Shedding is an annual process of natural change. hairline. Normally, it is carried out twice a year, most often in spring and autumn. The intensity of molting depends on many factors: health status, living conditions, age, feeding diet, etc.

Winter shedding in dogs

The reason for untimely molting may be large number reasons, both the simplest and those complicated by several factors at once. If a dog sheds in winter, it causes concern among owners, although in some cases this process is considered normal.

It may be normal for some animals to shed at other times of the year. For example, dogs with very rich skins or those kept outdoors often wait for the onset of persistent cold weather and then begin to change their summer coat.

TO simple reasons Why a dog sheds in winter can also be attributed to age-related shedding. Regardless of the temperature outside, puppy fluff changes to adult wool. The same age-related loss of fur occurs in older individuals, although in this case it most often becomes year-round. Such permanent molting occurs in almost all animals living in the house, which is due to a significant difference in temperature and humidity in the apartment and outside.

Another reason may be the stress the dog is experiencing. Many owners have encountered a situation where the pet literally begins to “crumble.” This condition depends only on the duration and severity stressful situation, and can appear at any time of the year.

To more complex cases can be attributed winter shedding due to certain diseases. For example, when hormonal imbalances, demodicosis, vitamin deficiency, etc.

Can dogs develop bald spots from the cold?

As such, cold does not affect hair loss. Most often, the opposite happens - as the temperature drops, dogs begin to actively become covered with thick hair. The only exceptions are cases of frostbite, when the hair follicles begin to collapse as the tissue becomes necrosis. In this case, dogs may develop bald spots.

Shedding in dogs is a natural process, and every owner of a four-legged friend has to deal with it. But not all owners know when, how and how many times a year animals molt, for what reasons this happens, how long it lasts , and what to do if the dog begins to shed heavily.

What is it?

REFERENCE! Molting is the replacement of old coat with new coat. The process is provided for by nature itself and occurs gradually over a certain time. After molting, the new coat becomes shiny, smooth, and silky to the touch, transforming appearance dogs for the better.

Causes of hair loss

Shedding is always a crucial period for dog owners, especially if the breed is long-haired. The causes of hair loss can be natural or pathological. In the first case it is planned molt, intended by nature, which occurs annually in spring and autumn and ends at a set time. This normal process and in this case there is nothing to worry about.

But if the dog sheds “at the wrong time” or heavily, then this may happen due to:

However, not only problems inside the dog’s body cause unplanned shedding, but also environmental factors. For example, low humidity and warm air in the room where there is a pet that lives almost constantly in an apartment and rarely goes outside creates an environment for chronic hair loss. As a result, the animal sheds constantly, year-round, not only in spring and autumn, but also in summer and winter. .

Temporary shedding can be caused by acute stress, for example, surgery or moving to a new place of residence, bitches may begin to shed during or after. Improper care behind the dog's fur is another common cause of pathological shedding. The culprits may be the wrong shampoo or soap for the animal, which the owner chose for him or too frequent washing, which degreases the skin, as a result of which hair falls out at an accelerated rate and dandruff may appear.

When does it happen and how long does it last?

Dogs shed in autumn and spring, that is 2 times a year. How long does the spring moult last? From 2 to 3 weeks, but in some cases it may be somewhat delayed. Autumn shedding lasts longer than spring, but much less wool falls out during this period than in spring. After winter, the opposite happens, as the dog gets rid of the thick undercoat and old hair.

When does spring molting begin in young animals? Puppies usually begin to shed after 6–7 one month old. At the same age the first one occurs autumn molt in dogs that were born in the spring. How long the shedding lasts in the spring also depends on what breed the dog belongs to, its state of health, diet, etc.

The beginning of spring or autumn molting can be seen by lying on the floor and on upholstered furniture coat, as well as by the dog’s changed behavior. How does an animal's behavior change when it sheds? The dog begins to itch intensely, rub against pieces of furniture, and roll on the ground outside. What should the owner do in the spring, when molting has begun, how to speed it up and how to help the animal quickly get rid of excess hair? Read about it below.

How to scratch?

ADVICE! The easiest way to remove useless hair is to comb it out. special brush- . It has frequent and thin metal teeth that can grab any, even very thick and thin hair and remove it before it falls out on its own.

How to quickly and correctly comb an animal during shedding? You need to guide the brush in the direction of hair growth, pressing slightly on the handle so that the brush can go deeper into the thickness of the coat and capture the old wool throughout its entire depth. In this way, you can gradually comb out the entire animal. If there are scratches, wounds, or irritations on the dog’s body, it is best to use a slicker brush.

