Moulting in dogs in spring

For many dog owners, the moult in spring and autumn is a real test of patience. Unwelcome dust bunnies of fur are found all over the house, and no sooner have you hoovered than new hairs are already lying on the floor again. But why do some dogs shed extremely and others hardly at all?

Interesting to know: dogs with a dense undercoat (e.g. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers) experience a noticeably more intense moult than breeds without this insulating layer (such as the Yorkshire Terrier or Poodle). The amount is considerable: depending on the breed, dogs have on average 1,000 to 9,000 hairs per square centimetre of skin. By comparison: humans come to only 150 to 500 hairs.

The right care: brushing is a must

To ease the itching for the dog and to keep the home cleaner, regular – ideally daily – brushing during the moult is essential. The dead hairs must be removed so that the skin can breathe and healthy hair can grow back. Moreover, combing out promotes the blood circulation of the skin and strengthens the bond.

The right tool is important:

• Take care with steel brushes: cheap wire brushes without protection can injure the sensitive canine skin (micro-injuries).
• Better suited: natural bristles or brushes with rounded rubber nubs for the massage.
• For the undercoat: to de-matt and thin out the thick undercoat, special “undercoat” brushes (carding tools) or hook combs are suitable. With these, the loose winter coat can often be removed in tufts, painlessly.

Tip: while brushing, you can also examine your darling for ticks or fleas.

When does hair loss become a problem?

The typical time for the moult is the transitional phases in spring and autumn. But is your dog losing fur massively at other times, are bald, circular patches forming, or does the animal seem sluggish and off its food at the same time? Then health-related causes (such as thyroid problems, fungal infestation or parasites) can be behind it. In this case, a trip to the vet is advisable in order to clarify the cause.

Supporting the moult from within

Beauty comes from within – that applies to a dog's coat too. A high-quality diet is the basis for a glossy coat and elastic skin.

Nutrients that help now:

• B vitamins: they are the engine for skin metabolism and the nerves.
• High-quality oils (omega fatty acids): a dash of oil in the food often helps to avoid dry flakes. While conventional safflower or rapeseed oil provides a basic supply, for optimal results we recommend a balanced combination of Omega 3-6-9.
• Herbal tip: two to five young, finely chopped dandelion leaves mixed into the food daily act as a natural spring tonic that stimulates the metabolism.