If you find to this article, I believe you are the owner of adorable Pitbull and what you are interested in is that “Why is my Pitbull shedding too much ?” Don’t worry. You’ll find the causes and solutions to your dog’s hair loss problem right here. What are you waiting for, let’s get started.
How Much Do Pitbulls Normally Shed?
Pit Bull Coat Characteristics
Pitbulls have a single-layer coat that consists of short and smooth hairs that lie close to their skin. Unlike some other breeds that have a double-layer coat with an undercoat and a topcoat, Pitbulls don’t have an undercoat that provides insulation and protection from the elements. This means that they do not shed as much as double-coated dogs, such as Huskies or German Shepherds, but they still shed more than dogs with hair, such as Poodles or Maltese.
Pitbull shedding frequency
Do Pitbulls shed? The answer is Yes. So really, it’s not a matter of “if” they shed, only a matter of “how much.” Pitbulls shed throughout the year, but they shed more in spring and fall when they transition from their winter coat to their summer coat and vice versa. This is because they need to adjust their coat thickness and length to suit the changing seasons and temperatures.
This shedding phase is known as “blowing the coat.” During this time, they shed large amounts of hair to make way for new growth that suits the upcoming season. However, certain factors can disrupt this normal shedding cycle, leading to excessive hair loss.
During these periods, you may notice more hair on your brush, couch, or floor than usual. Specially if the Pitbull’s coat color is brighter than the color of the decorations or floor mats.
How Much Shedding Is Considered Too Much?
It can be hard to determine how much shedding is too much for your Pitbull, as there is no clear-cut definition or measurement for excessive shedding. However, there are some signs or indicators that can help you identify if your Pitbull is shedding more than normal or has an underlying problem that causes excessive shedding.
Some of these signs are:
Non-seasonal Pitbull Shedding
Your Pitbull shed so much that it creates bald spots or leaves clumps of fur all over the house.
Bald patches or thinning coat
Your Pitbull has areas of hair loss or reduced hair density on their body, especially around their ears, eyes, mouth, tail, or legs.
Excessive scratching or licking
Your Pitbull is constantly scratching or licking themselves, this could mean that they have an allergy, a parasite infestation, or a skin condition that causes itching and irritation on their skin and coat.
Besides shedding, if your dog is showing these signs, it’s best to make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Visible skin problems
Such as redness, inflammation, scabs, bumps, flakes, or odor on their skin or coat, this could signal an infection or a disease that affects their skin health and appearance.
Changes in behavior or appetite
If your Pitbull seems lethargic, depressed, anxious, or aggressive, or if they lose interest in food or water, this could indicate that they are stressed or sick.
Do not ignore or delay seeking from your veterinarian to help for your Pitbull’s shedding problem, as it could worsen over time and lead to more serious complications or consequences.
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8 Reasons Why Your Pitbull Is Shedding So Much
There are many possible reasons why your Pitbull is shedding so much, ranging from natural and harmless to abnormal and harmful. Here are the 8 common Causes Of Excessive Shedding In Pitbulls excessively:
Pitbull shedding season
As we mentioned earlier, shedding is a normal and healthy process for dogs, as it helps them remove old and damaged fur and replace it with new and healthy one. Pitbulls shed moderately all year round, but they shed more in spring and fall when they change their coat to adapt to the weather.
This is nothing to worry about, as it is part of their natural life cycle and helps them maintain a healthy coat.
Genetics
Some Pitbull may inherit genes that make them shed more than others, depending on their ancestry and breed mix.
For example, American Staffordshire Terrier or Bull Terrier shed more than a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier. Similarly, if your Pitbull has some Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever in their lineage, they may shed more than a purebred Pitbull, as these breeds are known for their heavy shedding.
This is also normal and natural, and it is determined by your Pitbull’s genetic makeup.
Diet
Poor nutrition or sudden changes in diet can affect the quality and quantity of your Pitbull’s fur.
If your Pitbull does not get enough protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, or omega-3 fatty acids in their diet, their coat may become dull, brittle, or thin.
Changing the brand or type of food is also one of the reasons why your dog is sickdigestive disturbances, or allergies and itching.
Stress
Anxiety, fear, boredom can trigger hormonal changes that increase shedding in Pitbulls. Some dogs may experience stress from changing sleeping places, or moving house, or going somewhere they don’t feel safe.
Health issues
If your Pitbull has some health problems such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, fungal infections, bacterial infections, viral infections. These conditions can affect your Pitbull’s overall health and their coat appearance and texture as well.
If you suspect that your Pitbull has any of these conditions or infections, you should take them to the vet immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
Allergies
Pitbulls can be allergic to various substances, such as food, pollen, dust, mold, grass, flea bites, or chemicals. These substances can cause itching and inflammation on your Pitbull’s skin and coat, which can lead to more shedding, as their skin becomes irritated and itchy.
Over bathing
That’s right, you didn’t get it wrong. To be honest, my dog also sheds and itch just because I bathe him too many times in a week. Besides, the use of bath oil products with strong detergents also removes the natural oil that protects the skin and coat of the Pitbull. This can cause the Pitbull’s skin and coat to become irritated and infected. I spent almost $200 and 1 week to treat my little dog. What a memorable lesson!
Pests
Parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites can infest your Pitbull’s skin and cause irritation, inflammation, and hair loss. These pests can feed on your Pitbull’s blood, inject toxins or saliva into their skin, or burrow into their skin and lay eggs. This can cause your Pitbull to scratch or bite themselves excessively, which can damage their skin and coat and cause more shedding.