How to speed up hair combing at home? The hairs will fall out better if the procedure is performed immediately after bathing the animal. They will get wet and will become easier to stretch out.

What to feed?

How else can you deal with old dog hair? To make molting go faster, the animal needs to be provided good food, preferably natural, with a predominance of protein, which makes the wool strong and shiny. Therefore, your pet’s diet needs to include meat and offal, which can be given raw.

REFERENCE! The diet should also include fish oil, liver, cereals and vegetables, legumes, yeast, containing all the vitamins and minerals the animal needs during this period. You can also give your dog dry food good quality, for example, Hills, Royal Canin, ProPlan, Orijen, Eukanuba, Belcando, etc.

What vitamins should I give my pet during seasonal hair loss?

At any pet store or veterinary clinic can be purchased vitamin preparations for dogs, which can be added to their diet additionally. IN vitamin complex The following connections must be present:

• group B, which helps wool grow faster;
• biotin, with the help of which collagen fibers are synthesized and protein and fat metabolism is regulated;
• calciferol, in the presence of which calcium is absorbed;
• ascorbic acid, which strengthens blood vessels, thereby improving the nutrition of the follicles;
• tocopherol, which improves the condition of the skin;
• niacin, which prevents dermatitis and dry skin.

This set of vitamins will help your pet grow healthy and shiny fur as quickly as possible. More information on the topic of vitamins can be found in

Do I need a special shampoo?

Is it possible to wash a dog while shedding? Of course it is possible and even necessary. After bathing, the old fur is removed much faster, so the shedding process is reduced. But you shouldn’t get too carried away with washing: dandruff forms on dry skin, and this creates additional problems. Dandruff during shedding can be eliminated with a special moisturizing shampoo.

REFERENCE! To bathe your pet during shedding, you can use any shampoo, but it is better to use products specially designed for shedding dogs or products containing proteins (including conditioners and balms). A set of dog grooming products will make the labor-intensive process much easier.

What to do if the shedding is severe and the dog loses a lot of hair? First of all, you need to establish its cause, and only a veterinarian can do this. Check your health status the animal must be treated at the first warning signs, because severe loss fur is often a sign of a serious illness.

Are there special products against heavy shedding?

You can stop heavy shedding in dogs with the help of comprehensive vitamin products And food additives. If this does not help, then you need to contact a veterinarian, who, after an examination, will make a decision and tell you how to help the animal.

What is express molting, reviews and prices

REFERENCE! Express shedding is a professional combing performed by a master in a pet salon. It is especially effective during seasonal shedding, but it can also be performed at any time on animals that live indoors and shed year-round.

Of course, every owner in the house or in the yard can comb his dog, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly, they don’t know how to comb it correctly during shedding and how to handle the tool and the animal. The result of improper handling can be skin damage of varying degrees of complexity, torn hair and stress in the dog. In addition, not everyone has the time and desire to comb, or there may be another reason - someone in the family is allergic to dog hair. With express shedding performed by a professional, all this can be avoided.

How is express molting done? The master places the animal on the table and combs it with a furminator brush. Then the animal is bathed with shampoo and mask and the hair is dried with a special hairdryer. With these procedures, almost 90% of unnecessary fur is immediately removed, revealing a brand new shiny coat. Thanks to quick combing, the pet looks well-groomed and fur no longer lies all over the house, which, according to dog owners, is the main advantage of the procedure. The effect of express shedding lasts for 2–3 months. The price for this depends on the size of the dog, the thickness and length of its coat. Express shedding is not carried out at home; it is done only in specialized salons.

Dogs that don't shed

For people for whom dog shedding is a problem, it is better to choose an animal that belongs to one of the breeds that hardly sheds. For example, you can purchase a puppy from short-haired and medium-haired breeds with minimal shedding. These include:

• • poodles (standard, miniature, toy);
  • Irish Water Spaniel;
  • Yorkshire Terrier;
  • Basenji;
  • Xolo (Mexican Hairless Dog);
  • border terrier;
  • Welsh Terrier;
  • Maltese dog;
  • Kerry Blue Terrier;
  • Shih Tzu;
  • wheaten terrier;
  • Chinese Crested;
  • Bedlington Terrier;
  • Bichon Frize, etc.

Often the same dog breeds Not only do they not shed, but they are also classified as “no dog odor” breeds. Some of them are odorless and practically hairless breeds (Xolo and Chinese Crested), others have a soft coat. medium length odorless wool, others - short, hard wool. Odorless and non-shedding breeds are perfect for allergy sufferers and those who cannot tolerate the specific dog aroma.

