Tufts of wool in the apartment do not bring pleasure to anyone. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely avoid molting, but there are breeds of dogs that leave almost no hair. Proper care will also help reduce the amount of wool.
Molting in dogs – what it is and when it Happens
molting dogs is a natural physiological state. The old wool is replaced with a new one. This process is not instantaneous. A dog can’t shed all its fur at once. The average duration of molting is a couple of weeks.
Wool renewal usually occurs twice a year: in spring and autumn.
If the dog spends most of the time indoors, then the seasonality for its body is smoothed out, since the apartment is approximately the same temperature. In this case, the molt may become prolonged and manifest itself constantly. There is also the concept of puppy (juvenile molt). It starts at about 6 months and should end by the year.
How can the owner understand whether the pet’s hair loss is normal or abnormal?
during physiological molting:
there Is no itching. The dog does not lick, does not bite the paws, tail, sides, do not itch;
No alopecia – areas of baldness in places where there used to be wool;
No skin rashes, wounds, redness or other damage;
There is no dandruff.
If you notice any of the above signs, then there is a reason to contact a veterinarian-dermatologist. If your dog just sheds in the summer, then this is not a cause for concern.
How does the behavior of dogs change when molting
During molting, most dogs behave as usual, although there are large-scale changes in the body. Some individuals may feel worse because of a temporary violation of thermoregulation. Someone tries to get into a sunbed or Nestle in a blanket, and someone just sleeps more.
There should be no significant changes in health. If the pet refuses to eat, is too sluggish, has vomiting or diarrhea, then this does not apply to molting. You should worry about the health of your pet.
What to do if the dog sheds-care features
Although we can’t stop shedding, we can make the process of changing the coat less noticeable. Modern gadgets can help eliminate tumbleweeds from the hair in the apartment: a robot and vacuum cleaners designed for cleaning Pets. But this is only a small part of the work that needs to be done. Proper care is a very important point on the way to a clean house.
Question to the expert
What tests should be taken with increased molting in dogs?
If the molt proceeds without itching, alopecia and skin lesions, then there is no need for research. It is enough to analyze the diet and living conditions of the pet.
Pet feeding
Adjusting nutrition during molting is an easy way to ensure that a new beautiful coat grows.
The diet should be rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and b vitamins.
If the dog is on a home diet, then you should give more meat and offal, fish oil, brewer’s yeast, vegetables and fruits. A couple of times a week – low-fat varieties of fish. Pets on industrial diets can change the food within the same brand to one in which the complex of substances for the health of the skin and coat is enhanced.
These include:
- Royal canin Sensitivity Control or Coat care;
- Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin or Derm Defens;
- Go skin and coat care;
- Brit hair and skin;
- Monge dermatosis.
Combing and grooming
Special attention should be paid to the mechanical removal of wool. Depending on the breed, some dogs need to be trimmed, for example, Schnauzers, while others need to be combed.
To do this, you need to use special combs for different types of wool and its length. For owners of Pets with a thick undercoat, the ideal solution for home care is the furminator. This relatively new type of comb has a comfortable rubberized handle, thin metal teeth with a small distance between them. This helps to achieve the maximum effect. For dogs with short hair, a comb-glove is a good choice.
How to properly comb your pet:
- from one to four times a week;
- Movement on the growth of hair;
- Moderate pressure. If you notice that there are scratches on the skin or the dog expresses concern, you should postpone the procedure and apply less force next time;
- In order for the hair to be removed more easily, you can bathe the dog;
- If there are matted lumps of hair, then you need to break them with a tangle cutter and use a spray for easy combing, for example, Perfect coat.
Question to the expert
My dog is constantly shedding, what could be the reason?
The reasons for prolonged molting can be: the same temperature in the house, dry air, heat, improper diet, skin diseases.
Haircut can also be a way out, but not all dogs can be cut:
- if you get rid of the hair abruptly, thermoregulation is disrupted and this is a big stress for the body;
- The hair of some breeds after an incorrect, short haircut can deteriorate, become ” wadded”, for example, in Spitz, huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds;
- Occurrence of alopecia. Wool after a haircut may not grow back for up to three years, Labradors, Spitz and other breeds are susceptible to this problem.
If you do not want to do grooming yourself, you can contact a pet salon to specialists. They will be able to quickly and efficiently rid your pet of excess hair.
Bathing and shampoos
During the shedding season the dog should not be bathed more often than usual, if we are not talking about the pathological process. For convenience, before grooming, you can wash your pet in the bathroom at a water temperature of about 37 degrees. It will be easier to separate the hairs from the steamed skin. Also, bathing will help get rid of dirt, dust, and plant seeds, which is especially important for owners of Northern breeds and other particularly fluffy dogs.
For washing, you can use a classic everyday shampoo or choose specialized products for four-legged friends. There are products for washing during shedding or with the addition of balm for easy combing. Also, in order to protect the skin, restore it, you can use soft shampoos with oils and fatty acids, for example, Essential 6 Sebo Shampoo and Foster
To strengthen the wool, products with mink oil and proteins in the composition, such as Doctor Vic and Menforsan, are suitable. Additionally, you can use masks and balms.
Vitamins from molting for dogs
Vitamin and mineral complexes will be useful for the growth of new hair and skin restoration after combing. This is especially true for those dogs that are on a natural diet and sometimes may have a deficiency of certain substances.