What Is Puppy Coat Shedding?

As pets, puppies have many admirable traits. They are obedient, playful and extremely loyal, and they generally do not require any special care or maintenance. However, one area that does require special consideration is shedding. Shedding in puppies occurs at age of 5-6 months and is a natural process. But it can be a very trying time with tangles and mats and puppy stuff all over the carpet, taking a toll on the puppies as well as your patience.

  1. Reasons for Shedding

    • Most dogs have a double coat. The long hair visible on the surface is called guard hair. Below the guard hair, growing right next to the skin, is a layer of thick, downy fuzz called the undergrowth, which serves as an insulation against cold weather in winter. During spring or summer, the thick and dense undergrowth is not needed and is discarded by shedding. Puppies of every breed usually shed their puppy coat before growing the adult double coat. This occurs at the age of 5-6 months. This is also the time puppies are very energetic and playful, so you may literally have your hands full with the puppy all over the place.

    Shedding Patterns

    • All puppy breeds shed. The only exceptions are the poodle and the bichon frises because they do not develop an undercoat. Generally, male dogs shed more profusely than females in spring and summer. Females shed more during their fertile period. Also, dogs that stay mostly indoors and do not get out much will not be able to register the seasonal changes and may shed throughout the year.

    Minimization of Shedding

    • Shedding, though inconvenient, is a natural process that puppies have to undergo in order to get their adult coat. Hair is going to fall out, but certain steps may be taken to control the shedding to minimize its impact on your life and home. It is best to take the hair out yourself and put it in the trash, rather than wait for the hair to fall out on its own. Besides being unhygienic, many people are allergic to dog hair and it may cause serious health concerns. Brushing the puppy coat vigorously helps considerably with the shedding process. Brushing also distributes the natural body oil all over the coat, making it shiny. When you notice the first signs of shedding, you may get your puppy's hair clipped short by professional clippers to minimize shedding within the house.

    Concerns

    • Though shedding is a natural process, excessive shedding is a concern. Moist and supple puppy skin holds the hair shaft tightly in the pores. Hair stripped of its natural moisture breaks off easily resulting in excessive shedding. This occurs when there is some dietary deficiency or harsh detergent is used for shampooing. Address this concern by using a veterinary quality non-detergent shampoo and ensuring adequate fatty acids in the puppy's diet. If there is no improvement in the condition, it is best to consult a veterinarian.