Useful video

You can watch a video about express molting here:

Shedding in dogs can tell an experienced dog owner a lot about the animal. When you meet domestic dogs on the street, you can easily determine whether the pet is healthy and happy. "How"? – you ask. By the condition of his coat!

If the fur coat looks well-groomed and shines in the sun, like expensive fur, then everything is fine with your pet. If the hairs are shaggy and sparse, and the dog often itches, getting rid of endlessly shedding hairs, then something is wrong.

Before visiting your doctor, be sure to make a rough list of the foods you feed your pet. You can give your dog vitamins in advance.

The dog sheds a lot: why this happens and what to do

However, it is not only diseases that cause sudden or severe shedding. The animal's fur coat reacts sharply to any changes in environment. For example, some apartment pets living in artificial light or in stuffy conditions constantly renew their fur, unlike their counterparts living on fresh air sunny summer cottages.

Temporary and intense weakening of hair follicles is sometimes caused by stress, such as pregnancy, moving, or surgery. There are even cases where too frequent bathing disrupted the chemical balance of the skin and promoted shedding.

We take care of wool

It doesn't matter if the time has come seasonal loss wool or the veterinarian could not find the reasons for the “unscheduled” shedding or could not understand why the dog sheds a lot - you need to help the pet comfortably survive this difficult period.

• Stock up,
• buy special dry conditioners that improve the structure of the coat and nourish it.
• Frequent shedding is not recommended during heavy shedding, but sometimes you can give your pet a fun shower with zoo shampoo, which contains protein.
• Finally, definitely.

Don't forget to stock up on the necessary equipment for brushing your pet. The main thing is combs made of hardened steel. Preferably with nickel plating. With their help you can comb out tangles from the undercoat.

Puffers are no less important. They remove hair in delicate places that cannot be touched with a rough metal tool.

They remove hair in delicate places that cannot be touched with a rough metal tool. You can comb and collect dead hair from your pet's body using a brush-glove. You will be able to remove dead hair from your pet’s body with this “equipment” in four days of vigorous combing.

By the way, all this ammunition can be replaced with one device - a furminator. In appearance, this tool looks like regular comb shaped like a rake. He does not cut off the undercoat, but catches it and lifts it up. The “teeth” of the furminator are located so that they do not touch living hair.

However, the Furminator should not be used if there are irritations, ulcers, scratches, wounds, bruises or abrasions on the pet’s skin. Before going through the fur with this device, comb your pet with a metal comb. There should be no tangles, otherwise the animal will be hurt.

Menu for shedding

During molting, it is better to transfer your pet to natural food. The main thing for a healthy and beautiful coat is protein. It gives the coat shine and strength. During shedding, your pet also needs fish oil. Make sure your pet gets the nutrients it needs for fur growth: copper, zinc and vitamin B.

During this period, the animal needs more meat (with the exception of pork, it is too fatty). Sometimes pamper your pets with chicken hearts and liver. Once a week, the shedding animal needs to eat sea fish. Just give him boneless fillet.

In addition, it is important that your pets eat vegetables and grains. It's unlikely that you'll be able to get your four-legged ones to try these foods separately, so mix them with your furry friend's favorite canned food.

Remember: your pet's health depends on you. And take care of the one you tamed!

All dogs, regardless of breed, shed. But there are breeds that do not shed profusely.

These breeds include Irish Water Spaniel, Spanish Water Dog, Giant Schnauzer, Black Russian Terrier, Bichon Frize, Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier, Mexican Hairless, Poodle, Shih Tzu, Miniature Schnauzer, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Tibetan Terrier , Maltese, Havanese Bichon, Coton de Tulear.

Causes of shedding in dogs

Seasonal shedding in dogs is natural process, but hair loss can also occur for other reasons.

One of the reasons is dehydration, i.e. lack of access to water and lack of water in food leads to dry skin, as a result of which there is excessive shedding, and in some cases dehydration leads to the development of diseases.

As a result poor nutrition or in case of illness the body does not receive the hair and skin necessary for healthy health nutrients, the condition of the skin and coat worsens, hair begins to fall out.

It is known that bitches begin to shed before going into heat. Therefore, this factor should also be taken into account if suddenly off-season shedding. Age-related shedding and shedding in bitches who have stopped nursing puppies are considered normal.

Hair loss can be triggered by stress, for example, during pregnancy, moving, or surgery.

Excessive shedding can be observed in pets living in an apartment where high temperature air. Due to the heat, hair may begin to fall out regardless of the change of season. The optimal maximum indoor air temperature should not exceed +26 degrees.

