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| Help! Why is My Dog Shedding? |
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 Shedding hair is a natural process for most dogs and occurs throughout the year, especially in spring and summer.
The shedding process is largely influenced by daylight, so it is more noticeable in outdoor dogs in the spring while indoor dogs shed more consistently due to exposure to constant levels of artificial light inside the house.
Shedding also becomes more pronounced during periods of illness or stress, pregnancy or nursing. Some breeds of dogs shed more than others while others, such as Poodles, do not shed significantly but they do need regular trimming.
So, what can be done about shedding?
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Regular grooming program
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The best way to control shedding is to regularly brush and groom your dog. Longhaired dogs need to be groomed daily, while shorthaired breeds may only need one session per week.
Get your puppy accustomed to grooming early in life. Begin gradually by handling your puppy often, touching its ears and paws gently. Start with short grooming sessions and reassure your pup constantly.
Combs, slicker brushes, rakes, shedding tools and even pet vacuum cleaners are all useful for dog grooming.
Fine-toothed combs are used for soft, thin or silky coats, medium-toothed combs are used for normal coats and wide-toothed combs are best for heavy and thick coats.
Rakes are ideal for removing dead undercoat hair in larger dogs with coarser and thicker coats, like the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd.
Slicker brushes are ideal for removing loose hair from the undercoat to prevent matting in double-coated and longhaired but are also a good general brush for all breeds if used lightly.
Pin brushes, with rounded tips to prevent damage to the skin, are good for dogs with long, fine hair such as Silky Terriers. They can also be used to fluff the coat by brushing against the direction of hair growth.
Bristle brushes are good for dogs with very long coats, such as the Afghan, and help add shine to the short coat.
Grooming mitts are also good for shorthaired breeds to add polish and shine once the loose hairs are removed.
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Bathing
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A regular bath (once a week or fortnight) with a good quality shampoo formulated for dogs may also help to keep the coat and skin healthy. If you are concerned, or you notice any unusual skin or general health problems, you should seek your vet's advice. There are some medical conditions that may increase shedding.
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What if my dog has dandruff?
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Dandruff, or scaly skin, is called seborrhoea in dogs. It is usually more severe than human dandruff and can be an inherited condition in some breeds. There are 2 types of seborrhoea, a dry form with dry, scaly skin (seborrhoea sicca) or an oily form with greasy crusting (seborrhoea oleosa). Consider a veterinary examination first to rule out medical conditions that can cause the problem. Skin parasites (such as fleas), allergy or bacterial and fungal infections can cause the problem.
For a simple, mild 'dandruff' in an otherwise healthy dog there are a few things you can do to help:
Flea control is essential, both on your dog and in the environment, including other pets in the household. See the section on flea control for more information.
Choose a high quality diet that is nutritionally complete and balanced. Diet influences skin condition, specifically a proper content of essential fatty acids. Ask your vet to recommend the best diet for your dog.
A dietary fatty acid supplement, containing Omega–3 and Omega-6 may be required if the food you use doesn't have a balanced fatty acid supplement. Several products are available.
Try a colloidal oatmeal shampoo and conditioner to soothe itchy, dry skin. Your vet will be able to prescribe the most effective medicated shampoos.
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Should I clip my dog's nails?
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Keep the nails regularly trimmed by using nail clippers specially designed for dogs. Clip the tip of each nail with a swift action, being careful to stop short of the quick where the blood vessels and nerves are. Ask your vet to show you the correct technique the first time, especially if your dog has dark nails.
Get your puppy accustomed to having its paws handled early in life. Handle your pup often and offer lots of praise or a treat when he or she stays still and lets you examine the toes and nails. This will make it a pleasurable experience for your dog, and your life a lot easier!
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Petalia Resident Vet
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