Dealing With a Shedding Dog

Dog shedding can be frustrating for all of us, no matter how much we love our dogs. The mess of dog hair can be enough to drive dog owners nuts. All dogs shed to some degree, with the exception of completely hairless dogs. Certain breeds (so-called hypoallergenic dogs) shed very little, while others (namely heavily double-coated breeds) shed large amounts.

Year-Round Shedding

All animals with hair shed on a regular basis. This is part of the natural life cycle of hair shafts within the follicles. All hair shafts go through phases of growth and shedding. The phases affect the rate of hair growth and will vary by breed, age, hormones, environment and overall health of the dog. These factors also contribute to the length and texture of the hair, though genetics is the predominant factor.

Dogs with continuously growing hair, like Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers, have hair shafts with longer life spans and shed very little. On the other hand, dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair shaft lifespan and more abundant undercoats, resulting in greater shedding.

Shedding Season

In general, most dogs will shed extra during spring and fall. Most dogs have two coats; they have undercoats and top coats. The top coat is what you see and feel on the outside. The undercoat is made up of secondary hairs that grow around the primary hairs and tend to be shorter and softer. Seasonal shedding occurs as a result of temperature change. This process is sometimes called "blowing coat." When the weather warms, dogs shed their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat. Then, when it begins to get cool again, dogs shed their lighter undercoats and grow thicker, warmer coats for winter.

Not all coat types are affected the same way by temperature changes. For example, dogs like Bichons and Shih Tzus have less undercoat, so they shed less when seasons change. The old coat must still be removed by grooming the dogs. However, dogs like Newfoundlands and Malamutes have heavy, thick undercoats that make shedding much more obvious. Basic brushing is important for both coat types.

Other Reasons for Shedding

Your dog's health can affect the shedding rate, so it is important to take note of unexplained excessive shedding. Skin problems, endocrine diseases, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies, and other metabolic disorders can cause hair loss or change the rate of hair growth. It is important to contact your veterinarian if the rate of shedding seems unusual for your dog. Keep your dog healthy with routine vet visits and proper nutrition. Contact your vet immediately if you notice any signs of illness.

Get Control Over Shedding

There's no way to completely stop shedding. It's a healthy and natural process that is necessary for dogs. Shaving your dog down is not a good idea, as it can interfere with your dog's natural self-cooling and self-warming mechanism. In the long run, it will not make shedding occur any less. In rare cases, the hair in shaved areas will grow back abnormally or not at all. The key to preventing excessive shedding is to keep up with it with brushing.

Routine grooming is absolutely essential for all dogs. Brushing or combing your dog helps to remove dead hairs before they can fall on your carpet, bedding, and upholstery. It will also prevent those dead hairs from forming mats on your dog's coat that can eventually harm the skin. Brushing also distributes the natural, healthy oils produced by the skin throughout the hair coat. Using the right grooming tools can make a great difference. For heavy shedders, a special shedding tool like the FURminator can work wonders. For some coat types, the dead hairs don't shed as much, but they cause the dog's coat to appear ragged and can eventually become matted. Some owners prefer to take these dogs to a professional groomer periodically for coat care. For some coat types, hand-stripping is a technique that is often preferred over trimming the dog's hair.

Managing the Aftermath of Shedding in Your Home

Shedding makes a mess, no doubt about it. As a dog owner, you have probably come to terms with the fact that regular house cleaning is the norm, especially during shedding season. The key is to remove hair before it has a chance to embed itself into your carpet and upholstery. Keeping a pet hair tape roller around for touch-ups throughout the day is an excellent idea.

For a deeper cleaning of upholstery and small areas, consider using a handheld vacuum designed to pick up pet hair, like the Dyson DC31 Animal. When it comes to cleaning carpets, Panasonic's Pet-Friendly JetSpin Cyclone does the job well. For non-carpeted floors, some excellent options include the Swiffer, the Fur-Be-Gone Broom, and similar style products.

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Spring Weather Plays Havoc on a Cat's Hormonal System

Spring is right around the corner and with it brings an important consideration for your cat.

With spring comes longer days. The sun comes up earlier and stays up longer. And this increasing day length plays with a cat's hormones. The result is kittens; lots and lots of kittens.

Of course, kittens are cute and cuddly. Everybody loves kittens. But kittens grow up to be adult cats pretty quickly. Before long, kittens start making kittens of their own.

A female kitten can come into heat and become pregnant as early as 5-6 months of age. Male kittens generally become fertile about the same time as well. In addition, an intact female cat can become pregnant with a new litter while she is still nursing and caring for her previous litter. She can have several litters in the course of a year.

