Moulting in our pets

27 April 2022

Molting is a seasonal phenomenon, which means the loss of a large amount of hair. Molting is a natural, normal, expected phenomenon, and therefore different from alopecia – or excessive, abnormal hair loss – which can be a sign of dermatological disease, parasitic infestations, or systemic diseases such as endocrine disorders. Like a reptile that renews its skin, the dog renews its coat. It mainly occurs at 2 times of the year: in spring and in autumn.

What is moulting ?

A dog’s hair grows and falls out throughout the year. During the big temperature changes, which are found in the autumn and winter period, this shedding becomes more abundant. In the spring, it is most abundant because the dog loses its winter coat, which then thins out to make room for a coat that is better adapted to the new temperatures. In autumn, the shedding is less consistent, the coat becomes denser and longer to adapt again to the new temperatures which will be cooler.

The moulting cycle can vary according to several criteria. The breed of dog is the first of these. Some breeds shed all year round, with more intense shedding in the autumn and winter, others shed only at these times and still others do not shed at all. The husky and the Caucasian shepherd, for example, shed very large amounts of hair. His lifestyle can also be a criterion: if the dog is used to sleeping in the garden at night, for example, his shedding cycle will not be the same as a dog living indoors. Heavy shedding can also be linked to a diet that is unsuitable or deficient. Foods rich in fatty acids and vitamins can improve the quality of the coat.

Beware, however, that heavy shedding can also be linked to an underlying disease, such as parasites, allergies or hormonal disorders.

Avoiding hair everywhere ?

Molting is a natural phenomenon. This cycle cannot be suppressed. However, to make this period go more smoothly, several things should be done. First of all, it is recommended to brush the animal regularly, as this will allow the maximum amount of dead hair to be recovered, and will also mean that there will be less to suck up from the ground. Regular brushing is beneficial for the circulation of blood at the base of the hair, and will help it to grow back. Daily brushing is recommended. It is important to use the right equipment so as not to damage the animal’s skin (causing irritation, for example). Brushes vary according to the quality of the hair: rough, soft, short, long, etc.

Food

Food also plays an important role in coat health. It is important to take an interest in your pet’s diet by taking good quality products. A “bad” (incomplete) diet can lead to much more hair loss than normal during the moulting period. Foods rich in omega-3 and balanced in vitamins are recommended.

Bibliography :

DermaVet – Veterinary Dermatology: this website is full of interesting information for owners who want to learn about their pet’s skin diseases and the latest developments in this field.

Why does my pet shed ? An interesting article from the American Association of Veterinary Hospitals on shedding in pets.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.