Seeing your four-legged friend losing hair in an unusual way can be a source of worry for any loving dog owner. After all, beautiful silky and shiny fur is a sign of a healthy animal. But there are many perfectly natural reasons why your faithful friend may be experiencing increased shedding.
Let's start with the good news: in the majority of cases, there is no cause for alarm. Most dog breeds experience cyclical hair growth and loss, linked to the changing seasons. This moulting period allows them to adapt to temperatures by partially or completely renewing their coat.
In spring, as the days get longer and the heat returns, your companion will naturally lose part of his thick winter undercoat to wear a lighter coat during the summer. Conversely, in the fall, he will begin to shed more hair to allow an insulating undercoat to grow back in preparation for winter. This seasonal shedding is a natural and necessary process, even if it can sometimes seem excessive!
Other possible causes of hair loss
If the hair loss seems exaggerated or does not follow the usual seasonal phase, other factors may be involved. It is important to identify the underlying reason, as dull, dry or thinning fur may be a reflection of a health problem in your companion.
An unbalanced diet or diet lacking in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fatty acids can weaken the growth and vitality of the coat. Ensuring a ration adapted to your dog's needs is essential.
Stress and environmental changes
Emotional stress linked to changes in the familiar environment (moving, new animal, absence of the owner, etc.) can temporarily disrupt the natural cycle of hair loss.
Health problems
Certain pathologies such as hormonal disorders, diabetes, skin disease or thyroid dysfunction can cause abnormal fur loss. A visit to the veterinarian can rule out these medical causes.
External parasites
Infestation with parasites like fleas or ticks can also lead to uneven areas of coat appearing on your pet. Antiparasitic treatment is then necessary.
Impact of age
Finally, it is normal for an older dog to lose more hair over the years, with its coat gradually becoming thinner and duller with age.
What to do in case of excessive hair loss?
If you notice truly abnormal hair loss in your canine companion, with the possible appearance of raw or red areas of skin, do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian. He will be able to examine your animal, carry out additional analyzes if necessary and determine the exact cause of the problem.
Depending on the diagnosis, a simple change in diet, antiparasitic treatment or a course of vitamins may be enough to quickly resolve the problem. In some cases, further medical treatment will be necessary to treat the underlying condition.
By taking care to quickly identify the source of the problem and following your veterinarian's recommendations, you will be able to help your companion regain resplendent fur as quickly as possible.
Ultimately, although excessive hair loss may seem worrying at first, the reasons are often benign or easily treatable. However, do not hesitate to remain vigilant and consult a professional if the problem persists, in order to offer your faithful friend all the attention he needs to stay in great shape.
Florence Luberton, a passionate pet lover and pet owner. Florence has dedicated her life to educating pet owners on the best ways to care for their furry companions. From training, nutrition, to grooming and behavior, she has a wealth of knowledge that she loves to share with pet owners to help them better understand their animals.
