Why Is My Dog Suddenly Shedding So Much?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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. ... Hormonal changes and allergies are another cause of shedding .

When should I be concerned about my dog shedding?

If your dog exhibits signs of abnormal shedding, your veterinarian can best determine if their excessive hair loss is a symptom of an underlying disorder . Medical conditions that can cause abnormal shedding include: Infections (fungal or bacterial) Parasites (fleas, lice, or mites)

What months do dogs shed the 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.

What can I give my dog for excessive shedding?

  • 1 — Feed your dog a high quality diet. ...
  • 2 — Add olive oil or flaxseed oil to your dog’s food. ...
  • 3 — Give your dog occasional “human food” snacks. ...
  • 4 — Give your dog access to clean, fresh water.

How do you know if your dog is shedding too much?

Take your dog to the vet if you notice more hair loss than usual, inflamed skin, brittle fur, excessive scratching, or bald patches .

What vitamins help with dog shedding?

Looking for foods with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids along with vitamin E will help smooth and soften your dog’s coat giving it a healthy sheen. These added supplements can also heal any dry skin, preventing your dog’s coat from dropping as much or as often.

What is the most shedding dog?

  1. Alaskan Husky. The Alaskan Husky isn’t typically owned as a companion dog, and that could be why you’ve likely never heard of her.
  2. Alaskan Malamute. ...
  3. Labrador Retriever. ...
  4. German Shepherd. ...
  5. Golden Retriever. ...
  6. Siberian Husky. ...
  7. Akita. ...
  8. Chow Chow. ...

How long does a dog shedding last?

These are peak shedding seasons that generally last 2 – 4 weeks . During this time you can expect a big increase in shedding hair, and you can help the process out by brushing your dog everyday.

How much dog shedding is normal?

Their coats naturally build up stronger and thicker for the winter and come out in periods of major shedding about two times a year . Between those two major shedding seasons, your dog will shed regularly throughout the day in order to remove unnecessary, old, or damaged hair from their coat.

Does coconut oil help dog 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.

Do eggs stop dogs from shedding?

Eggs strengthen hair follicles to give your dog a healthy, shiny coat but will not significantly decrease shedding in dogs already receiving optimal nourishment.

How much olive oil should I give to my dog to help with shedding?

You should give your dog one teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil per 20 pounds of bodyweight .

Can stress cause shedding in dogs?

Show dogs that become nervous in the show ring often “blow their coat”. Dogs also shed a lot when in the veterinary clinic. Although less noticeable in outside settings, such as visiting a new dog park, shedding increases when a dog is anxious .

What is Cushing’s disease in a dog?

Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a serious health condition in dogs that occurs when the adrenal glands overproduce cortisol (cortisone) in the animal’s body . Excess cortisol can put a dog at risk of several serious conditions and illnesses, from kidney damage to diabetes, and can be life-threatening.

Does Omega 3 reduce dog shedding?

Veterinarians use fish oil to treat dog allergies and a wide variety of conditions ranging from kidney disease to arthritis. Fish oil can also help reduce excessive shedding by relieving itching due to an allergy-related skin condition.

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.