallergenic”, but such a label means that the animal is less allergic than others. Hypoallergenic can simply be translated as “low allergy”, this means that these dogs cause minimal allergic reactions due to the little dander they shed. Unlike fur, it is the proteins contained in dander, saliva and urine that cause allergic reactions. Therefore, even for so-called hypoallergenic dogs, there is always a risk of an allergic reaction in the affected person.
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Conclusion
Sometimes your dog doesn’t shed, and it’s very important to know why to ensure their health and tailor your approach to their needs. Some dogs don’t shed and some dogs may shed very little, but if a breed doesn’t shed, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s important to groom your dog often, feed them properly, and make sure they don’t feel stressed about having a healthy, healthy coat.
So it’s important to watch for signs of ill health and see a vet if necessary to ensure your dog is healthy and happy with a good coat.
