The carpet looks like it came from a barber shop, and your silk skirt is starting to resemble mohair. From the looks of things, your pets are having one heck of a "bad hair day."
Dogs and cats shed hair all the time. But the rate and volume of shedding increases significantly in the warm months, when temperatures rise and they get more sunlight, says Ann Hohenhaus, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in New York City. All cats shed, and there is not much difference among breeds. Dogs vary more. Those originally bred for cool climates, like huskies and collies, are notorious shedders, and female dogs that have just had a litter will also shed heavily.
Since pets always shed, it is not easy to tell from looking at the furniture if they are shedding more than usual. Here is a simple test: pull gently on your pet's hair. You should get some hair, but just a few strands -- not big tufts. "In an excessive shed, a large number of hairs can be removed," says Richard L. Headley, D.V.M., a veterinarian in private practice in Mishawaka, Indiana.
Heavy shedding may be caused by hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism (in which the thyroid gland produces too little hormone) or Cushing's disease (in which the pituitary gland triggers the release of too much cortisol). Chow Chows and Pomeranians are particularly prone to hormonal problems.
See Your Vet If...
- Your pet is shedding heavily all year
- Clumps of fur are appearing on the floor or furniture
- She has dry, flaky skin
- Your pet is shedding or scratching more than usual
- He has scales, bald patches, or a rash
- He has severe dandruff or dry skin
- His fur is greasy or smelly even after baths
- Your pet has broken out in hives and is having trouble breathing
- He has a bad sunburn
- There has been a significant change in skin color, or the skin seems loose
- There is a lump or swelling beneath his skin
- Your pet has a sore on the skin that won't heal
- The skin of the lips, abdomen, or rectal area is yellow
- There are red or purple dots or splotches on his skin
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