Understanding Dogs Coat

Learn How To Stop Dog Hair Shedding!

Understanding A Dogs Coat

A dogs coat consist of two types of hair. The undercoat called secondary hairs and the outer coat called primary hairs. All dogs have these two types of hair but the ratio between the two differs between breeds.
Hair types: Short, Medium, Long, Coarse, Fine, Curly and Straight.
A dogs undercoat helps maintain body temperature and helps keep them warm and dry in cold weather and protects his skin from sun in hot weather.
A dogs skin and hair holds in water and heat and keep out bacteria and viruses.

Nutrition, illness and grooming all affect our pets coat and skin.
Shedding is a year round event. When a hair shaft dies and is shed it is replaced with a new hair shaft.
Seasonal shedding happens twice a year, referred to as "blowing the coat".
Indoor animals may shed more because their systems can not detect seasonal weather changes.
Central heating upsets your dogs natural shedding rhythm so many dogs shed their coats year round.
Unexpected temperature swings may cause pet hair to shed and regrow more often.
A dogs coat normally thins during warm weather and regrows during cooler weather.
Some breeds including the Doberman, Boxer, Bulldog and Airedale Terrier experience a symmetrical and seasonal loss of hair on their flanks.
Un-neutered females often shed more after coming into season, during pregnancy and while lactating.
Grooming stimulates the skin and allows the natural oils to circulate up through the coat. Brushing spreads these oils throughout the coat and keeps it shinny.
Matting can trap moisture and bacteria next to the skin causing irritation.