Excessive Shedding in a Puppy

Dog shedding is natural and some dog breeds shed more than others. During shedding season, canines lose more hair. Dogs that live outdoors tend to shed during spring and fall, while canines that live indoors may shed year-round. However, if you think your puppy sheds more than usual and you notice bald patches, this may indicate a medical problem that requires veterinary attention.

  1. Causes of Excessive Shedding

    • Puppies tend to shed their puppy coats and grow the adult double-coat. Puppies exchange their coat between the ages of 6 and12 months, depending on the breed. While this is normal, there are also other potential causes of excessive shedding. Nutritional deficiencies may lead to poor skin and coat condition. Environmental factors such as winds or excessive heating can cause dry skin and an increase in the amount of hairs shed. If you have neutered your dog recently, the change in the production of hormones may cause shedding. Hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease are two other conditions that cause hormonal imbalance and may result in shedding. Autoimmune diseases and bacterial and fungal skin infections may also lead to excessive hair loss. If your pet is stressed, this may cause excessive shedding.

    Additional Symptoms

    • Your puppy may display various other symptoms, depending on the cause of excessive shedding. If the dog sheds its puppy coat, it won't display any other symptoms. If the puppy has dry skin, you may notice excessive flaking. Hypothyroidism and hormonal imbalance may cause increased thirst and urination, weight fluctuations, lethargy or depression. Skin infections are signaled by excessive scratching and skin irritation. Stress is more difficult to detect, but your dog may display behavior changes.

    Excessive Shedding Management

    • The management of excessive shedding depends on the condition that causes it. If your dog loses its puppy coat, you need to perform regular brushing and remove dead hairs to prevent the fur from matting. Use a humidifier during winter months and give your pet a jacket when it goes outside in cold and windy conditions. Add vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids such as omega three and six fish oils may reduce shedding. Hormonal problems are managed through medication, while skin infections require topical ointments and in severe cases, antibiotic treatment.

    Prevent Excessive Shedding

    • Excessive shedding can be prevented by keeping your puppy on a quality diet and brushing it regularly. Trim your pet before the spring or fall to reduce the effects of shedding. Opt for a puppy cut. Bathe your dog regularly to remove the dead hairs and use hypoallergenic shampoos. Consult your veterinarian and improve the puppy's diet or add a few supplements that promote skin and coat health.