| All dogs, even the hairless breeds, shed. It is a natural | | | | obviously, very uncomfortable for your dog, so if you |
| necessity and cannot be stopped. However, | | | | think your dog may be suffering from either condition, it |
| excessive shedding can be indicative of an underlying | | | | is wise to deal with it immediately. |
| health problem. Therefore, if you feel that your dog is | | | | While some parasites, such as fleas, can be treated at |
| shedding too much or too regularly, there are steps | | | | home. It is always beneficial to visit a veterinarian, as |
| that can and should be taken. | | | | he, or she, can rule out the possibility of allergies, |
| | | | dermatitis or other conditions. |
| Reasons For Excessive Shedding | | | | |
| Possible reasons that your dog is shedding too much | | | | Shedding Caused by Anxiety |
| fur include: | | | | Just as it is believed that stress in humans can cause |
| - Lack of grooming | | | | alopecia, stress in dogs is known to increase shedding. |
| - Poor diet | | | | A brief instance of anxiety, such as a visit to the vet, is |
| - Presence of skin parasites | | | | nothing to be concerned with, as the excessive |
| - Anxiety or stress In some cases, the cause of your | | | | shedding will only last for a day or two. However, if |
| dog's shedding may be a combination of these things. | | | | your dog is experiencing daily stress, due to separation |
| However, by addressing the reason for a dog's | | | | anxiety for example, the shedding will become more |
| excessive shedding the problem can be dramatically | | | | problematic. In addition, a dog that is under consistent |
| reduced. | | | | stress will experience problems with general health. |
| | | | Therefore, if you believe that your dog's excessive |
| Dietary Problems | | | | shedding may be caused by stress, it is important to |
| Symptoms that indicate your dog may not be getting | | | | seek the assistance of a vet who may put you in |
| all the nutrients required for a healthy coat, include dry | | | | touch with an animal behaviorist or professional trainer |
| and/or flaky skin and dull fur. Of course, there may | | | | to deal with the underlying issues. |
| also be indicators in the dog's general health, such as | | | | |
| listlessness and dull eyes. Using a vitamin supplement | | | | The Importance of Grooming |
| will not only reduce shedding, but it will also boost your | | | | Even if your dog is not experiencing excessive |
| dog's wellbeing and general health. | | | | shedding, it is important that he, or she, is groomed and |
| There are many vitamin supplements available for | | | | bathed regularly. Ideally, dogs, even short haired breeds, |
| dogs, if in doubt over which to use, it is wise to seek | | | | should be groomed every day. Owners will notice that |
| the advice of a veterinarian. However, according to | | | | brushing a short haired dog daily will dramatically |
| many owners, one remedy that can be prepared at | | | | reduce the number of hairs that are shed on the |
| home is simple olive oil. You can soak a piece of bread | | | | furniture. |
| in the oil and offer it to your dog with his, or her, meal. | | | | Bathing is also important, as this will improve the quality |
| Alternatively, you may prefer to mix a couple of | | | | of the coat and health of the skin. Subsequently, the |
| spoonfuls of olive oil into your dog's food. | | | | amount of shedding is reduced. Typically, to ensure |
| | | | that a dog's skin and fur are kept in pristine condition, |
| Parasites and Fungal Infections | | | | an owner will need to bathe the animal two or three |
| If your dog has parasites or a skin infection, he, or she, | | | | times per month. |
| will display many of the same symptoms as dogs with | | | | Shedding is, of course, part and parcel of dog |
| dietary problems: dry, flaky skin, dull coat and dull eyes. | | | | ownership. However, excessive shedding should not |
| However, with parasites and infections you will notice | | | | be ignored, as it is often a symptom of a more serious |
| itching, which can cause sore and even bald spots on | | | | health issue. |
| your dog's skin. Parasites and fungal infections are, | | | | |