When does shedding begin in dogs?

The very first coat changes by 1.5 months, and in some breeds the color of the coat also changes, becoming darker or, conversely, lighter.

The first age-related shedding in dogs begins no earlier than 6 months of age, during which the downy coat changes to a harder and denser one. In some pets, the fur takes several years to develop and becomes characteristic of adult animals only after several molts.

However, in some cases, the first age-related shedding in dogs can begin at 3.5-4 months, when the guard hair begins to grow. The process of hair change can last up to a year, and in some breeds up to 2 years.

Shedding time in dogs

Some breeds have a long and heavy shedding period, while other dogs shed all year round, shedding a small amount of hair daily. Typically, pets shed twice a year:

• in autumn, usually in September, the light summer coat is shed and a thick, warm undercoat is built up, the pet visually increases in volume, becomes softer and fluffier;
• at the end of spring, usually in May, the undercoat falls out. Spring shedding in dogs lasts less time than autumn shedding.

The timing of shedding in dogs varies, with seasonal shedding lasting about 1-3 weeks. For pets living in an apartment, the timing of molting may change, and instead of a seasonal change, year-round hair loss occurs due to constant temperature air. In heated and artificially lit houses, the animal’s brain does not receive a signal that a coat change is required; the pets’ bodies are not exposed to natural temperatures, especially if the animals spend most of their time in the apartment and walk very little. The body does not notice the change of seasons and an abundant period of molting does not occur. As a result, shedding occurs on a constant basis every day in small quantities.

How to get rid of shedding

It is impossible to completely stop the process of hair loss, but regular care During seasonal shedding in dogs, it will help stop the uncontrolled spread of hair around the house.

An effective hair removal tool is the furminator, the use of which can remove most dead hair in just one session, although the session can last up to an hour or more, depending on the size of the animal and the thickness of the undercoat.

To remove undercoat, you can use brushes, slicker brushes, rubber mittens, and other tools designed for this purpose, but it is not recommended to cut your pets' hair. After cutting, the undercoat will grow even thicker.

To speed up shedding, washing your pet in warm water with protein shampoo or shampoo for shedding dogs, then wrap the pet in a warm blanket for 1-2 hours. It is important to monitor the animal's condition during this time, otherwise there is a risk of overheating. This method allows you to accelerate shedding, which will take several days, but will be accompanied by abundant hair loss. However, washing the animal is often not recommended.

To reduce shedding in a dog, you need to feed your pet properly. Important balanced diet, the basis of which should be meat, regardless of the type of feeding. Dry food and a natural diet should contain high-quality products rich in useful substances(vitamins, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants), which are necessary to maintain the health of the coat and skin, and the body as a whole. At natural feeding It is useful to give the animal vitamins, but if the pet eats dry high-quality food, there is no need for additional vitamins.

The animal should have free access to water, and it is recommended to include wet foods in the diet, e.g. low-fat kefir, yogurt. Wet commercial food contains up to 78% moisture, and dry food contains only 10%, so it is recommended to feed your pet not only dry, but also wet food.

To prevent fur from spreading around the house, dog owners wear Lycra pet suits. Lycra clothing is lightweight, ventilated and comfortable.

Twice a year, in spring and autumn, the dog's coat is renewed naturally. This process is directly related to the health of the animal, its immunity and well-being. If the fur shines in the sun, this is an excellent indicator, but if it is dull and not silky, then you need to pay special attention to your pet’s body.

At the same time, a beautiful coat is responsible for the attractive appearance and well-groomed appearance of the dog. You want to pet such a pet as often as possible, which improves the mood of both parties and promotes closer tactile contact.

What is the difference between spring and autumn molt?

IN autumn period Shedding occurs when the summer coat is replaced and a new, thicker and warmer coat grows, with an undercoat for warmth in the winter. The duration of autumn molting is longer than that of spring, although there is significantly less hair during this period. The pet can visually increase in volume, become soft and tender to the touch.

Spring shedding in dogs begins after the end of frost. The warm undercoat and thick coat are shed, the skin is being renewed to summer period. The duration of molting in spring is short-term, although it is much more difficult for owners to tolerate. Excessive hair loss spoils the mood of apartment residents, contaminating clothes, furniture and floors.

When does dogs first shed?

Puppies older than 6 months are physiologically ready to shed their fur. However, the first molt depends not on the date of birth, but on seasonal conditions And general condition dog health.

How long does it take for dogs to shed?

Natural seasonal molting occurs within 7-14 days. At this time, it is worth taking extra care of your pet. You will have to clean the house much more often than usual, since the ubiquitous wool will constantly appear. Thanks to careful brushing or the services of a dog groomer, you can make this period easier for both yourself and your four-legged friend.

