Does Heat Make Dogs Shed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


Seasonal shedding occurs as a result of temperature change

. This process is sometimes called “blowing coat.” When the weather warms, dogs shed their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat.

What triggers dogs to shed?

  • Shedding as a natural function. …
  • Shedding in response to poor nutrition. …
  • Shedding as a reaction to parasites or fungi. …
  • Shedding in response to allergies. …
  • Shedding in response to pregnancy. …
  • Shedding in response to serious illness. …
  • Shedding in response to skin trauma.

Does heat cause shedding?

It makes it harder for your hair's natural oils to spread down your hair and keep it moisturized. And perhaps the sign of heat damage that brought you to this article is excessive hair shedding.

Some hair shedding is natural.

What month do dogs shed most?

For dogs that shed seasonally, you'll notice that most shedding occurs in the

spring and fall

. In the spring, your dog's coat will become lighter, in preparation for the warm weather. Similarly, in the fall, in preparation for winter, you will see a change in your dog's coat and a higher incidence of shedding.

Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?

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.

How do you minimize dog shedding?

  1. Brush Your Dog. …
  2. The Right Dog Food. …
  3. A Fatty Acid Supplement. …
  4. Cover Your Furniture and Car Seats. …
  5. Allergy and Flea Control. …
  6. Vacuum Often. …
  7. Bathe Your Dog Occasionally During the Summer. …
  8. Use the Right Brush.

Why is my dog shedding in December?

The main reason for this phenomenon are

hormonal changes associated with the presence of sunlight

, which stimulates hair growth. Just before the cold season kicks in and days gets shorter, your dog will shed the lighter, summer coat and get prepared for the ticker, more protective winter coat.

How long does a dog shedding last?

Shedding season for a pup can last for

2-4 weeks

but you can make it. While dog shedding may not be so enjoyable, there is a lot about Fall to enjoy.

Is summer hair shedding normal?


Shedding more hair during the summer months is completely normal

. However, if you're concerned about the amount of hair you're losing, or you are shedding year-round, it may be worth looking into an underlying cause or condition.

How does heat damaged hair happen?


Exposure to high heat changes the shape of your hair's keratin strands

. Temperatures over 300°F convert the ⍺-keratin to β-keratin, which eventually leads to weaker hair that has lost its elasticity and become more prone to damage.

How do you reverse heat damage?

  1. Blow dry from a distance. Blow dryers are notorious for causing damage. …
  2. Use a heat protection product. These products are meant to help protect the hair and prevent split ends.
  3. Lower the temperature. …
  4. Air dry. …
  5. Go natural. …
  6. Use coconut oil.

Does brushing dog make shed more?

For healthy dogs, brushing is one way to capture the hair before it makes a mess in your home.

It doesn't make your dog shed more

, even if it looks like an unending supply of hair collects in the brush.

How often should I bathe my dog?

While the frequency of bathing may be different for each dog, Wendy Weinand, manager, pet services grooming education for Petco, says that a good rule to follow is to wash your dog

every four weeks

. “This will help to keep their skin and coat clean and keep their natural oils spread out to help condition,” she says.

Do dog clothes help with shedding?


Yes, that's right, I said put clothes on your dog

. It works better — or at least, it's more socially acceptable — if you have a purse-sized dog, but if you're really troubled by fur you can look into body suits for any size of dog and these will contain the shedding nicely.

When should I be concerned about my dog shedding?

Take your dog to the vet if you notice

more hair loss than usual, inflamed skin, brittle fur, excessive scratching, or bald patches

.

Why is my dog losing clumps of fur?

Most dogs shed hair, especially during the hot summer months, but a dog losing hair in massive amounts or with bald spots could mean something more serious such as

allergies, hormonal imbalance, mites, trauma or infection

.

How much shedding is too much?

Hair shedding often stops on its own

It's normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day.

When the body sheds significantly more hairs every day

, a person has excessive hair shedding.

Can you vacuum your dog?


Vacuuming your dog is safe if you use the correct gear and understand the strategy

. Vacuuming at the source will save you time and effort rather than vacuuming the entire house where your dog has shed. Vacuuming with a dog vacuum attachment is an integral approach to prep your dog.

How do I get rid of dog hair everywhere?

  1. Groom Your Dog Regularly. …
  2. Vacuum Daily. …
  3. Clean Bedding. …
  4. Sweep or Mop Floors. …
  5. Don't Forget to Dust. …
  6. Keep Pet Hair Removal Tools Handy. …
  7. Give Your Dog Designated Sleeping Areas. …
  8. Put Clean Clothing Away.

Does coconut oil stop dogs from shedding?


Coconut oil is a very effective way to reduce dog shedding

. It helps with many types of skin irritations and promotes a healthy skin and coat. Which is exactly what you want when reducing excessive shedding. There are also many other great benefits of using coconut oil for your dog's overall health and well being.

Should dogs shed winter?


Most dogs shed year-round

, but there are some times of year when the shedding may be more frequent. Your pup may grow a longer coat in the winter to stay warm, which is then shed in the spring and replaced by a lighter one for summer.

Do indoor dogs shed more?

Image via Flickr. Keep in mind,

indoor dogs tend to shed more frequently than outdoor dogs

because the temperature of their environment is regulated, but you may still notice an increase in shedding for your double-coat dog in the fall. You may want to throw in the towel and shave your dog, but it's not recommended.

Does shedding hurt dogs?

For dogs,

shedding can be very uncomfortable, itchy, and can even sometimes cause skin complications

. This means that deshedding a dog is more of a necessity, especially during a seasonal shed.

Do dogs shed more after a bath?


Once he's lathered, rinsed, dried and brushed, unfortunately, you might notice more shedding, not less

. He's not shedding new fur growth, but all the scrubbing and rubbing can accelerate the natural shedding process.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.