Serious Shedding Problems
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I adopted my dog, a German shepherd/beagle mix, from the shelter, and she seems to have a serious shedding problem. I’ve tried brushing her with a shedding tool daily and it doesn’t seem to help. She is an inside dog, and I feed her Purina weight management formula.
- Angela
Thank you for contacting the ASPCA Pet Nutrition Service.
Although shedding is a normal activity for dogs, the amount of shedding that they do often depends upon their breed or breed mix. Seemingly excessive shedding can be normal for some dogs, but it can also be the result of stress or a medical problem. We encourage you to continue with regular brushing. This will help to eliminate the excess hair around your home. Your veterinarian or groomer may be able to recommend a specific type of brush that will work best for your dog’s coat.
Nutrition can be a factor in excessive shedding, but with the diet you are using, we think it is unlikely. However, you should still check with your veterinarian to determine if a dietary change is needed or if supplements are recommended.
If your dog’s skin is red, crusty or has sores, if she has patchy hair loss or seems itchy, please visit your veterinarian. Some of the more serious reasons for hair loss are parasites (fleas, lice or mites), fungal or bacterial infections, inhalant or food related allergies and thyroid disease.
Thank you again for contacting us, Angela. We wish you the best of luck in finding a solution.