Top Tips for Managing Your Dog's Fall Coat Change

Have you taken all the necessary steps for your furry friend during the autumn season? Here are some crucial activities you should consider for your dog:

1. Are you regularly grooming your dog’s coat?

Regular grooming not only helps to minimize the shedding of dead hair due to normal metabolism but also strengthens and smooths your dog’s fur. Have you noticed that areas that are frequently touched, like the forehead, tend to be very smooth with less shedding? Regular grooming also makes your dog feel comfortable and lively.

2. Do you keep your dog mostly indoors, away from sunlight?

Severe shedding can be related to a dog spending too much time indoors without exposure to sunlight. This can lead to a lack of darkness in the nose, poor calcium absorption, and unhealthy skin and fur. Adequate sunlight is essential for maintaining your dog’s coat health.

3. Did you bathe your dog too frequently during the summer?

Overbathing can strip away the natural protective substances in your dog’s fur, leading to excessive shedding. Even during shedding season, bathing every three days is sufficient. For routine cleaning, use a damp towel to wipe down your dog after outdoor activities.

4. Are you using petspecific shampoos for your dog’s baths?

Never use human shampoos or body washes. Always opt for petspecific grooming products. Thoroughly wash and quickly dry your dog, using a hairdryer to ensure the fur is smooth and tanglefree. Dogs have a neutral pH skin, while human shampoos are usually alkaline. Using the wrong products can lead to dry skin, allowing bacteria and mites to thrive, which can cause severe shedding.

5. Do you often take your dog for walks in grassy areas or through shrubs and forests?

Dogs can pick up fleas, ticks, or even intestinal parasites from these environments, which can directly lead to severe shedding. Check for black spots on their coat and look for white specks in their feces. If you notice these signs, it’s time to treat your dog. There are various treatments available, including tablets, liquids, singleuse, and reusable options. Choose a reputable brand, as some lowquality products can be toxic. Also, consider giving your dog deworming medication during the spring and autumn seasons.

6. Do you only feed your dog commercial dog food?

Your dog shouldn’t eat whatever you do. Highsodium foods can lead to shedding, even in localized areas. Sweet, spicy,刺激性, and flavorenhancing foods can also cause hair loss. While dog food contains salt to maintain muscle strength, it’s formulated with specific ratios. Human food, on the other hand, often has much higher salt content, which can affect your dog’s coat. If you do share your food, cook it thoroughly to help with your dog’s coat health. Although it’s important to avoid a varied diet, it’s also not advisable to feed your dog only commercial food. Provide some nutritional supplements as needed. Dogs over two months old can benefit from cooked egg yolks and steamed carrots. Adult dogs can have bones and petspecific nutritional supplements that aid in maintaining healthy fur. Nutritional deficiencies can absolutely lead to severe shedding.