This unpleasant time of year for pet owners has arrived and it is that in autumn everything is covered with hair, the clothes, the furniture, even the products that are well stored in the cupboards also have hairs, how is it possible?
Although it is embarrassing for all of us, it is a real problem for people with allergies and even may be a reason not to have a dog. First of all, it is important to understand what causes these major molts in our canine friends.
Why do dogs shed?
La seasonal hair loss It is common to all dog breeds (except hairless dogs, of course), but the importance of shedding depends on many factors such as hormonal level, the environment the dog lives in, health, and breed.
A dog's hair protects its skin and helps control body temperature. When the hair of a dog is wet, the hairs are used to prevent the skin and sebum from being soaked and unlike our hair that grows in one follicle each, the hairs of dogs grow several in the same follicle.
The shedding cycle in dogs begins when old hairs stop growing and fall out, giving way to a new, stronger, season-adapted coat.
Types of hair in dogs
Coverage
It is the part of the outer coat that is directly visible. This fur can be long, short, hard, flexible and is used to prevent water penetration.
Base coat
They are short, fine and soft hair, like down, that are under the final coat. The undercoat acts as an insulator against the cold, which explains why northern races have abundant undercoat.
When the weather heats up thick undercoat falls to give way to a much finer and less abundant undercoat.
Mustache
Yes, whiskers are hair after all! It is well known that whiskers help the dog to locate yourself in space and analyze your environment.
Hypoallergenic dogs
The following breeds are considered hypoallergenic because they have a type of hair that does not accumulate dust and because it does not shed much compared to other breeds:
Yorkshire
Caniche
Lakeland Terrier
Shih Tzu
Portuguese / Spanish Water Dog
Bichon
Scottish terrier
Italian / Spanish / English / Afghan / Italian Greyhound
Schnauzer
The breeds of dogs that shed the most hair
The following dog breeds are known for their intense hair loss.
Akita Inu
Collie
Labrador / Golden Retriever
Chihuahua
St. Bernard
Chow Chow
German shepherd
Rottweiler
Husky
Is it possible to prevent hair loss?
Unfortunately shedding cannot be prevented, as is an important natural cycle for well-being of these. However, here are some tips to minimize the undesirable effects of shedding:
Regular brushing
It's no secret it is important to brush our dogs regularly, especially during the molting season and for dogs that lose a lot of hair, since once a day is not too much.
A good diet
A high-quality, low-grain diet rich in protein and omega 3 oil it will help your dog to have a good quality coat and therefore less volatile.
Minimal stress
Dogs lose more hair if they are stressed (after visiting a vet or groomer, for example). Try to avoid stressful situations by respecting the rhythm and routine of your four-legged companion.
A good bath
A bath or shower at the right temperature can help remove excess dead hair, but be careful not to not bathing your dog too often.
Avoid cutting hair often
Cutting her hair seems to be the best way to prevent shedding, but remember that our dogs need their fur, especially his undercoat, to regulate his body temperature.