How Often Will Dogs Shed Hair?

Function

• Shedding is your dog's natural method of loosing a coat of hair to make way for a new layer that will keep him comfortable for the upcoming season. However, not all dogs shed.

Spring Shedding

• During the spring, you'll notice your dog will loose a lot of hair. This is due to your dog loosing his winter coat to prepare for the hotter days of spring and summer.

Fall Shedding

• Some may think the only time your dog looses a significant amount of hair is in the early spring; however, your dog will shed in the fall, too. This shedding is due to your pet loosing his lighter, thinner coat to make way for the thicker hair that grows in for the winter.

Breeds

• Some dogs shed year round; some not at all. Breeds like the Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland shed a lot. Owners of these breeds have to clean up large amounts of discarded hair year round. Breeds like the Bichon Frise, Yorkie, and Bouvier des Flanders do not shed.

Prevention/Solution

• If you have a dog that is prone to heavy shedding, you can never fully eliminate the problem; however, there are a few things you can do to help keep the shedding under control. First, be sure to brush your dog regularly, preferably once a day but at least a few times per week. Secondly, it is critical that you groom your dog on a regular basis. Grooming cleans your dog and rids him of unneeded hair. Have your dog groomed monthly if your budget allows.

Other Causes

• Sometimes, excessive shedding is a sign that the dog is ill. Physical ailments, such as ringworm and mange, can cause the dog to shed.