Why Cats and Dogs Never Go Bald: The Reason Behind Thei
Prepare for an endless battle with fur in the days ahead. It seems like everything is covered in it: the air, your clothes, kitchen utensils, and even your lungs might feel the presence of fur! It's quite烦人, isn't it? But do cats and dogs ever stop shedding? The answer is no. As living beings, they undergo metabolism, making it impossible for them to shed all their fur. The cycle of hair growth eventually comes to an end, and the hair naturally falls out, only to be replaced by new growth. During shedding seasons, the number of hair follicles on cats and dogs increases, with each follicle producing multiple hairs, so don't expect them to become completely bald.
While it's a normal physiological process that we can't avoid, many cats and dogs experience excessive shedding due to pathological reasons. Therefore, it's essential to distinguish between physiological and pathological shedding. Developmental shedding and seasonal shedding are examples of physiological shedding.
Newborns have lanugo, the fine, downy hair that covers their bodies. Cats and dogs have the same, shedding their delicate, fluffy lanugo as they grow and develop to replace it with thicker, insulating fur. This is why young cats and dogs will continuously shed during their growth phase. Similarly, as cats and dogs enter their senior years and their organs begin to age, their ability to absorb nutrients may decrease, leading to shedding.
During the change of seasons in spring and autumn, temperature fluctuations affect all animals with fur, which is an instinctive response. Cats and dogs, too, adjust their fur to better adapt to environmental temperatures, either by shedding to prevent overheating or growing more fur to stay warm. These changes are normal, and as long as your pets are in good health, there's no need to worry.
Pathological shedding, on the other hand, can be caused by various factors:
When a cat or dog's diet lacks the necessary nutrients, their fur may become dull and shedding may occur more frequently. This is often seen during breeding periods or after illness, when it's crucial to enhance their nutrition and provide specific supplements based on their symptoms. If they develop skin diseases like ringworm or ear mites, the resulting inflammation and itching can lead to hair loss. In such cases, pet owners should intervene promptly to treat the condition and prevent further hair loss. Excessive salt intake can also cause shedding, often due to a highsalt diet or pet food. Additionally, using inappropriate pet shampoos, such as human shampoos or unregulated pet products, can disrupt the skin's pH balance, leading to shedding. It's also important not to bathe your pets too frequently; generally, once every 12 months for cats and once every two weeks for dogs is sufficient.
It's incorrect to keep cats and dogs confined to cages for extended periods, as this can lead to depression and anxiety, which may trigger shedding. Pets also need regular sunlight exposure, and longterm confinement in dark environments can cause shedding as well.
So, how can we reduce the amount of fur floating around?
Regularly brushing your cat or dog can help minimize the amount of loose fur in the air. Stick to a balanced diet, avoid highsalt and highfat foods, and provide additional nutrition during specific periods. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner and humidifier to maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. By following these tips, you can help keep your home furfree and your pets healthy and happy.