| Shedding, unfortunately for pet owners, is a natural | | | | Older pets generally have poor coat quality as their |
| cycle in every pet's life. No wondrous cure exists, | | | | digestive systems don't function as well as they once |
| contrary to what some product manufacturers would | | | | did. The same is true for pets that have been ill for |
| like us to believe. They offer tonics for the pet's coat, | | | | any length of time, or have been exposed to a |
| tools that claim to remove all of the loose hair in one | | | | significantly stressful situation, or change of ownership, |
| simple step, and of course, the cure-all supplement. | | | | etc. As always, an examination by a veterinarian is |
| Don't waste your money, they will not work. | | | | always a good choice to rule out any obvious health |
| To help alleviate the shedding dilemma, it is important to | | | | deficiencies. |
| examine the facts. It is necessary to determine | | | | Studies have also shown that dogs that have been |
| whether the pet is actually shedding, or if it is | | | | under anesthesia for an extended period of time |
| experiencing coat loss. While the end result is the | | | | usually blow their coats within two months. Females |
| same, the causes of these two situations are very | | | | that have had puppies tend to lose their coats soon |
| different. | | | | after as well. Most of these situations are repairable, |
| Shedding typically occurs every spring and fall season, | | | | and the coat will return to normal after the pet has |
| relating primarily to changes in the intensity and duration | | | | returned to good health. |
| of sunlight cycles. Pets that live mostly in an outside | | | | Pet owners seeking a solution to alleviate excessive |
| environment tend to "blow their coats" twice yearly, | | | | shedding need to evaluate the brand of dog food they |
| according to the natural sunlight schedules they are | | | | feed. If a dog is being fed poor quality food, the dog's |
| exposed to. Pets that live most of their lives indoors | | | | body will utilize what little nutritional value the food has |
| are exposed to artificial light, which alters this natural | | | | for energy to maintain bodily functions, and therefore |
| shedding cycle, causing the pet to shed excessively. | | | | the quality of its coat decreases. In most cases, good |
| Most dogs under indoor conditions usually go through | | | | quality dog food is usually the cheapest, easiest way |
| at least one major shedding cycle each year, | | | | to reduce the excessive hair loss. Talk to your |
| depending upon the breed. Here is the general rule: if | | | | veterinarian about choosing a premium dog food that is |
| the dog requires regular maintenance haircuts, it most | | | | best for your pet's individual health and well being. |
| likely will not shed excessively. Dogs with shorter hair | | | | Finally, in addition to quality food, good brushing habits |
| that require brushing rather than haircuts, usually have | | | | will indeed reduce the amount of hair you'll find around |
| double coats and thus tend to shed much more. | | | | your house. Whether you institute the brushing ritual at |
| Coat loss is much different than shedding as it is not a | | | | home, or turn to your favorite dog groomer to do the |
| natural occurrence. The result is the same, but actual | | | | task, you will be pleased with the results. |
| coat loss can be caused by many different factors. | | | | |