Apart from the two annual molting periods, in spring and autumn, excessive hair loss can be a sign of an illness or a behavioral disorder. A veterinary visit is required, which will be covered and reimbursed by animal health insurance.it
is regular in dogs (just like in cats). This is a normal cycle where fluff grows, dies, and then falls out.
In some cases, and this is quite normal, the fluff may fall in greater quantity.
This is the case during periods of moulting. These are observed twice a year, in the fall and in the spring. The phenomenon can also be influenced by the way the house is heated. Or even by the physiological state, as is the case in pregnant bitches or during whelping.
Hair loss: the sign of a health problem
Beyond the “quality” of the fluff, which reflects the state of health of the animal, an abnormal and/or excessive fluff loss can be a sign of a health problem or a behavioral disorder.
Unusual hair loss can be the result of a poor diet.
If the hair loss is accompanied by other symptoms (appearance of patches, itching, skin lesions), you should consult the veterinarian.
Many diseases can lead to hair loss, whether or not accompanied by other symptoms, such as allergies in particular (food allergy, reactions to flea bites, to medication, etc.).
A behavioral problem can lead to hair loss
But it can also be indicative in other cases of a behavioral disorder. There is then generally hair loss following excessive scratching or licking.
The veterinarian will make his diagnosis by sometimes having recourse to examinations (skin sample), will determine the cause and will put in place the appropriate treatment, which will be covered by animal insurance (mutual dog and mutual cat).
Frequency of brushing: a rhythm that depends on the breeds
Each breed and type of dog is characterized, among other things, by the nature of their hair (with or without the presence of undercoat), and by its length (short, medium-long, long)
Brushing removes dead hair, but also any impurities that may lodge in the coat. And it also prevents the formation of knots and wads.
Depending on the nature of the hair, the brushing rhythm will therefore be more or less frequent and in all cases accentuated during the moulting period (autumn and spring). Brushing must also be done before washing your dog to prevent the hair from forming knots.
In certain breeds with thick hair, care must be taken to inspect the dog well and to monitor a few places where knots can form more easily (behind the ears, thighs, etc.).
Note that some breeds of dogs – few in number – have the particularity of not losing their hair. This is the case, for example, of the poodle. But also in these dogs, a regular inspection is recommended to ensure the absence of wounds, disease, parasites, etc.
The sooner a dog is accustomed to being handled and in particular brushed and/or combed, the easier the task will be for the master by the sute.
Brushing is finally a moment that can be one of great complicity between the master and his dog.
