Pet Peeves

Pet Peeves

Winter has turned to spring. The weather has warmed up. Your pet’s hair is everywhere - on your clothing, carpets, rugs, cushions and furniture. We tell you all you’ve ever wanted to know about why your pet is shedding hair. He also shares tips on how to keep your pet’s precious coat shining with health…

Know the pattern to control the menace

Shedding is seasonal — usually occurring every spring and summer, and related primarily to changes in rhe duration and intensity of sunlight. House dogs, however, are exposed to long hours of artificial light and it sometimes seems as if they never quit shedding! Most dogs shed at least once a year (though some breeds shed more frequently), and they do not shed evenly. Male dogs only shed profusely during spring and summer. In the case of female dogs, shedding can occur at the time of their oestrus or heat cycle. Pregnancy and lactation can also result in excessive hair fall.

If a dog is kept on a poor diet, it’s body will use up all the nutrients it ingests to maintain other bodily functions and let the quality of its coat suffer, Poor coat quality is also frequently seen in an older animal whose digestive system isn’t working very well any more. The same is true for dogs that have been sick or stressed for a period of time.

Ensure a good diet and supplement with additional antioxidants, vitamin A and E, as well as linoleic acid and omega-3 and omega-6 fish oils, to cut hair loss. Brush the coat frequently to bring the oils produced in the skin down each strand of hair, so the entire hair is coated with protective Hpids. Use a quality non-detergent veterinary shampoo.