Blog Dog Shedding – When Is It Bad?
Your Dog Shedding?. My dog sheds. It’s a natural way of life for all dogs. However, you may notice that your dog sheds more than normal. There could be an underlying issue that needs to be looked into. Some dogs are seasonal shedders and some dogs shed year round. Regardless of how often your dog sheds there are certain signs to note when it comes to excessive shedding.
Loss of Hair in Patches
Hair loss in patches could be a sign of Cushing’s disease. In some cases the dogs will even have symmetrical hair loss.
Unusual Hair Loss
If you notice that your dog is experiencing unusual hair loss, it is advised to consult with your vet as soon as possible. Here are some signs of unusual hair loss.
- Fur that breaks
- Fur that falls out unevenly
- Bald patches
- Hair falls out in clumps
- Hair loss from another skin problem
- Dog resists being touched where fur once was
- Fur is dry
Reasons for Abnormal Hair Loss in Dogs
Allergies
Dog’s hair can sometimes fall out because of an allergic reaction. Some things they might have a reaction to are food, medicine, soap, or shampoo.
If you just recently changed their food or soap/shampoo, then that’s a great place to start for diagnosis.
Hormones
Hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss as well. Hypothyroidism is a popular condition that can lead to hair loss. It’s easy to treat with medication.
Pregnancy can also cause hair loss.
Excessive shedding is when you need to be concerned. Most dogs shed year round, but there are some that might shed seasonally. Whether year round or seasonal, if shedding becomes excessive, you should to take note and consult your vet.