So, How to stop Pitbull from shedding?
It is a fact that you will not be able to completely stop the shedding of your Pitbull dog. However, you can completely take some steps to minimize it and keep it under control:
Brush your Pitbull regularly with a suitable tool
One of the best ways to reduce your Pitbull’s shedding is to brush them regularly with a tool that is designed for their coat type.
Brushing your Pitbull once or twice a week with a rubber curry brush or a slicker brush can help you remove loose hair and distribute natural oils on their skin and coat. This can keep their coat healthy and shiny and prevent hair from accumulating on your house, clothes, or furniture. Check the best brush for your Pitbull in Amazon here.
Food and supplements
Another way to reduce your Pitbull’s shedding is to feed them a balanced diet with high-quality ingredients that meet their nutritional needs and support their coat health.
May be you like: Check the best pure balance dog food for your dog
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Using foods that contain high-quality protein sources such as chicken, lamb, fish or beef, healthy fat sources such as flaxseed, salmon, or coconut oil, and essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, or biotin. | The foods that are known to cause allergies or sensitivities in dogs, such as wheat, corn, soy, dairy, beef, chicken, or eggs. |
Minimize your Pitbull’s stress
By providing them with enough exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and affection. And of course, you should give them plenty of love and attention to make them feel secure and loved.
My dog doesn’t like me anymore, what can I do now?
Check your Pitbull’s health regularly
Check your Pitbull’s health regularly and visit your vet if you notice any signs of illness or infection that could cause excessive shedding such as bald patches or thinning coat, excessive scratching or licking, visible skin problems, or changes in behavior or appetite.
Your vet can diagnose the cause of your Pitbull’s excessive shedding and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Stay away from allergens
Limit your Pitbull’s exposure to allergens and shedding triggers such as pollen, dust, mold, grass, flea bites, or chemicals.
You can relieve your Pitbull’s symptoms and reduce their discomfort by using some of these medications are antihistamines, corticosteroids, immunotherapy, or natural supplements such as quercetin, oatmeal, or aloe vera.
Bathe your Pitbull only when necessary
Bathe your Pitbull only when necessary and use mild products that are suitable for their skin and coat type.
Using mild products that are specially configured for dogs with short and smooth coats, such as oatmeal shampoo, moisturizing conditioner, or hypoallergenic soap. Drying with a towel and a dryer also needs to be done after each bath for your dog to keep your Pitbull stay dry and clean.
How To Keep Your House Clean From Pitbull Shedding
Even with proper care and grooming, some Pitbull hair will inevitably end up in your house. This can be annoying and messy, especially if you have allergies or asthma.
Don’t worry, there are some ways to keep your house clean from Pitbull hair and make it more comfortable for you and your Pitbull.
Here are some suggestions on how to keep your house clean from Pitbull hair:
#1 – Give your Pitbull its own space
A soft and clean mattress will help your dog have his own space. This is the simplest way to reduce the amount of hair shedding everywhere in your home.
Considering use gates, doors, or fences to restrict their access to other parts of the house that you want to keep hair-free.
#2. Using vacuum
Finding a vacuum that has a strong suction, a HEPA filter, a large dust bin, and various attachments that can reach different surfaces and corners. We recommend iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
#3. Use a lint roller
With hairs stuck to clothes, upholstery and bedding, an effective way to remove them is to use a lint roller. Cheap and convenient. You can use it to easily remove hair on sofas, pillows, blankets, mattresses. In addition, rubber gloves and a damp cloth are also very effective for removing hair on items in your home.
#4. Wash your Pitbull’s bedding, toys, and accessories
These are the toys your dog plays with every day, and of course. How can they be prevented from getting hair and dirt? Washing your Pitbull’s bedding, toys, and accessories frequently with hot water and mild detergent. This can help you remove dirt and hair from them and make them fresh and clean.
Don’t forget dry them well before giving them back to your furry friend.
#5. Cover your furniture
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of confining your Pitbull to a dog bed (or if you don’t want to forgo those enjoyable late-night couch snuggles), consider getting a slipcover for your couch and other furniture. Slipcovers can be effortlessly thrown into the washing machine, providing a practical solution to keep your furniture clean and free from pet hair.
#6. Using Air purifier
The Filtrete Air Purifier is a powerful solution designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, effectively tackling pet odors and dog hair. Say goodbye to pet odors in your home as this air purifier swiftly eliminates them, providing you with a fresher and cleaner living environment.
Common Q&A
Are American Pit Bull Terriers Hypoallergenic?
No, American Pit Bull Terriers are not hypoallergenic. No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic, but some breeds are less likely to cause allergic reactions than others, and American Pitbull Terrier is one of them.
Is it normal for Pitbulls to shed a lot?
No, Pitbulls do not shed a lot. They are considered low to moderate shedders, and they have a single coat of short and coarse hair that is easy to maintain. However, they do shed more in spring and fall when they change their coats according to the daylight hours.
If your Pitbull is shedding more than usual, and it’s not the time of shedding season, they may have a medical condition. Consider seeing a veterinarian to address the shedding as soon as possible.
Do Pitbulls have a shedding season?
Yes, Pitbulls have a shedding season. Pitbulls shed year-round, but they shed more in spring and fall.
Final thought
Finnaly, do Pitbull shed? The answer is yes and it is inevitable for all dogs, not just Pitbulls. But everything is controllable if you really want to find the solution, right?