One of the most common questions that people ask about Australian Shepherds is whether or not they shed hair. The answer, unfortunately, is yes – Australian Shepherds do shed hair.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are a bad pet choice for people with allergies. There are plenty of ways to reduce the amount of hair that your Aussie sheds, and we will discuss them in this article.
Why Do Australian Shepherds Shed Hair?
Before we get into how to reduce shedding, it’s important to understand why Australian Shepherds shed hair in the first place. The main reason that Aussies shed is because they have a double coat of fur. This means that they have a top layer of long, coarse hair and a bottom layer of short, soft hair.
The two layers of fur work together to keep the dog warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. When the seasons change, the dog’s body temperature changes and this causes the old fur to fall out so that new fur can grow in its place. Other reasons Why Aussies shed hair is as follows
Stress And Anxiety:
Stress and anxiety can also cause a dog to shed more hair than usual. This is because the body goes into fight-or-flight mode when it is stressed and this causes the body to produce more cortisol. Dogs can become stressed for many reasons, such as being in a new environment, having a change in routine, or being separated from their owner.
Change In Diet:
A change in diet can also cause a dog to shed more hair than usual. This is because the new food may not be as nutritious as the old food and this can cause the body to shed hair in order to save nutrients.
Medical Conditions:
If your dog is shedding more hair than normal, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Skin conditions, allergies, hormone imbalances, and thyroid problems can all cause excessive shedding.
Skin Allergies Or Fleas/ticks:
Noticing your dog has bald spots, it could be due to skin allergies or fleas/ticks. Allergies can cause the body to produce more histamines, which can lead to excessive shedding. Fleas and ticks can also cause hair loss as they bite and feed on the blood of their host.
When They Are In Season:
You may find that your pet has grown new hair after they’ve shed in the spring and summer. It’s because this is how their bodies change with the seasons, just like humans do! You cannot stop them from changing either it would be unnatural for a wild animal not to maturity or molt at some point during its life span.
How Do You Manage Your Australian Shepherd’s Shedding?
There are many ways to manage your Aussie’s shedding, including:
Regular Bathing:
Regular bathing will help to remove any loose hair and dirt that may be trapped in their coat. It is important to use a dog-specific shampoo as human shampoo can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. This will also let you get a good brush through their coat while they are wet to help remove any knots or tangles.
Shampoo:
There are many different dog shampoos on the market that claim to help with shedding. Some of these may contain special ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe vera which can help to soothe the skin and coat. You should always speak to your veterinarian before using any new products on your dog, especially if they have sensitive skin.
Regular Brushing And Grooming:
One of the best ways to reduce the amount of hair your dog sheds is to brush them regularly. This will help to remove any loose hair before it has a chance to fall out and also help to distribute natural oils through their coat. It is important to use the right type of brush for your dog’s coat.
Good Diet:
Another way to reduce shedding is to make sure your dog is eating a nutritious diet. A healthy diet will help to keep their skin and coat in good condition, which can minimize shedding. Speak to your veterinarian about the best type of food for your dog.
Supplements:
There are a number of supplements on the market that claim to reduce shedding. These include omega-fatty acids, which can help to improve the condition of your dog’s skin and coat.
Are Australian Shepherds Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, Australian Shepherds are not hypoallergenic. They do shed hair, which can be a problem for people with allergies. However, there are a few things that we have discussed above that you can do to reduce shedding and make life easier for both you and your dog.
Do Aussie Shepherds shed more in the fall?
Yes, Australian Shepherds do shed more in the fall. This is because they are getting rid of their summer coat to make way for their winter coat. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, you may want to consider brushing your dog more often during this time of year.
Conclusion:
We would like to conclude by saying that Australian Shepherds are beautiful, loyal dogs that make great companions. They do require some extra care when it comes to shedding, but it is nothing that can’t be managed with a little bit of effort.