what causes dogs to shedd excessively?

Question

My dog is a retired military dog. Well taken care of, eats Science diet, uptodate on vac's, bursh once a week, in a very loving home, (she sleeps in my bed). I kennel her and my other retired military dog during the day. Her kennel is completely covered with hair at the end of the day. Not the other one. If I rub my hand down her back I get a handful of hair. I can pull it out in clumps. She doesn't have any bald spots. Could it be stress?

Answer 1

Poor nutrition,stress,illness,low thyroid levels.....

Answer 2

It depends on the breed sometimes too. Some dogs tend to shed more than others. If its not a dog that normally sheds a lot, it could be many things. Nerves, allergies (in this case, its usually because they pull it out), illness, bad diet, weather, etc. Talk to your vet if your dog is having these issues and its not because of his breed. Its usually a fairly easy resolution.

Answer 3

Excessive shedding in dogs and cats is a phenomena that is so common that people generally consider it normal for their pet to constantly shed and leave a trail of hair everywhere they go. In fact, excessive shedding is not normal and there are several annoying problems that could arise from it. Fortunately, there are also simple solutions to treat and prevent excessive shedding.

Normally, shedding dog breeds will lose their winter coat once a year and usually in the spring, just like wild animals that live in cold climates. Most dogs, depending on where they live, may develop a thicker coat during the winter months. With the onset of spring and longer daylight hours the dog's body says it is time to lose the coat. But the shedding is excessive if your dog is shedding year round! Healthy coats should be tight and shiny, and fur should not fall out easily.

In dogs, excessive shedding often leads to physically unpleasant results such as matted hair, visible hair loss such as bald spots, and a dull coat. The first telltale signs of excessive shedding for most dog owners is having their hand filled with messy hair every time they pet their dog, and having their home covered with a fine coat of dog hair year round. Sometimes, if excessive shedding is left untreated, certain skin problems and disorders may result such as dry, itchy or flaky skin, smelly skin, dermatitis, and rashes.

Most of the problems above encountered by dogs can also occur in cats. There is, however, one additional problem unique to cats with excessive shedding: hairballs. If the cat has excessive amounts of hair to shed, it will want to lick the excess hair off. This hair then usually gets into the cat's stomach or throat, resulting in a retching cat that coughs up smelly, sticky hairballs.

So, how do you get rid of excessive shedding and thus prevent all the unpleasant problems that can result from it?

First, one of the nicest things you can do for your cat or dog is to brush or comb its fur on a regular basis using a pet rake or slicker brush. This is helpful if you want to keep excess hair and matting from bothering you and your pet. A bonus advantage is that most pets also enjoy being brushed.

Next, some companies make special pet products that you can add to your pet's food to help prevent excess shedding.

As you can see, proper nutrition and a bit of regular hair care can turn a constantly shedding coat into a tight, shiny coat that will not fill your hand with messy hair every time you pet your cat or dog. You will also have less mess and hair around your home, and you will have a happier and healthier pet!

Answer 4

Weather change, when dogs or even cats are nervous they shed, certain stresses. Dry skin also causes hair loss. If your dog has dry skin put Salmon Oil in its food. You can buy it online at most Pet Supply Stores.

Answer 5

Certain health issues, Poor nutrition, stress, the season, breed. Besides good vet care, make sure you are feeding a good quality food, brushing daily and keeping clean. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Chnage is season, change in weather patterns in your area or it could be a change that you pet is going through itself because as pets age, just like humans, they start to lose alot of their usual functions.

Answer 7

change in weather, being pregnant. i think it depends on the type of dog

Answer 8

Change in weather.