Tearing Your Hair Out due To Your Dog’s Hair Loss?

Moulting, shedding, hair loss…Whatever you call it, if you own a dog it’s inevitable – you WILL have dog hair on the floor, on the furniture and all over your clothes. And contrary to popular belief, most dogs will shed year-round. So what can you do to manage this ‘hairy’ issue?

Shedding: some info

Firstly, all dogs shed. Shedding is necessary to make way for the new, healthy shaft. However, some breeds tend to shed more than others. Longer-haired dog and dogs that need to be clipped regularly tend to shed less than those with shorter hair. These dogs just appear to shed more because their lovely, long locks lying on your carpet are more obvious. The colour of your dog’s hair will also determine how much of it you see – you are more likely to spot white hair on a dark lounge suite, for example.

Why do dogs shed year-round?

In the past, seasonal shedding was the norm. Dogs would shed mostly in the spring (getting rid of their winter coat), and again in the autumn (making way for the thicker, warmer coat to come in). This was due to the change in daylight hours and temperature. Nowadays, dogs are often kept indoors, where artificial light and moderate temperatures are the norm – hence they tend to shed year-round.

So is there anything you can do about it?

• Regular grooming is essential: Your dog’s hair will fall out, so rather be the one in control as to where the hair ends up. Groom your dog once a day and throw the unwanted  hair in the bin, rather than it ending up all over your house.
• Good nutrition: A  good diet, with all the essential vitamins, minerals and fats will go a      long way to keeping your dog’s skin healthy and avoiding unnecessary hair      loss.
• Keep your dog healthy: In keeping with the above, a healthy dog has a healthy coat. this means fewer skin problems, and less scratching, which often results in hair loss.
• Vacuum regularly:  Unfortunately, if you own a dog, frequent house  cleaning will become a necessity to keep the unwanted hair at bay.
• Exposure to plenty of natural light: It appears that the more natural light your dog is exposed to, the higher the chance is of him doing most of his shedding twice a year (spring and autumn). It’s worth a try, but there is no guarantee.

Shedding vs. abnormal hair loss

All dog owners must be mindful of the difference between normal shedding and alopecia, which according to petwave.com is broadly defined as any deficiency in a dog’s normal coat. Alopecia, a poor skin condition in general, allergies or a myriad of other more worrying diseases will all lead to hair loss. But hair loss in these instances is typically very different to the usual moulting, so be on the look out for large clumps of missing hair, excessive scratching, open wounds or any other signs that your dog could be suffering from an underlying disorder. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing discomfort or is presenting any of the above (or other) symptoms, it’s best to get him checked out by the vet, where medical intervention might be required. Regal has a great product to support a healthy coat and promote new hair growth. Read all about the Glossy Coat Remedy. If your dog’s hair loss is caused by a skin irritation, you can use the Skin Care Remedy

Regal Skin Care Remedy has been specifically formulated with three effective herbs known for treating both acute and chronic skin conditions. This anti-itch herbal remedy will help address skin allergies including flea bites, eczema, rashes and hot spots. For healthy skin and a glossy coat.  

Where to buy:

You will find the Regal range stocked across selected Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers, Spar and vet and pet shops around the country. We are also stocked in all Dis-Chem outlets nationwide.