Shedding Explained: What's Normal And What's Not?

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Finding pet hair on your clothes, furniture and probably places you didn't even know your pet could reach is simply part of life with many dogs and cats. But why do our pets shed in the first place?

Shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Old hairs eventually fall out, making room for new ones. How much a pet sheds depends on factors such as breed, coat type and the individual animal, so there can be a big difference between one pet and another.

Some dogs with double coats can experience particularly heavy seasonal shedding. During these periods, their undercoat may come out in noticeable amounts, leaving what looks like little clouds of fur around the house. Cats can also shed seasonally, while indoor cats may shed throughout the year.

So when should shedding make you pause?

Finding loose fur around your home is generally nothing to worry about. Shedding is different from noticeable hair loss, though. Bald patches, thinning areas or a sudden change in how much hair your pet is losing deserve attention, particularly if they occur alongside itching, irritated skin or other changes.

Hair loss can have many possible causes, including parasites, allergies, infections and other health conditions. If you notice an unusual change in your pet's coat, it's best to have it checked by your veterinarian rather than assuming it's simply normal shedding.

Different coats also shed differently. A thick double-coated dog may release large amounts of undercoat at certain times, while another pet may shed smaller amounts throughout the year.

Regular brushing can help remove loose hair before it ends up on your furniture, clothes and floors. The right brush and technique will depend on your pet's individual coat.

So, the next time a tumbleweed of fur rolls across your floor, don't panic. Your pet may simply be doing exactly what nature intended!

Next week in Pet Care Tips... The Secret Life Of Your Pet's Skin Your pet's skin does far more than hold their coat in place, and it deserves some attention of its own.



Location: Swellendam, 6740, South Africa

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