Hair Loss in Corgis

Welsh Corgis shed throughout the year.

Hair loss on a regular basis is common in most breeds of dogs. For double-coated breeds such as the corgi, this is especially common. Double-coated means that your dog has a fluffy, warm undercoat that helps insulate her from extreme heat or extreme cold. This soft underlayer will lightly shed throughout the year and will begin to heavily shed during seasonal shedding. The shedding cannot be avoided but there are some steps that that can be taken to lessen the amount of hair loss your dog experiences.

Brushing

According to the American Kennel Club, you should brush your dog daily to help prevent excessive hair loss. The proper brush is important for this; for the thicker-coated corgi a medium-bristle wire brush is ideal. When brushing your dog, always brush with the direction that the hair is growing; brushing against the natural growth pattern is very uncomfortable for your dog.

Bathing

You should bathe your dog monthly with a gentle shampoo. For a typical corgi you should purchase a conditioning shampoo made to target dandruff, which is a common problem when shedding. Never use extreme levels of cold or hot water when bathing your dog as this can damage his skin; bathing should always be done with warm water. Be sure that you rinse all of the shampoo out of the coat, failing to do so can cause itchy skin and increase the level of hair loss your dog experiences.

Nurtition

You should consult with your veterinarian to be sure your corgi is receiving all of the necessary nutrients for optimum health. Tell your vet that you are concerned about the level of hair loss your dog is experiencing and ask for their recommendation.

Treats

Avoid feeding your dog human food; doing so can cause weight gain and nutrient imbalances in his system. If you would like to give your dog treats, buy healthy dog treats from the pet store and limit him to two or three a day. Dog treats are made to be nutritionally balanced for canines and will improve coat health.

Warning

If you suspect that your dog is experiencing a more serious problem you should consult with your veterinarian as this could be a sign of allergies or disease. According to the website "Vet Info," indications to watch for could include but are not limited to: large "patches" of hair loss, inflamed skin, redness around the eyes or any form of blistering or bruising.

References

• Vet Info: Hair Loss Problems in Dogs

Resources

• American Kennel Club: AKC Meet the Breeds: Pembroke Welsh Corgi