Beagles/shedding

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Expert: - 12/30/2002


Question
Hi,
We have a nine-month old beagle, which is a bundle of joy. He started to shed a lot of hair recently. Since it is the middle of winter, we don't think it's season related. Brushing just cause more loose hairs. The only possible reason we can think of was that we fed him a couple of cans dog food a month or so ago (we normally only feed him kibbles), whch may have contained more salt than he's used to. Anyway, we would appreciate an answer from you. Thanks and have a Happy New Year.

Andy

Answer
Hi and thanks for writing.

The shedding may indeed be caused by the time of year. Even though you would assume that if it is cold he would hold on to his winter coat, if the heat is on in the house and it is very warm inside he will loose tufts of it anyway. The heat can cause premature shedding.  Brushing only loosens undercoat that is ready to come out so brush or you will have hair everywhere.

The only other suggestion I have for you is to put your boy on DermCaps. All of my dogs have been on this since pups and it has made a significant difference in their coats as compared to other dogs. They shed less, have a softer coat and much shinier. You can purchase them the chepaest through www.omahavaccine.com. It takes about four months to really see a difference and once you start you should make a lifetime committment to him being on.

Hope this all helps!
Have4Paws

Beagles

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Have4Paws

Expertise

I am happy to answer BEAGLE BREED SPECIFIC behavioral questions. Please DO NOT ask CRATE TRAINING OR MEDICAL questions! I am not a vet nor an expert in the use of crates.

Experience

I currently have one beagle, a male age 5, an 12 month old Pit Bull, and a 8 year old min. poodle. I have had to let go of three of my dogs, 2 beagles and 1 whippet/rat terrier mix in the past 5 years, most recently my whippet mix. The two beagles lived to 15 and the whippet mix to 13.5, it has been hard to say goodbye to them. I have done rescue work on and off for years as well as fund-raising for the local animal shelter. I worked for a dog magazine in the past (Southern California Dog Magazine). Being a psychotherapist has encouraged me to do in depth studying of animal behavior as well. I have worked with many people to help curb undesirable behaviors in their dogs (or them!) or to form good behaviors. My life is devoted to and surrounded by my dogs........The picture you see here is Zeppelin but we also call him the "miracle dog". He was hit by a car April 2010 while out with the dog walker and had very serious injuries... 4 surgeries and $17,000 later my boy is whole again and back to loving life. He is so special to me and he weathered a lot of pain and trauma yet is still the sweet boy he always was! I also work to stop Breed Specific Legislation and help to get pit bulls adopted.

Organizations
HSUS, PETA, SPCA DONT SHOP...ADOPT!!

Publications
Dog Fancy

Education/Credentials
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in the state of CA and am also credentialed as a Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist

Awards and Honors
Honored by the Agoura Animal Shelter for my volunteer work.

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