Bloodhounds are a wonderful breed of dog, with their unique appearance and extraordinary scent tracking abilities. However, a common concern among hound owners is excessive shedding. Understanding the reasons behind this shedding is essential to properly manage and ensure the health of these beloved pets.
Breed characteristics and coat type
Double layer coating structure
Hunting dogs have a double coat, consisting of a soft, dense inner coat and a longer, thicker outer coat. The inner coat acts as insulation to keep the dog warm in cold weather, while the outer coat acts as protection. This double coat is a natural adaptation that has developed over several generations. For example, in cold regions, a thick undercoat helps the hound maintain its body temperature, allowing it to search and track effectively even in cold conditions. On the other hand, the outer fur can help resist dust, water and debris.
Seasonal shedding pattern
Hunting dogs usually undergo seasonal shedding. In the spring, as the weather begins to warm up, they shed their thick winter coats in preparation for the warmer months. It’s a natural process of regulating body temperature. Similarly, in the fall, when they are ready for the colder season, they may shed again and grow thicker inner hairs. During these shedding seasons, which can last several weeks, it’s not uncommon to see a significant increase in the amount of hair around the house. For example, you might notice clumps of hair on furniture, on the floor, or even in the air.
Health and nutrition factors
Diet quality
The quality of a hound’s diet plays a vital role in the health of its coat and, therefore, its shedding. Lack of essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins (such as vitamins A, E, and b complex vitamins), and minerals (such as zinc and selenium) in the diet can lead to poor coat condition and increased shedding. For example, if a hunting dog is fed low-quality commercial dog food that consists mostly of stuffing and lacks enough animal protein, its coat may become dry, brittle, and more likely to fall off. On the other hand, a diet rich in high-quality protein, such as chicken, fish or lamb, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flaxseed, can help maintain a healthy, shiny coat and reduce excessive shedding.
Medical condition
Certain medical conditions can also cause hunting dogs to lose more hair than usual. Skin allergies are a common culprit. Allergies to food ingredients (such as grains, beef, or dairy products), environmental allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or mold), or parasites (such as fleas) can cause itchy skin. When a hound scratches or bites itchy skin, it can damage the hair follicles and cause hair loss. In addition, hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism, can affect the normal growth and shedding cycle of the coat. In cases of hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which can lead to dull hair color, thinning hair, and increased shedding. Skin infections, whether bacterial, fungal or yeast, can disrupt skin health and cause excessive shedding.
Environmental factor
Temperature and climate
Hunting dogs are sensitive to changes in temperature and climate. Extreme heat or cold can affect their shedding. In very hot weather, they may shed more fur to cool down because their fur acts as an insulator and absorbs heat. Instead, in extremely cold weather, they may hold on to their fur more tightly. However, if the indoor environment is maintained at a constant, comfortable temperature, it can sometimes disrupt their natural shedding cycle. For example, if a hunting dog is kept in a heated house during the winter months where the temperature is always warm, it may not shed its winter coat as well as it should, leading to a build-up of hair and possibly more shedding later on.
Stress and living conditions
Stress can have a significant effect on the shedding of a hound. Changes in life circumstances, such as moving to a new home, adding a new pet or family member, or changing the owner’s schedule, can cause stress. Loud noises, such as nearby construction work or fireworks, can also make hounds nervous. When a dog is stressed, his body releases stress hormones, which can disrupt the normal hair growth and loss cycle. For example, a hound that has recently been adopted and is adjusting to its new home may experience more shedding over a period of time. In addition, if the dog’s living conditions are not clean and hygienic, it may cause skin problems and increase shedding. Dirty beds, lack of proper grooming tools and space, or exposure to dust and bacteria in a crowded or unclean kennel can all lead to skin problems and subsequent shedding.
Develop the habit
Frequency of brushing
Regular brushing is essential for managing the shedding of the hound. If the hound is not regularly groomed, loose hairs can gather and tangle in the coat, leading to more shedding. A good quality brush or undercoat rake should be used to remove loose hair from the undercoat. Brushing at least a few times a week, especially during shedding season, can help keep the coat healthy and reduce the amount of shedding around the house. For example, if you brush your hound every day during its spring shedding, you can significantly reduce the amount of hair that falls on furniture and floors.
Bathing practice
Bathing a hound too often or using the wrong type of shampoo can also affect its coat and shedding. Excessive bathing strips the fur of its natural oils, causing the skin to dry out and increasing shedding. On the other hand, not bathing enough can cause dirt and debris to build up on the coat, irritating the skin and causing shedding. It is important to use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to maintain the natural pH balance of the coat. For example, shampoos that contain moisturizing ingredients like oatmeal can help soothe the skin and keep the coat healthy. Depending on the hound’s activity level and how dirty it is, bathing it every 2-3 months is usually sufficient.
Age and stage of life
Childhood and adolescence
Hound puppies undergo a range of developmental changes, including changes in their coats. As they grow, they may shed their puppy fur and develop into dog fur. This process can involve a lot of shedding. In addition, during puberty, hormonal changes can also affect the condition and shedding of the coat. For example, a 4-6 month old hound puppy may begin to shed its soft, fluffy puppy coat and replace it with a coarser adult coat. This shedding can last for several weeks and may seem excessive compared to normal shedding in adulthood.
Senior year
As hunting dogs age, their bodies change, which can affect their coat and shedding. Older hounds may have a slower metabolism, which affects the quality of their coat. They may also be more likely to develop health problems such as arthritis, which makes it difficult for them to groom themselves properly. This lack of self-grooming can lead to hair loss. For example, an advanced hound with aching joints may not be able to reach parts of the body to lick and clean, causing dirt and hair to build up in those areas and possibly leading to more shedding.
Genetics and breed inheritance
Genetic characteristics
A hound’s tendency to shed is largely determined by their genes. Breeders select specific coats
Signs and characteristics, shedding is one of them. If a hound comes from a dog line that has a lot of shedding, it is more likely to shed a lot of fur. Genetic factors can also affect the thickness and texture of the coat, which can affect shedding. For example, if a hound has thick double coats in both its sire and mother line and is known for shedding a lot, it is likely that their offspring will have similar shedding patterns.
Breed standards and evolution
Bloodhounds have been developed for centuries for specific purposes, such as tracking odors over long distances. Their fur has evolved to suit these needs, and shedding is a natural part of evolution. The double coat provides protection and insulation, and shedding helps keep the coat healthy and functional. While breed standards do not directly address shedding, they do define the ideal coat type and characteristics associated with shedding. For example, a healthy, thick-coated, seasonally shed hound is considered to meet the standard appearance and function of the breed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, excessive shedding in hunting dogs can be attributed to a variety of factors, including their breed characteristics and coat type, health and nutrition, environmental factors, grooming habits, age and life stage, genetics and breed inheritance. By understanding these factors, owners can take appropriate measures to manage their hound shedding. This may include providing a balanced diet, ensuring a stress-free environment, maintaining a proper grooming routine, and monitoring the dog’s health. If excessive shedding persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as skin lesions, itching, or behavioral changes, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. With the proper care and attention, owners can help keep their hound’s coat healthy and minimize the impact of shedding on their home and the dog’s health.
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