Yes. Bloodhounds shed, but it’s more pronounced during spring and fall.
In spring, your canine sheds more fur in readiness for the warm weather, while in fall, the furry coat changes in preparation for winter.
Let’s delve deeper into how much a bloodhound sheds, the grooming process, and how you can manage the molting.
Why bloodhounds shed ?
Bloodhounds have a short and dense coat that is either a mixture of liver and tan, black and tan, or red.
They are great trackers and have a sharp sense of smell.
This explains why they are a favorite in the police departments.
Shedding is normal in dogs, and bloodhounds rid themselves of old and damaged fur throughout the year.
They, however, shed more seasonally during spring and autumn as they prepare for climate change.
Shedding during spring
As temperatures rise in spring, your canine will shed off their thicker winter coat for a thinner one leaving hair on your clothes, carpets, and furniture.
The shedding helps the bloodhound regulate body temperature and avoid overheating during warm weather.
As the fur sheds, it may appear uneven with visible patches at first but evens out as the season progresses.
Bloodhounds shed their summer coats in the fall to accommodate a heavier protective coat for the winter.
The shedding makes room for a heavier coat which keeps the bloodhound warm during the winter and helps regulate body temperature.
Other reasons why the bloodhound sheds
It’s essential to know your canine’s shedding pattern.
Shedding which is out of the norm could be an indication of health issues that are exhibited through:
Skin allergies: When your furry friend is exposed to allergens in the environment, diet, medication, or a product, it may increase shedding.
When you notice excessive shedding, which is unusual, try to identify the cause and contact your veterinarian for a solution.
Skin parasites: Excessive shedding can also be a result of parasitic infestation.
Ticks, mites, and fleas are parasites that can cause scratching and itching in your canine, leading to skin inflammation, loss of fur, skin conditions, and other health issues.
Skin conditions: Dermatitis, ringworms, fungal and bacterial infections are another cause of unusual molting, where the affected part of the skin losses fur, leaving patches.
You can tell your dog has parasites because they tend to itch a lot and have inflamed skin.
Stress: Major changes such as moving houses, change of environment, mistreatment, or being left alone for long can cause your bloodhound stress.
Once prolonged, the stress can cause your canine to lose some fur.
Poor nutrition: A poorly fed dog or one that doesn’t get a healthy meal lacks the proper nutrients to sustain healthy skin and fur.
Poor nutrition may cause your bloodhound to be prone to disease and unusual shedding.
Hormonal imbalance and other underlying diseases: Spaying, neutering, and giving birth are experiences that may cause your dog hormonal imbalances leading to excessive fur loss.
Shedding, especially on certain body parts, can also indicate thyroid disease, Cushing’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, and fungal or bacterial infections.
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice unusual shedding accompanied by symptoms like:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin discoloration
Loss of appetite
Confusion
Increased thirst
Increased urination
What to do when your bloodhound has unusual shedding?
If you notice irregular shedding in your dog, try to find the causes.
Identify the factors that may cause the condition, including medication, a new shampoo, or parasitic infestation.
Seek advice from your veterinarian when you notice irregular shedding in your furry friend.
Signs to keep an eye out for are:
Dull fur
Excessive hair loss
Patches and baldness
Itching and scratching
Skin inflammation
How to manage your bloodhound’s shedding?
Frequent brushing
To reduce the amount of fur in your home, particularly during seasonal shedding, brush your bloodhound twice a week with a medium bristle brush or a hound glove.
A hound rubber glove removes the excess hair easily and helps massage and distribute your dog’s natural oils, boosting a healthier and glossy coat.
Clean your dog
The fur around your bloodhound face is softer than the rest of the body.
Wipe down the wrinkles and folds daily, especially after meals, to keep your canine dry and avoid infection and bacterial buildup.
Wash your canine when required with suitable dog shampoos.
Bloodhounds have an odor, and you may be tempted to wash your dog more often to eliminate the smell.
That may not be necessary as it’s a natural smell that won’t go away even with intense washing.
Be consistent
Consistency will make grooming easier, as your dog will know what to expect and when.
Build the routine when still a pup.
This encourages your furry friend to be well-behaved during grooming.
You can also use his favorite toy to distract him.
Proper nutrition
A wholesome diet that includes all the nutrition and minerals necessary for your canine’s healthy growth is imperative, especially during the shedding period.
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