Off-season shedding

Please note that a dog living in an apartment may shed throughout the year. Her body is not tuned to natural cycles, so any change environment may cause hair loss. Some females begin shedding hair during estrus or during childbirth.

Excessive pet hair loss over time serves serious reason to check the dog's health. The fact is that wool does not immediately signal internal diseases, since hair growth occurs slowly. Any changes in the dog’s appearance are visible a month after complications, which is why it is worth paying attention special attention shine of the coat during molting in dogs. If it is absent, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

When should you contact a veterinarian?

A dog's prolonged shedding should be cause for concern if:

• the fur falls out in clumps,
• looks unkempt and dull,
• the structure and thickness of the cover changes,
• hair growth slows down.

Why does a dog shed for so long?

Prolonged shedding in a dog may be due to various factors. One of the most common causes of canine baldness is allergic reaction for food, water, indoor or outdoor plants. Weakening of hair follicles can happen due to stress caused by separation from the owner, change of place of residence or surgery. Bathing too often can also cause shedding. Shampoo is able to wash away the protective fat layer that is important for health. In this case, the hair follicles begin to weaken and the hairs fall out.

To make sure your pet feels comfortable this period, follow the care instructions.

Brush your dog's fur daily with a specially selected brush, undercoat furminator or massage comb. Such manipulations are useful for the animal because they help remove dead hair and accelerate the growth of new ones; stimulate top layer epidermis, which improves blood supply and supply of nutrients to the hair roots; improves the appearance of the pet, because the fur becomes smooth and silky. Besides, daily care Taking care of your dog will reduce the need to constantly vacuum and clean, and will reduce the amount of hair in the house.

Use a special conditioner for dogs that improves the texture of the coat and nourishes the skin. The product allows you to make hair flexible, they will not get tangled during combing.

It is not recommended to bathe your dog frequently, but when it is really necessary, use a pet shampoo that contains protein and strengthens the coat. Use detergent for recharge hair follicles no more than once a month.

Add cold-pressed oils, minerals and vitamins to your dog's regular diet. It is recommended to use special complex preparations that improve wool quality. If you feed your dog natural food, increase the protein content in the daily menu. Wool consists of keratin, and it is the protein components that are building material hair, make it elastic. It is advisable to add complete protein in the form of low-fat meat, liver and chicken hearts. You can give your pet low-fat sea fish, but make sure there are no bones in it. Eating natural foods will also have a beneficial effect on your dog’s health. fish oil. Also, the diet should be enriched with cereals and vegetables, and if the animal does not like them, canned vegetables can be added to the food.

Tools for combing wool

To carefully comb out loose hair and painlessly remove formed tangles, there are various devices:

• hardened steel comb, best option– with nickel coating. This tool is most often used for grooming the undercoat;
• slicker This brush is suitable for sensitive dogs who cannot tolerate a metal comb. She carefully and delicately combs out the accumulated hair;
• A glove brush is used to comb out and collect dead hairs. It fits comfortably on your hand and effectively removes hair;
• The furminator is a modern tool that can replace all of the above devices. The Furminator is similar to a comb, but has a steel blade with teeth and a comfortable rubber handle. Thanks to the slotted blade, the undercoat is easily removed from the coat without damaging living hairs.

Important: you cannot use the furminator if there are irritations, ulcers, wounds or similar damage on the animal’s skin. Also, the use of the device is not allowed if the dog has mats. In this case, they must be carefully removed in advance so that the furminator does not cause pain to the animal.

Regular brushing of your dog will prevent hair from settling on the furniture and floor. The most convenient way to deal with hair is to place your pet on newspaper or cellophane. This will help you remove lost hair very quickly.

Express molt

Professional pet salons offer a special service called “Express shedding.” Its essence is as follows: the masters carefully comb the dog with various tools, and then bathe it using special shampoos and masks to open pores and remove shedding hair. Further, during drying, the fallen hairs are blown with a powerful hairdryer, while simultaneously combing and styling the coat.

The procedure is suitable for all types of dogs, except hairless ones, and can significantly reduce the amount of hair deposited in the apartment.

Features of shedding in dogs with different coat types

Each breed of dog during the shedding period requires individual approach. Generally, the length and characteristics of the coat will influence which treatments are required. Below we discuss in detail the main types of coats and the features of caring for them.

Longhair

Owners of long-haired pets should always have a brush on hand and great patience during shedding.

Poodles, English and American cocker spaniels need a full range of care,