| I am asked time and time again, "Why does my dog | | | | the hair and the fact there is more surface area of |
| shed"? The fact is shedding is a natural process | | | | hair itself. It could also be that the long hair gets |
| where canines lose old hair to make way for new | | | | tangled in the coat rather than falling off, making it |
| hair. It is a continual process that happens with all | | | | appear like they are shedding more. |
| dogs, however some breeds do shed more than | | | | As I mention earlier in this article, seasons do play a |
| others. It is also true that seasons play a role in the | | | | role when it comes to shedding. Dogs shed more |
| development of new hair, thus more shedding occurs. | | | | often in the warmer seasons or climates to help |
| There are four phases to the shedding process and | | | | keep them cool. |
| the first is called the Anagen phase, when the new | | | | A couple other reasons dogs may shed more than |
| hair is being produced. The second phase is called the | | | | usual are diet and stress. If a dog is not getting the |
| Catagen phase where the hair reaches a transitional | | | | proper nutrients and or quantity of food they tend |
| state of growth. Third is the Telogen phase when | | | | to lose more hair than normal. This is true of stress |
| the hair stops growing. The fourth and final phase is | | | | as well, when a dog is stressed for whatever reason, |
| called the Exogen phase when the old hair falls out. | | | | they tend to shed more hair. |
| Therefore Exogen is the technical term for shedding. | | | | If you think your dog is shedding more than usual it is |
| It is widely thought that a long hair dog will shed | | | | always best to consult your veterinarian about diet |
| more than a short hair dog, however this is not true. | | | | and other possible factors concerning dog health. |
| It may seem that way because of the long length of | | | | |