All in all, the reproductive cycle of the cat makes the species a pretty efficient breeding machine. That’s one of the reasons why spaying or neutering cats are so important. Spaying/neutering is the only effective way to control the cat population. So if you haven’t had your cat spayed or neutered yet, it’s time to think about getting that done.

Of course, there are other reasons also. Spayed or neutered cats make much better pets than those that are unaltered. Female cats are very vocal when they are in heat. Those that have considered breeding their female cats have changed their minds for this very reason. Living with a cat that is in heat is not a pleasant experience. (Not to mention the fact that breeding your cat solely for the purpose of making kittens without a well-planned breeding program in place is not a responsible action.)

The same can be said of male cats. Unaltered males have strong-smelling urine and can develop undesirable habits like urine spraying on everything and anything. Though spraying behavior can occur in altered males as well as in female cats, neutering your male cat definitely reduces the possibility of this behavior occurring.

There are also health benefits for altered cats. Female cats spayed prior to their first heat cycle have a significantly lower risk of mammary cancer later in life. The risk of a severe uterine infection known as pyometra is removed completely when your cat is spayed.

Remember also that your unspayed female cat can become pregnant if she lives in a household with an unaltered male, even if the male is related to her.

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Dog Eye Allergies: Symptoms and Treatment

If you notice that one or both of your dog’s eyes are red, you may be wondering what the cause could be.

Dogs with allergies more commonly show symptoms related to the skin or intestinal tract, but it is possible that allergies may be causing the irritation in your dog’s eyes—just like in people with seasonal allergies.

The medical term “allergic conjunctivitis” is used to describe inflammation of the eye that’s usually caused by environmental allergens like pollen and mold. Dogs with skin-based allergy symptoms (allergic dermatitis) are more likely to experience allergic conjunctivitis than dogs with no history of allergies.

If you believe that your dog is suffering from allergic conjunctivitis, it’s important to have them seen by a veterinarian to rule out other more serious diseases that can have similar symptoms.

Here’s what you need to know about dog eye allergies.

Symptoms of Dog Eye Allergies

In dogs, redness of the eyes is a vague symptom that can be caused by a wide variety of underlying diseases.

For allergic conjunctivitis, redness is usually seen in both eyes. You may also notice symptoms like:

• Squinting of the affected eye(s)

• Pawing at the face

• Discharge coming from one or both eyes

Dog Eye Allergies and Itchy Skin

If your dog has a history of itchy skin, it's worth mentioning to your veterinarian.

Dogs with itchy skin will more commonly experience allergic conjunctivitis than the general dog population.

Affected dogs are usually under 3 years of age when they first become symptomatic. Although all dog breeds have the potential to develop allergic dermatitis, common breeds with a predisposition for this condition include:

• Boxer

• Cocker Spaniel

• French Bulldog

• German Shepherd

• Golden Retriever

• Labrador Retriever

• Poodle

• West Highland White Terrier

How Do Vets Diagnose Dog Eye Allergies?

Although a test called “conjunctival cytology” may reveal inflammatory cells that will confirm a diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis, the cells are not always present. As a result, many veterinarians will diagnose eye allergies through the process of elimination.

Your veterinarian may perform several brief tests to rule out diseases with similar symptoms, like eye infections, dry eye, or corneal ulcers. Other details, like your dog’s age, breed, and history of itchy skin, can also help point your veterinarian to this diagnosis.

In rare cases, a biopsy of the conjunctival tissue around the eyes—taken while your dog is under general anesthesia—may be needed to achieve a definitive diagnosis, or to rule out other, more serious causes of red eyes.

An emerging test called the conjunctival provocation test has shown promise as a quick and easy test to definitively diagnose allergic conjunctivitis. However, it’s currently not widely available and would likely be performed by veterinary dermatologists—not your general practice veterinarian.

What Can You Give Dogs With Eye Allergies?

In mild cases, simply flushing the eyes with sterile saline once or twice a day may be enough to remove the allergen and resolve the symptoms.

You should not use contact solution for this purpose.

Although antihistamines provide relief for people with eye-related allergies, antihistamines have a variable effect in dogs with this condition. Therefore, eyedrops containing steroids are often the treatment of choice for dogs with allergic conjunctivitis.

It’s important to note that steroid-based eyedrops can be very harmful to dogs with other, similar diseases in the eyes, so you should never start treatment without first consulting your veterinarian.

Severe cases may require the use of oral medications in addition to eyedrops.

Follow-Up Testing and Treatments

Generally, a recheck is recommended after one to two weeks of treatment so that your veterinarian can assess how well the medications have worked.

If minimal improvement is seen, it’s possible to be seen by a veterinary dermatologist, who can perform allergy testing and other diagnostics to uncover which allergens may be triggering your dog’s allergic conjunctivitis.

