Why is my papillon shedding so much

Our furred pets rely on hair to protect their skin, help regulate body temperature, and insulate the internal organs from cold and heat. Like your own daily hair loss, some shedding is natural in pets. Some breeds of dogs and cats naturally shed more than others, especially during seasonal changes when they are exposed to less light.

But excess shedding can be a sign of disease or illness that requires veterinary care. The notion that longhaired dogs and cats shed the most is a fallacy, said Megan Mouser. Mouser is a certified groomer and Andis Co. Shorthaired animals have denser coats and generally shed more, but the length of their hair makes it less noticeable, she said. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules, but some dogs and cats are just naturally heavy shedders, explained Cruzen.

The floor is covered with hair. Cat breeds that are generally heavy shedders include Persians , Russian Blues , Maine Coons , and American shorthairs. Ideally, owners should brush their dogs and cats once a day, but even once a week is helpful to remove excess hair, increase circulation to the skin and bond with the pet, said Mouser. However, it typically results in hair regrowing from the same follicle. This is unlike hair loss, which leads to permanent or semi-permanent loss.

If you will have more than two or three strands of the hair then you could be at the first or third phase of the cycle. If you, however, have more than 10 strands shedding off of your stands, you are experiencing a massive loss and should consult with the doctor. Skip to content April 22, Joe Ford. Table of Contents. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Today, the friendly and upbeat Pap is a popular family companion. Papillons have long, silky, flowing coats that shed very little. You will notice some hair dropping out throughout the year, but nothing too extreme.

They shed about the same as dogs like the Maltese and Shih Tzu. But not quite as much as the Pomeranian, which is another popular toy breed.

And, unlike Pomeranians, Papillons have a single coat. Meaning, they only have one layer of hair instead of two an outer coat and undercoat. It does depend on the individual Pap, and you may notice some increase in shedding during spring, but the molting they do is normally more evenly spread throughout the year.

Another factor that can cause your Pap to shed more heavily than normal is their diet. Shedding tools can come in the form of a brush with closely-spaced, stainless steel tines that work on removing the undercoat or a shedding blade with serrated teeth. A dog who eats a complete and balanced diet will take in the vitamins and nutrients he needs to keep his hair follicles growing strong and resilient from breakage.

Some dogs benefit from feeding a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy hair growth in addition to supporting joint, heart and immune health. Before starting your dog on supplements, speak with your veterinarian to determine if it would benefit your dog. Knowing how much your dog is drinking can be tricky, but if your dog is shedding more than usual, you may want to keep an eye on the water bowl.

The general rule is that a dog should drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight per day. This means that a ten-pound dog needs a little over a cup of clean water. Dehydrated skin is a major cause of hair loss and can increase the amount of loose fur you have to clean up around your home.

Bathing your dog not only cleans his coat, but also helps to remove dead hair.