Why Is My Dog Shedding in The Summer?

It can annoy pet owners when their dogs shed, but it's a regular part of their life. You're not the only one who has ever thought about why your pet seems to lose more fur in the summer. Figuring out why your pet sheds during certain times of the year can help you deal with it better and keep your home fur-free. Find out the reasons, ways to fix them, and must-have pet care products to make the process easier for you and your dog.

How to Understand Seasonal Shedding

Everyone knows that dogs shed, but some kinds shed more than others. But why does it seem like more hair falls off in the summer? Rest assured that this is an entirely normal process, even though it may seem like your furry friend is losing a lot of hair. Let's talk about why your dog sheds more in the summer and how you can stop it.

How Summer Sheds Work Scientifically

Dogs' bodies have a way of keeping their temperatures stable. Their fur gets thicker in the winter to keep them warm. When summer comes around, their bodies shed the thick winter coats to stay cool. This process helps double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds keep a safe body temperature.

Different Kinds of Coats and How They Shed

Different dogs shed in different ways. Some breeds have a double coat, which means they shed every so often, while others only have one coat and shed once a year. Knowing the type of coat your dog has can help you clean them in the best way:

• Dogs with two coats, like Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies, shed a lot when the seasons change.
• Dogs with only one coat, like Poodles and Shih Tzus, shed very little but still need to be groomed regularly.
• Dogs with short hair, like Beagles and Boxers, may shed less all year.
• Long-haired dog types, like Afghan Hounds and Yorkshire Terriers, need more care to keep their fur from matting and shedding too much.

Is It Normal to Shed Too Much?

Shedding is normal during certain times of the year, but too much shedding could be a sign of a bigger problem. Unusual fur loss could be caused by bad diet, allergies, bugs, or stress. You should always talk to a vet if your dog seems to be shedding a lot.

How to Deal with Your Dog's Summer Shedding

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth Every Day: The First Line of Defense

When you brush your dog's fur often, you can remove loose hair before it gets all over the house. It also makes your dog's skin and body produce more natural oil, which keeps them healthy. Depending on the type of your dog, you might need a de-shedding brush or a grooming glove to get rid of the fur well.

Brushing can also help remove mats, which can trap heat and make your pet uncomfortable. A rubber curry brush or a bristle brush works best for short-haired breeds, while slicker brushes or fur rakes work best for long-haired breeds.

Taking A Bath with The Right Stuff

Giving your dog regular baths can help loosen up the fur they shed and keep them feeling clean. But using the wrong shampoo or pet soap bar can remove your skin's natural oils and make it dry, making it shed even more. Choose shampoos that are good for the coat, won't irritate it, and help keep the skin healthy.

Using lukewarm water is also part of a good bathing routine since hot water can dry the fur and cause it to fall out even more. Always rinse well because shampoo that stays on the hair can irritate it and cause it to shed more than it needs to.

Water And a Diet Full Of Nutrients

A healthy, well-balanced diet is very important for coat health. For healthy, strong fur, make sure your dog eats food that is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Also, making sure your dog stays hydrated helps keep its skin flexible and stops it from losing too much hair because it is dry.

Some essential nutrients for hair health are:

• Protein: Eating a lot of protein can help hair cells get more vigorous.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are found in fish oil and help the coat shine and lower inflammation.
• Biotin and zinc are essential in keeping skin moist and stopping it from losing too much.

Keeping Allergies and Parasites in Check

Allergies to the environment, bugs, and ticks can cause pets to scratch a lot and lose fur. Regular flea treatments and hypoallergenic cleaning products can keep your dog's skin from getting irritated. Pollen, dust mites, and food ingredients (like chicken, beef, dairy, etc.) are frequent allergens.  If you think you have allergies, try switching to a diet with fewer ingredients or hypoallergenic goods to see if your symptoms get better.

Dealing with Stress

Stress can also cause excessive shedding. Fur loss can be caused by changes in routine, loud noises, or worry about being alone. Maintaining a steady, comfortable space and giving yourself many mental and physical challenges can help you stay stress-free.

To cut down on stress-related hair loss, keep a regular daily schedule.

• Offer toys and games that kids can play with.
• Use sounds or smells that calm you down, like lavender or white noise.
• Give your dog a place to rest that is safe and quiet.

How To Keep Your House Clean and Free Of Fur

Even if you groom your pet well, it will still shed some hair. To keep hair out of your home:

• Cover your furniture and clean often.
• Buy air filters to get rid of pet hair.
• Brush your dog outside to keep the fur from building up inside.
• Wash their blankets often to remove hair that isn't attached.

When to Worry About Loss of Hair

Even though sweating is normal, it can sometimes signal a deeper health problem. If your dog sheds a lot and has any of the following issues, you should take them to the vet:

• Bald spots or uneven hair loss.
• Itchy, red, or sensitive skin
• Scratching or licking too much
• Feeling tired or losing your appetite

These could be signs of skin diseases, hormonal problems, or other health problems that need to be checked out by a doctor.

Feel Good About the Time of Year When Your Dog Sheds

Even though your pet will shed, you can keep them comfy and keep your home fur-free by taking the proper steps. You can keep your dog from shedding too much in the summer by cleaning them regularly, using good products, and ensuring they eat well.

If you take care of your pet properly, you and your pet friend can enjoy the summer without stress. That means more time for play, cuddles, and adventures!