Hair Loss in Nursing Dogs

Nursing dogs commonly lose excessive amounts of hair. While this can cause a strange appearance, it's quite normal. The dog should grow a new coat as her body adjusts to the hormonal changes.

Hair Growth Cycles

A dog's hair grows in two stages: anagen, the growing phase, and telogen, the resting phase. Shedding is more profuse during the telogen phase. Nursing can alter a female dog's normal hair cycle.

Cause

When a dog is pregnant or nursing, her hormonal changes may cause the hair to enter the resting telogen phase earlier than expected, resulting in large amounts of hair being shed.

Regrowth

When a nursing dog is losing her hair, new hair is actively growing in its place; however, this new hair may be a different color or texture than before.

Care

To deal with your dog's hair loss, remove loose hair with regular brushing, and feed your dog a nutritious diet. A nursing dog needs plenty of nutrients and water to support the additional demands on her body. Speak with your vet about the proper way to change or supplement her diet after she gives birth.

Fun Fact

While colloquially known as "blowing the coat," this type of hair loss in dogs is technically called "telogen effluvium."

References

• PetEducation.com: "Why Nursing Dogs Lose Their Hair or Blow Their Coat"
• Iams.com: "Nutritional Needs Of Pregnant and Nursing Dogs"