Do Dogs Shed More When Stressed
Do Dogs Shed More When Stressed?
Dogs are amazing creatures. They bring joy, love and companionship to our lives. But as much as we love them, sometimes they can be a handful. We all know that dogs shed their fur, but have you ever wondered if stress affects their shedding? This is a question that has been asked by many dog owners and experts alike. In this article, we will explore the topic of whether dogs shed more when stressed.
The answer to this question is not a straightforward one. Like humans, dogs can experience stress in different ways and for different reasons. It’s important to understand why your dog might be feeling stressed before jumping to conclusions about their shedding habits.
Stress Triggers in Dogs
There are many things that can trigger stress in dogs. Some common triggers include changes in routine or environment, separation anxiety, loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks, illness, or injury. As a result of these triggers, your dog may exhibit signs of stress like panting, pacing, whining or barking excessively.
When a dog experiences stress, their body goes through a series of physiological changes. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are released into their bloodstream which can have an impact on their immune system and other bodily functions.
Effects of Stress on Shedding
One of the effects of stress on dogs is increased shedding. This happens because when cortisol levels rise in the body due to stress, hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the growth cycle. This means that hairs shed more quickly than usual from the root and new hairs don’t grow back right away.
It’s important to note that not all dogs will shed more when stressed. The amount of shedding depends on the individual dog’s breed, age, gender and overall health status. For example, breeds like German Shepherds and Huskies are known for shedding heavily throughout the year regardless of stress levels.
Managing Stress in Dogs
If you suspect that your dog is shedding more due to stress, there are several things that you can do to help manage their stress levels.
1. Identify the source of stress – As mentioned earlier, it’s important to identify the cause of your dog’s stress before taking any action. If it’s something like a change in routine or environment, try to make the transition as smooth as possible for your dog.
2. Create a safe space – Providing your dog with a comfortable and secure place where they can retreat when feeling stressed can be helpful. This can be a crate, bed or even a specific room in the house.
3. Exercise and playtime – Regular exercise and playtime are essential for maintaining a happy and healthy dog. It can also help reduce stress levels by providing an outlet for pent-up energy.
4. Calming remedies – There are several natural remedies that you can use to help calm your dog during stressful situations. These include lavender oil, chamomile tea or supplements like CBD oil.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dogs may shed more when stressed due to changes in their cortisol levels. However, this is not always the case and depends on various factors such as breed, age and gender. If you suspect that your dog is shedding more due to stress, it’s important to identify the root cause and take steps to manage their stress levels. By doing so, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy and healthy for years to come!
