Shedding In Dogs – Why Do Dogs Shed Their Coat?

There is nothing more appealing in this world than a puppy. Aside from their low ears and ridiculous antics, part of their undeniable appeal is their soft puppy clothes. Unfortunately for religious owners, childhood is not permanent.

Shedding the puppy coat is a normal part of your dog’s life and a sign of it’s growth. But it can scare first-time owners. Here’s what to expect during this phase of your puppy’s life.

What’s the difference between a Puppy’s coat and an adult coat?

Puppies are born with a single coat of soft, warm fur that helps regulate body temperature. This coat naturally replaces their adult coat, which is usually larger and stronger than their puppy coat.

As they grow older, two-coat dog breeds grow two layers of old wool, and the coat is usually shorter than the outer coat. Dogs with single coats grow their special coats as they shed their puppy coat – some are short and curly and some are long and silky.

Other changes in appearance are common at this stage. Dogs can develop coats of a different color than their puppy coat. The Dalmatians are known for this because they are born spotless, but many species produce different colors of clothing and patterns as they shed their puppy fur. English Setter, Bedlington Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, and Shih Tzu are just a few of the species that can change color dramatically from puppy to adult.

When Does Shedding Start?

Puppies lose their puppies’ clothing between 4 and 6 months of age, although this period varies greatly from breed to breed and can start as early as 12 weeks or wait until one year of age. You may not notice your puppy’s shedding, especially if it is a short breed, or the change may be significant. Some types of long hair go through a few unpleasant months known as “dirt” and may look wrinkled, curled, or burned as their old coats get in the way. Some species, such as the Pomeranian, can take up to 2 years to fully develop their adult coat.

Many people believe that dogs with long hair, such as Collies, produce more than shorter dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers. While long hair can be most noticeable on your clothes or your couch, short dogs often have thick coats that spill over. Even untreated species will shed a small amount of hair when they are puppies, or it may take longer for this to happen.

You may be wondering just how much money your puppy is going to spend on an adult. It is different – some puppies do not break down at all but start to shed more when they are older, and some puppies will produce more than they would like an old dog. As an owner, your responsibility is to help your puppy develop a healthy adult coat.

“A complete and balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals is essential for proper clothing and health for dogs,” says Drs. Jerry Klein, AKC veterinary officer. “Consult your vet about the best food for your puppy. And make sure you give her plenty of clean water, as dryness in the body can cause hair loss. ”

Key points to keep in mind

When puppies take off their first coat, they may look boring and may change color.

Reduce the number of dog dogs in your home by properly grooming your puppy with a proper brush.

If a puppy’s coat comes out in the open, showing red, burning, or itchy skin, call your veterinarian.

 Adjusting Your Flexible Puppy Coat

Regular grooming is an important part of caring for any dog ​​and is even more important as your dog’s clothing goes from puberty to adulthood. Self-grooming is a great experience to bond with you and your dog, and also ensures that you are comfortable being handled all over his body. This is especially important for puppies that grow into long coats because regular grooming is necessary for their health – and your mental cleanliness.

Proper grooming is also important to make sure your dog’s adult coat is healthy. If you are planning to take your pup to a professional trainer, it is a good idea to start at an early age. Look for a groom who can be trusted and who will be patient. If you have a dog that will need to be repaired with electrical equipment, you can hold an electric toothbrush next to his puppy’s coat while allowing him to get used to the sound and vibration.

There are different types of dog brushes – bristle, wire-pin, slicker – and it is important to use the type that best suits your student’s coat type. Puppies’ clothing usually requires a softer brush than an adult coat, so ask your pet, groomer, or veterinarian to suggest the best type of brush to use.

You want to get used to your puppy from the start – so be gentle and patient, give him a chance to sniff the brush, introduce a puppy toy to chew on while bathing, and reward him with a dose when he is done. In addition to brushing, bathing your dog also helps to remove dead hair. Be sure to use a non-abrasive shampoo that will not irritate her eyes.

Unusual Hair Loss Puppy & Shedding

Losing a puppy’s coat is normal, but not all hair loss is healthy. Drs. Klein states: “Take your child for a full check if he or she has hair loss or any of the other symptoms listed.

• Invisible skins
• Scaly skin
• Red or burning skin
• Loss of large hair follicles
• Excessive itching


These are symptoms of a condition called alopecia and could be the result of a serious problem, such as fleas, ticks, worms, infection or bacterial infections, medical conditions such as Cushing’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease, hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, or depression. All of these conditions require the diagnosis and treatment of animals.

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