Has your Pitbull started to shed more excessively than usual? If you have an endless supply of hair in your home that is out of the norm it can be easy to become overwhelmed.
The cleanup alone can be a daunting and seemingly endless process that can bring anyone to the edge.
But there are always reasons for excessive shedding. In this article we are going to talk about the most common reasons your Pitbull may have started shedding excessively. So, let’s get started!
Top Reasons Why Your Pitbull Is Shedding
In this section we are going to explore the most common reasons that a Pitbull might start to shed excessively. So, without further ado, let us dive right in!
They Might Be Dehydrated
One big reason a dog may start to shed excessively is because they may not be drinking enough water.
In order to combat this issue and reduce the likelihood that your dog will shed as a result of dehydration is to make sure that they always have access to water.
Pay attention to where you live. Is it a cold area that is prone to freezing? If you live somewhere like that we recommend that you use heated bowls so that their water does not freeze over.
They Might Be Stressed
A dog that is stressed or anxious may be more likely to shed as a result. Something as small as changing their routine can impact how much this breed of dog will shed.
It might also be something like you having less time to spend with your dog, a new job with longer working hours or commutes means that you will not have as much time to spend with your loving pet which can in turn stress your dog out.
Pitbulls are prone to separation anxiety which you can work with your pet to improve their behavior on.
Many trainers like Cesar Milan have many materials you can use to help your dog deal with separation anxiety which will help them to be less stressed out when you are not with them.
Another thing you can do is to try and maintain a routine with your dog. Feed them at regular intervals, walk them at the same time every day.
The less change they experience every day will mean they will be less stressed and by extension shed less.
They Might Have A Skin Condition
Pitbulls as a breed can be prone to allergies which means that they can shed as a result of this (Find out Are Pitbulls Hypoallergenic?).
Allergies can affect the skin in various areas of their body including their belly, feet, ears, and just about anywhere else you can imagine (Check out Why Do Pitbulls Have Webbed Feet?).
As a result of some allergies Pitbulls can lose hair which can look to you like excessive shedding.
But if your dog is suffering from allergies you should certainly take them to the very place where they can get treatment for their affliction.
Skin conditions do not necessarily mean that your dog has an allergy, conditions like sunburn can cause excessive hair loss.
Aside from that, Pitbulls are known for their sensitive skin which can react to certain types of laundry detergents or even air fresheners.
You get the point, this breed of dog tends to have sensitive skins which can cause excessive shedding or repeated biting of one particular spot which can result in fur loss.
If you notice anything strange you should make sure to visit your veterinarian to get the advice that you need.
They Might Have Parasites
This breed of dog, and many others, can excessively shed as a result of parasites. The following are the most common parasites that will cause your Pitbull to shed its fur:
Scabies
Mites
Fleas
Fungal Infections
Remember, with these parasites hair loss is just one potential side effect of these parasites’ presence on your dog.
In order to properly evaluate whether your dog is in fact infested with any of these parasites we recommend that you read up on the other symptoms of these parasites and speak to your veterinarian if you have any suspicions that your dog has any of them.
Bathing Can Induce Excessive Shedding
We have talked about how sensitive the skin of Pitbulls. So, if you suddenly change the shampoo you use on them, you can expect them to start shedding more than usual.
This issue can go hand in hand with skin conditions like dry or flaky skin which means they may be more likely to shed as a result of a changed shampoo.
Because of this issue we recommend using a pet shampoo or conditioner that is more gentle than the one you are using.
You can even speak to your veterinarian as they may be able to identify a shampoo that will work best for your pet.
It Is Just Natural
Sadly, shedding is a natural process that all dogs go through. Even humans shed old or damaged hair regularly. Dogs just have more hair which is shed more frequently.
For the most part Pitbulls shed consistently throughout the year, but there are peak times during the spring and fall when they shed a lot more than usual.
The reason this shedding occurs is because your dog is preparing their winter or summer coat to deal with the changing weather.
Cots for the summer and winter are designed to do different things like protect them from the sun or cold temperatures.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you enjoyed reading our article on why your Pitbull is shedding so much.
Remember that your Pitbull will shed naturally and this is something that cannot be changed.
But, when you notice that there is an extortionate amount of hair loss that is out of the norm you should contact your veterinarian so that they can help you discover what is causing this issue.
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
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