If possible, the allergens are removed, often by changing the diet. If removing allergens is not possible, your dog’s dermatologist may suggest immunotherapy for long-term treatment.

If the allergen can’t be removed or treated with immunotherapy, it is very likely that a dog with allergic conjunctivitis will experience flare-ups throughout her life. Fortunately, the symptoms caused by allergic conjunctivitis are fairly mild, and with proper treatment and management, affected dogs generally live long and happy lives.

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Food Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Dogs, like people, can have allergies to certain foods. In fact, food allergies are one of the most common allergic reactions known to affect our canine friends. When your dog is allergic to a particular food, their immune system responds to the food as it might respond to an infection or bee sting, producing antibodies that in turn cause the symptoms associated with the allergic response.

We all know dogs are “garbage guts” and will eat, well, a wide range of stuff. Sometimes it’s hard to distinguish a little upset stomach from an allergic reaction to food. When symptoms such as diarrhea persist, allergies may be the cause. These symptoms usually take time to develop, since your dog’s immune response takes time to produce the antibodies that cause the allergic response.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Dogs

The most common symptoms of a food allergy are:

• Itching

• Hair loss

• Skin infection

Less common symptoms include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

• Hyperactivity

Sometimes, dogs show more aggression because of their discomfort.

The most common foods that cause canine food allergies are proteins such as lamb, beef, chicken, and eggs. In addition, some dogs can be allergic to soy or gluten, which is found in wheat and similar grains. Some dogs may be allergic to preservatives or other food additives, as well.

When a dog eats a food they are allergic to, a vicious cycle occurs: they eat, their body produces an allergic reaction, and they become symptomatic, i.e., they itch, has diarrhea, or may vomit—which is why it is so important to identify the food for which they are having the reaction to. Frustrating, right?

Diagnosing Food Allergies in Dogs

If your veterinarian suspects your dog of having a food allergy, they will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed history of your dog’s food intake and activities. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend routine diagnostics to rule out other causes of your dog’s symptoms.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend a strict hypoallergenic diet trial for at least 2–3 months to see if it alleviates your dog’s symptoms. The suggested diet cannot contain any ingredients your dog has been recently eating; there are several specifically designed diets to help prevent food allergies. During the food trial, it is critical that your dog does not get any treats or supplements unless approved by your veterinarian.

Treatment for Dogs With Food Allergies

The best treatment for food allergies is avoidance. Once you’ve identified the food your four-legged friend is allergic to, you will be able to avoid it in the future and help your dog live an allergy-free life. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent your dog from developing food allergies.

If you have questions about canine food allergies, please talk with your veterinarian—the best resource when it comes to the health and well-being of your best friend.

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Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WHS): Symptoms & Treatment

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is something that a lot of owners fear. A WHS diagnosis is, sadly, not good news. But what exactly is it? And what can you do if your pet hedgie gets diagnosed with it?

These are things that many owners don’t know very well. There’s also a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to wobbly hedgehog syndrome. From symptoms to treatment options, you’ll hear many different things.

This guide will serve as the only resource you need when it comes to wobbly hedgehog syndrome. You’ll learn what it is, the symptoms to look for, and the best course of action if your poor hedgie gets WHS.

What Is Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome?

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a rather unpleasant degenerative neurological disorder that affects hedgehogs specifically. As of right now, there is no cure.

At its core, WHS has a lot in common with multiple sclerosis that presents in humans. However, the exact cause of wobbly hedgehog syndrome is not clear. There are some theories that it might be linked to genetics but nothing definitive has been proven yet.

Another theory about the potential cause of wobbly hedgehog syndrome is that dietary factors could have an influence. This is partly due to the fact that certain vitamin supplements can sometimes relieve symptoms temporarily. Again, no firm evidence for this has been found as of yet.

It’s also typical for wobbly hedgehog syndrome to present in hedgehogs who are two or three years old. It isn’t exclusive to this age range, but the vast majority happen around then.

The unfortunate reality with diseases that affect pets is there simply aren’t many resources going into research and prevention. Then when you add that to the unique challenges neurological conditions present, it delays the possibility of a cure even further.

Symptoms

Even if you don’t suspect your hedgehog of having WHS, knowing the symptoms can make a world of difference. It will allow you to recognize the disease and act faster, improving your hedgie’s level of comfort.

Loss Of Motor Control

One of the things you’ll notice if an African pygmy hedgehog has WHS is they might start to wobble (even when standing still). This is because the disease is attacking the neurological connection between their brain and muscles.

It will start at the hind legs and slowly work its way up to the front of the body over time.

