Shedding in Dogs and Cats

Hair Growth Dogs

Your dog’s hair grows in stages. Each hair follicle has a rapid growth period, the anagen phase, followed by a slower growth period and then the resting phase (catagen phase). While in the resting phase, the mature hair remains in the follicles and at some point detaches from the base. When your dog starts to shed, this is the telogen phase; the new hair pushes out the old hair and the cycle stars all over. Normally it takes most breeds about four months to grow their coats.

Hair Growth Cats

Your cat’s hair grows in stages. Each hair follicle has a rapid growth period, the anagen phase, followed by a slower growth period and then the resting phase (catagen phase). While in the resting phase, the mature hair remains in the follicles and at some point detaches from the base. When your cat starts to shed, this is the telogen phase; the new hair pushes out the old hair and the cycle stars all over. On average, your cat’s hair will grow about a third of an inch a month.

Dog and Cat shedding

Dogs and cats shed their coat year round, although they typically shed more as the hair coat thickens or thins during the seasonal changes of fall and spring. The amount of shedding is more of a response to the length of daylight than to the temperature. Longer periods of daylight in the spring activates the shedding process and usually lasts four to six weeks, and in the fall as the days grow shorter this can cause another round of shedding. The same principle holds true for cats, however cats do tend to react more the difference in light. Indoor cats are exposed to more ambient light and tend to have less shedding. As outdoor cats are exposed to more natural light and this is typically cause for more shedding. The appearance of shedding is always more noticeable on dogs and cats that have double coats, as they will appear to have large patches of hair missing and you can see the undercoat exposed. At no point should you see bare skin exposed during the shedding process, as this is usually a sign of an underlying disease process.

Shedding problems

Shedding can cause some problems for dogs and cats with long thick hair. Shedding is much more noticeable in dogs and cats with long, thick hair than in those with short hair. Hair mats frequently develop around the ears and on the long hair on the legs, and on the belly, but they can form anywhere on the body. Matted hair can lead to skin conditions such as hot spots. Mats are best removed with electric trimmers; and it is always much safer to take your pet to the groomer to have them removed; using scissors can accidentally cut the skin.

Shedding 101

Normal shedding is a gradual process and should produce no noticeable bare spots, which can be a sign of a skin condition or a generalized illness such as a hormonal disorder. If you see any bare, itchy, or raw areas you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian. The best way to deal with normal shedding is to keep your pet groomed on a regular basis. During the shedding process it is advised to perform a daily brushing to remove dead hair which will decreases mat formation, and cuts down on hair within the home. It is also advised to make monthly grooming appointments for your dog or cat.

PetsMD Recommends:
FURminator Classic deShedding Tool	Nutri Vet Shed Defense	FURminator Deluxe Collection Cat DeShedding Tool