We all love cuddling up to our furry friends, their soft coats make for great hugs! However, you will likely find that during these moments, you’re left with plenty of hair stuck to your clothes. 

Shedding is something that all dogs do, although some breeds definitely shed more than others. While shedding is completely normal, particularly in dogs such as Huskies or Golden Retrievers, excessive shedding can often worry owners, as this may be the result of a potential health risk.

Abnormal shedding is likely nothing to be worried about, however, it is still highly important to take the appropriate actions if you notice this occurring. Below, our article explains some of the causes of your pup’s excessive shedding, and the necessary steps to take.

Natural Over-Shedding

As we’ve previously mentioned, all dogs shed to a certain degree, and there are specific breeds that shed more than others. For some, excessive shedding is to be expected, so which dogs shed the most? This article written by “All About The Doodles” lists the Top 10 Dog Breeds That Shed The Most, so you can identify the breeds to look out for.

Not only do certain breeds shed more than others, but the time of year also impacts the level of which your pooch is shedding! It has been noted that dogs actually shed more during spring and autumn as they adjust for the change in weather that comes with summer and winter.

Regardless of the time of year, if you find that your pup is shedding a concerning amount, it is important to seek the advice of a vet to reach the root of the issue.

Allergies

It’s possible that the result of your dog’s excessive shedding is due to an allergic reaction. While dogs can suffer the same allergies as humans, they often experience different symptoms, such as fur loss. Some of the common allergies dogs have are:

• Hayfever - An allergy to pollen
• Food
• Medicines
• Fleas
• Dust
• Fabrics

Often, if your pup’s shedding is caused by allergies, they will also be experiencing skin irritation. It is important to take your dog to the vets if you find that they’re suffering from an allergic reaction, in order to control their symptoms.

Malnutrition

Another common reason for your pooch’s loss of fur is their diet. A poor diet can cause a number of health issues for your pup, and one of those is over-shedding. Your dog’s nutrition should be a top priority, as a balanced diet keeps your dog fit and healthy, directly relating to their overall health.

If you suspect that your pet is experiencing excessive shedding as a result of malnutrition, you must take your dog to the vet to ensure their safety. A vet can point you in the right direction, with professional expertise on the correct dietary requirements for your dog.

Stress

We all know that feeling of being run-down by stress, and sometimes our furry-friends can suffer the same fate. A symptom that dogs often suffer as a result of stress is excessive shedding.

Stress in dogs can be caused by a number of reasons, often due to a change in their lifestyle, or day-to-day routine. Some of the common causes of your pup’s stress are:

• A new baby in the family (or a new cohabitant).
• A new pet in the home.
• A change in their owner’s working times.
• Dramatic changes to their routine.
• Moving to a new home or area.

While some of these triggers for stress in dogs are unavoidable, it is important to make an effort to ensure your dog is comfortable. Whether it's taking extra steps to show your pooch love and attention, or a gradual introduction to their new lifestyle, your pup should eventually accustom themselves to change.

Grooming Routines

Perhaps the reason for your pup’s excessive fur loss is due to improper grooming. Different dog breeds require different grooming treatments and routines. It is important to be aware of your dog’s fur, and skin types, and to use the right products to use for them.

You should ensure that you’re bathing your pup regularly to remove any dirt from their coat, and to keep their fur and skin healthy. However, it is important to make sure that you’re not overbathing your pup, as this can lead to dry skin, resulting in over-shedding.

Parasites

For the pups that love to head off the beaten track on their walks out, their excessive shedding may be caused by parasites they’ve picked up on their adventures. Ticks, fleas, and mites are the most common parasites picked up by dogs. These parasites are very irritating for our furry friends, causing frequent itching that eventually leads to a loss of fur.

If you discover parasites lodged in your dog's fur, you must visit your vet at the earliest instance in order to get them treated. If left untreated, your dog may experience health complications, such as digestive issues.

Pregnancy and Hormonal Issues

Excessive shedding can occur if your dog is going through, or has gone through, a major hormonal change, such as pregnancy, surgery, or spaying/neutering. These major changes cause an imbalance in your pet’s hormones, which can lead to major hair loss as they will be low on the calcium levels and minerals needed for a healthy coat.

Your pooch may also be experiencing hormonal complications as a result of illnesses, such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease. It’s worth paying a visit to your vet to get your dog’s excessive shedding checked out, as Cushing’s disease is something that must be treated to avoid further health complications.

Health Issues and Skin Conditions

In more unfortunate cases, your dog’s excessive shedding may be linked with health issues or skin conditions, stressing the importance of visiting your vet.

Diseases, such as cancer, or immune diseases, often lead to an unhealthy amount of hair loss. This is a result of their body’s disruption to metabolism and nutrient absorption. 

Skin conditions can lead to a patchy loss of fur for your dog due to an excessive amount of itching. Skin related issues can also entail physical trauma, such as sunburn, which may also result in the over-shedding of your dog’s coat.

Conclusion

We all want our pups to be fit and healthy, it’s vital to ensure that your pup is well energised so they’re able to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. If you do suspect that there is a concerning issue at hand, we urge you to visit your vet to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

A healthy and happy pooch is far less likely to suffer from fur loss, and the health complications that can come with it. Make sure that your pup has an organised routine, allowing them to get out and explore nature on a regular basis.