Linda Lou here to discuss those magical fibers of love that all of us pets leave behind to let our people know just how much we love them.
While most shedding is normal, there is such a thing as too much shedding. I would like to take this time to discuss what would cause a dog or cat to lose too much fur.
While most shedding is normal, there is such a thing as too much shedding. I would like to take this time to discuss what would cause a dog or cat to lose too much fur.
If your furry friend is losing fur in clumps or by the handful, causing balding areas; if the coat is brittle or dry; or if the skin is red, itchy, stinky, irritated or otherwise does not look normal, a visit from the vet is warranted. Allergies and skin infections are a major cause for the symptoms listed above. My sister, Pearl, came to Minnesota with a horrible yeast infection all over her and no fur! She was naked! After visiting with Dr. Ann and getting on the right medication and shampoo regimen, Pearl’s fur grew back pretty and shiny black. She still has to use a medicated shampoo to keep things in check, but Pearl is much happier.
There are many factors to having a nice body of fur that we don’t always consider. Animals with chronic conditions often do not have the luscious locks that we all strive for. Health issues that involve the circulatory system can deprive the skin because the heart’s main job is to get oxygen and nutrients to the body’s other organs first, and then to the skin. Hormone-related diseases like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s and Addison’s also create a less than ideal environment for fur to thrive.
There are many factors to having a nice body of fur that we don’t always consider. Animals with chronic conditions often do not have the luscious locks that we all strive for. Health issues that involve the circulatory system can deprive the skin because the heart’s main job is to get oxygen and nutrients to the body’s other organs first, and then to the skin. Hormone-related diseases like hypothyroidism, Cushing’s and Addison’s also create a less than ideal environment for fur to thrive.
Let’s look at the different types of hair coats that doggos have. There are three main types that we will explore today…
The double-coated breeds (I have a double coat) have the soft fluffy undercoat that leaves clouds of fur around the house. My friend Jasmine is a Golden Retriever, and she can shed out a chihuahua’s worth of fur every day! These dogs tend to have two major sheddings a year; Spring and Fall. These are also dogs that should not get shaved, as their double coat helps regulate body temperature. They just need a good brushing at least weekly.
The single-coated dogs are like my sister Connie and coworker Carman. Carman is a Boxer. These dogs tend to shed year round but being that the hairs are short and not fluffy, it is not quite as noticeable (in my opinion). Many times single-coated breeds are the ones shivering without a hoodie on outside in weather under 40 degrees.
Lastly, there are dogs that have coats that keep growing like my friend Audrey. She is a Yorkie and gets her hair cut every six weeks. The fur on these dogs is most like human fur, or hair as you call it. If dogs with hair are not groomed regularly, their coats will mat up and cause many health issues. Imagine not combing your hair for months! That would be a disaster.
No matter the type of fur that your dog has, regular grooming is very important to maintaining a healthy shine and happy dog! So let’s get out those brushes and keep those locks luscious!
Later,
Linda Lou, the Well-Groomed Blog Dog
The double-coated breeds (I have a double coat) have the soft fluffy undercoat that leaves clouds of fur around the house. My friend Jasmine is a Golden Retriever, and she can shed out a chihuahua’s worth of fur every day! These dogs tend to have two major sheddings a year; Spring and Fall. These are also dogs that should not get shaved, as their double coat helps regulate body temperature. They just need a good brushing at least weekly.
The single-coated dogs are like my sister Connie and coworker Carman. Carman is a Boxer. These dogs tend to shed year round but being that the hairs are short and not fluffy, it is not quite as noticeable (in my opinion). Many times single-coated breeds are the ones shivering without a hoodie on outside in weather under 40 degrees.
Lastly, there are dogs that have coats that keep growing like my friend Audrey. She is a Yorkie and gets her hair cut every six weeks. The fur on these dogs is most like human fur, or hair as you call it. If dogs with hair are not groomed regularly, their coats will mat up and cause many health issues. Imagine not combing your hair for months! That would be a disaster.
No matter the type of fur that your dog has, regular grooming is very important to maintaining a healthy shine and happy dog! So let’s get out those brushes and keep those locks luscious!
Later,
Linda Lou, the Well-Groomed Blog Dog