At first, the hedgehog might wobble or even drag its legs when trying to stand or move around. After a while, this loss of control will hit the front of the body and their mobility will be severely impacted, rendering them quadriplegic.

Muscle Atrophy

Due to the loss of motor control, their muscles will begin to atrophy. This will follow the disease as it works its way to the front of the hedgehog.

While muscle atrophy itself is not as concerning as the other things wobbly hedgehog syndrome eventually impacts, it can be a useful tool for confirming a diagnosis. Since the loss of mobility and motor control will happen first, any lack of progress there combined with atrophy is a further sign that something is wrong.

In general, a hedgehog affected by WHS will typically become far less active and not engage with toys or wheels they normally use.

Weight Loss

Another early symptom of wobbly hedgehog syndrome is weight loss. This is normally caused by the fact that the affected hedgehog will simply not have the energy or ability to access their food.

Even after the diagnosis and adjustments in feeding options, there will still normally be an amount of residual weight loss.

Treatment And Care

There’s no known cure for WHS as of now, but there are still things that can be done. The methods below will hopefully help slow down the progression of the disease, and most importantly make the affected hedgehog more comfortable.

Take Them To The Vet

The first and most important thing that should be done if you suspect wobbly hedgehog syndrome is to schedule an appointment with your vet. As much as we can provide general information and advice based on best-practices, a vet is your best source of information.

One of the most helpful things your vet can do is give you a firm diagnosis based on clinical signs. There are many illnesses and diseases that can look like wobbly hedgehog syndrome at first, so you want to make sure it’s actually WHS before proceeding. While they can’t give you a 100% diagnosis until they perform an autopsy and look at the spinal cord and tissue in the central nervous system, they can give you a very confident ruling.

All of the following can look like wobbly hedgehog syndrome initially:

• Inner ear issues

• Tumors

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Other neurological diseases

Once your vet has ruled everything else out, they’ll be able to help you move forward with a course of action for treatment and comfort care.

Add Some Vitamin E

It’s often recommended to experiment with vitamin and nutritional improvements as a way to treat some of the symptoms of WHS.

The most common course of action is to add or increase the amount of vitamin E that your hedgehog is consuming. This has been linked to temporary improvements for symptoms in a number of hedgehogs.

However, it’s important to know that the level of efficacy is not predictable and will inevitably fail. Some hedgehogs respond very well to an increase in vitamin E, while others don’t see much improvement. After a while though, it won’t make a difference.

Despite the fact that it’s a short-term measure, it’s 100% worth trying. Whatever needs to be done to provide some extra comfort to a hedgehog with WHS should be done.

Make Sure They’re Warm

Heat is important for any hedgehog, but if they have wobbly hedgehog syndrome it’s something you need to pay extra attention to. Hedgehogs with WHS can have issues staying warm for a couple of reasons.

The first is that they simply aren’t as mobile as before. As you probably know, the ability to move helps generate heat in the body. A hedgehog that’s forced to sit around more than they want will run a little cooler than one that’s active.

The other reason is related to mobility but in a different way. As wobbly hedgehog syndrome progresses, a hedgehog will lose its ability to move around in the cage. This means they can’t seek out warm spots (if you use a heating pad for example) when they’re a little cold.

Being extra attentive to a hedgie with wobbly hedgehog syndrome is necessary. Tuck them in with blankets if needed or reposition them in their cage to warmer areas. It will keep them comfortable and help them maintain the warm body temperature that they need.

Make Their Environment Extra Comfortable

Since wobbly hedgehog syndrome will result in your hedgie spending more time being immobile in their cage, you should do whatever it takes to make that cage as comfortable as possible.

Get some of the best bedding you can and upgrade any liners you’re using as well. Maximize comfort and softness as much as you can to ensure they have a nice place to lay when they don’t have the energy or ability to move around.

When The Time Comes

Wobbly hedgehog syndrome doesn’t have a cure, and when the time comes you will likely have to euthanize for the sake of the hedgehog. It’s awful to have to think about this, but it’s just the way it is.

You don’t want your hedgehog to suffer needlessly at the end of their life, so you should be prepared to make this decision when the time comes. Your vet will likely bring this up as well.

Do the best you can to keep them comfortable and as happy as possible. When things get to the point where they can’t be helped anymore and are simply miserable, it’s time.

Although a bummer to read about, it’s important to have the right information out there about wobbly hedgehog syndrome, and we hope we accomplished that with this guide.

By now you should have a strong understanding of what WHS is, the symptoms it causes, and what you should do after receiving a diagnosis.

We hope this is never something you have to deal with. However, it’s our feeling that you should be prepared in case that time ever comes.

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Related: We have more information under Small + Exotic Animal Care.