Shedding is a common concern for many pet owners. Dog hairs can end up in just about every corner of your home and removing them can be quite the chore. Then again, the sudden disappearance of dog hairs can also be troubling.
If your dog is no longer shedding, it would be natural for you to wonder if something is wrong. So, is there a reason for you to be concerned? Find out by reading through the rest of this article.
Why Has My Dog Stopped Shedding?
For dogs, shedding is just something they have to do. Going through shedding is necessary because they need to get rid of their old and damaged hairs somehow. You can groom your dog properly to minimize their shedding, but they will still need to remove a few hairs on their own.
After living with your dog for a while, you’ve probably grown accustomed to their shedding. You likely know how to store your clothes and other belongings so they don’t wind up blanketed by your dog’s loose hairs.
As bothersome as shedding was previously, it may be something you are now used to. However, you may now be faced with an unexpected development.
Recently, you may have noticed that your dog’s shedding has decreased significantly. Although the decreased shedding has made cleaning up easier, it may also be raising concerns on your end. You may be wondering if there is something behind the sudden stoppage of your dog’s shedding.
Listed below are the likely explanations for why your dog is no longer shedding at the same rate they did before. Go through them carefully and check if they can explain the changes affecting your pet.
Your Dog Is Spending More Time Outside
Not everyone is aware of this, but the health of your dog’s coat is not the only factor that influences shedding. Heat and light are two other factors that play a huge role in determining how your pet sheds.
Dogs will typically shed based on the seasons. You’ll see dogs shed more hair during the spring because they no longer need their thick winter coat to keep them warm. They will also shed more hair during the fall so they can start growing a more voluminous coat for the upcoming winter season.
To put it simply, dogs rely on seasonal cues to determine when they should shed more.
Indoor dogs don’t get those seasonal cues. They live in a climate-controlled setting most of the year so their rate of shedding doesn’t change. They will shed just as much in the spring as they will in the winter.
If your indoor dog has been spending more time outside lately, that could change their shedding pattern. They may develop a shedding pattern that mirrors the season and that could lead to them shedding less during summer and winter.
The lack of shedding you’ve observed could simply be your pet reverting to their natural shedding pattern. That may change again if you decide to keep your dog indoors more.
Your Dog Is Healthier
Although shedding is a natural process that dogs undergo, certain factors may intensify it.
If your dog is dealing with an infection, they will likely shed more as a result. Excessive shedding is also a known symptom of certain diseases.
Allergies can also explain why your pet has been shedding more recently. They may be affected by allergens in their environment. The allergens may also be present in their medication or their food.
Pet owners should also know that stress can affect how much a dog sheds. Dogs that are feeling anxious or stressed out will shed way more than their more relaxed counterparts.
A sudden decrease in your dog’s shedding could be an indicator that they are feeling better. They may still shed a bit, but the loose hairs will be easier to clean up.
In this case, your dog not shedding as much as before is a good thing.
Your Dog Isn’t a Big Shedder
The breed of a dog will determine their appearance, temperament, and it can even affect their expected lifespan. Breed is also a factor that affects shedding. Some dogs are heavy shedders while others don’t shed much at all.
You need to keep that in mind while evaluating your dog’s condition. Examples of dogs that do not shed much include Afghan Hounds, Irish Water Spaniels, Maltese, Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Schnauzers.
If your pet belongs to one of those breeds, then you shouldn’t be surprised if they shed lightly. That may come as a surprise if your previous dogs were big shedders.
What to Do if My Dog Has Stopped Shedding?
Ordinarily, when your pet undergoes a big change, it warrants immediate action. You may need to take your dog to the veterinarian and give them medication afterward.
Doing those things will likely be unnecessary if the change you observed is a decrease in shedding. As you can see from the explanations we detailed above, a lack of shedding is not a bad thing. It may even be a positive development for your pet.
Feel free to enjoy the change in your dog’s shedding pattern. You may be able to cut back on your pet’s grooming because they are no longer shedding a ton of hair.
Going to the veterinarian will only be necessary if the change in your dog’s shedding is accompanied by other troubling symptoms. It would be better to get your pet checked out in that scenario so you can tell exactly what is happening to them.
Do Dogs Stop Shedding as They Get Older?
Shedding is a natural part of your pet’s life, but is that something that could change over time? Could your dog shed less as they grow older?
In all likelihood, your dog’s shedding will not decrease due to old age. If anything, the shedding may intensify.
The lifespan of your dog’s hairs may shorten as they age. That means shedding will likely occur more frequently.
You may also find more hairs in your dog’s favorite spots because they aren’t as active as they used to be. It’s easier to notice the shedding because of that.