Why Is My Pitbull Shedding So Much? 10 Reasons and Solutions 

Pit Bulls are a popular breed of dogs known for their affectionate and playful personalities. Along with their charming personalities, Pit Bulls also have unique and recognizable coats that require grooming to maintain their appearance.

Pit Bulls are generally low-shedding dogs, but they might start shedding more than normal, leading their owner to ask: Why is my Pitbull shedding so much?

Pitbulls shed so much due to several factors, such as genetics, diet, stress, and health issues. Poor nutrition and health conditions can lead to excessive shedding, while stress and hormonal imbalances can also trigger an increase in shedding. To minimize shedding, ensure a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups for your Pitbull.

Keep reading to learn more about how much Pit bulls normally shed, why they shed so much, and how to manage their shedding and keep your house clean

How Much Do Pit Bulls Normally Shed?

Pit Bulls have short, smooth coat that is dense and shiny. They have a minimal undercoat, which helps keep shedding to a minimum. However, Pit Bulls are not considered hypoallergenic, as they still shed moderately compared to other breeds.

They shed a moderate amount of hair all year round, with a slight increase in shedding during the spring and fall when they change their coat. The amount of shedding can vary among individual Pit Bulls and may be influenced by factors such as diet, stress, and overall health.

How Much Shedding Is Considered Too Much?

It is almost impossible to pinpoint exactly how much shedding is too much; it’s not like we can count the amount of hair that falls from our Pit Bull. 

Normal shedding for a healthy dog is usually a moderate amount of hair loss that can be managed through regular grooming and brushing. However, the amount of shedding considered “too much” can vary among dog breeds and individuals. So, let’s leave it to common sense and pattern. 

If you are welcoming a new Pit Bull into your home and you don’t know how much they shed, keep an eye on them for a while; chances are you will notice a pattern, but if your Pittie has been living with you for a while now, you have probably gotten used to how much shedding you should expect. 

If you notice that your Pit Bull is shedding an unusual amount, you need to take a step back and notice what time of the year it is.

If it’s spring or fall, then it is completely normal for your Pit Bull to shed more. However, if you have eliminated seasonal shedding, then it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.

10 Reasons Why your Pit Bull Is Shedding So Much 

Before worrying too much, let me help you understand why your Pit Bull is shedding so much. 

Natural Process

First things first, let’s get one thing straight: Dogs shed. All of them do. It is nothing to be worried about, and it can actually be quite healthy. If you think about it, humans shed too. It is our natural way to get rid of damaged or old hair.

Sometimes, dogs shed to adapt to the daylight and temperature changes. For instance, when it gets colder, their coat becomes heavier to keep them warm. 

Contrarily, when it gets warmer, their coat becomes thinner to help them stay cool. Considering daylight, in the summer, the sun is present for longer hours, which means your dog’s coat needs to protect them from the UV rays. 

Coat Type 

Dogs can be found in different colors, sizes, and coats. For instance, some dogs are double-coated, which means they blow their undercoat twice a year. 

However, it is common knowledge by now that Pit Bulls have a single coat, so they do not blow their undercoats twice a year like double-coated dogs. Instead, they shed all year long in consistent amounts. 

The nature of your Pit Bull’s coat and how much it sheds depends mainly on the dog’s genetics.

Dehydration  

Like any other living creature, dogs need water. Not only do dogs need water, but they need water in a consistent matter. 

If you don’t provide your Pit Bull with enough water, it will eventually be dehydrated, which will result in dryness of the skin, which ultimately results in shedding. 

Stress and Anxiety 

If your poor little Pittie is stressed or anxious, they might shed more than usual.

There are many stressors for dogs. Things that humans can’t really comprehend, like a trip to the vet or to the hairdresser or even bathtime, can be quite stressful for them. In all these situations, Pit bulls need to sit still and behave in a certain way, which they can’t always do. 

Other signs your Pit Bull may be stressed or anxious are excessive barking, heavy panting, wide-eyed expressions, or a tail tucked between its legs.  

Skin Conditions 

Skin conditions are quite concerning and need immediate care. Pit Bulls generally have sensitive skin, and when they suffer from skin conditions, they start to lose hair. 

For instance, if your Pit Bull has extra dry skin, it will eventually make them very itchy, and they will want to scratch. Too much scratching will lead to bald spots, and eventually, you will find extra hair lying around your house. 

Bathing 

Pit Bulls are low-maintenance when it comes to bathing. They can be bathed once every 2 months or even once every 6 months. 

When it comes to bathing, dog owners often fall into a loop. Here’s what happens: they notice that their Pitbull sheds a lot, so they bathe them more than necessary. 

As a result, the Pit bull’s skin becomes dry from overbathing. Thus, the Pitbull sheds more. It’s a never-ending cycle if you don’t get informed soon enough. 

Another mistake that dog owners often make is that they use scented shampoos or shampoos that aren’t made for dogs, which can be very harmful to your dog’s skin. 

Here are my recommendations for suitable dog shampoos: 

Burt’s Bees for Dogs 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Burt’s bees for dogs is a great unscented shampoo and conditioner. The 2-in-1 use of this product will save you some money while keeping your dog’s skin healthy and moisturized. You just saved yourself the trouble of buying a conditioner. 

4-Legger Organic unscented Dog Shampoo

The 4-legger organic dog shampoo has aloe vera, which will soothe your dog’s skin, making them not want to scratch. This means you will not have to go home to a pile of hair all over the place because of your dog’s scratching. 

If you want more options, check out my guide on the best shampoos for Pit Bulls here.

Parasites

Parasites are sneaky. Fleas, mites, fungal infections, and scabies can present themselves in your Pit Bull’s skin. 

These parasites can be quite annoying for dogs, as they make them itchy.  As a result, they scratch a lot, making their fur fall off. 

You may want to pay your vet a visit if you notice too many fleas in your dog.  You can also help them get rid of fleas using a special fleas comb. 

There are a few good flea combs on amazon. Here are my picks for you:

Hartz Groomer’s Best Flea Comb

The Hartz groomer’s best flea comb can dig deep enough in your dog’s fur to get rid of fleas, allowing you to spend less time trying to reach deep into your dog’s fur. It also provides you with comfort as it has a handle that is big enough to be comfortable.

Cafhelp 2 Pack Dog Combs with Rounded Ends Stainless Steel Teeth

The Cafhelp dog comb has long bristles that are safe enough to be used on your dog. Moreover, it is a pack of two with the price of one.

 

Allergies

Pit Bulls are prone to allergic reactions, which could lead to itching and excessive shedding. It’s important to test your dog for allergies and try to avoid exposing it to any triggers. 

Other symptoms of allergic reactions in dogs include red, irritated skin, hot spots, runny nose and eyes, ear infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, it is important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Hormones 

Hormonal changes do not happen to humans only. When humans hit puberty, for instance, their skin usually breaks out in pimples because of changes in the skin’s oil production. 

In the case of female dogs, hormonal changes are most common.  For example, when they give birth or get pregnant, they are more likely to lose fur and shed, similarly if the dog has been recently spayed or neutered.

It also depends on the dog’s age, as senior dogs tend to shed more due to hormonal changes and decreased health.

Routine Change 

The body needs time to adapt to changes. If you are a person that likes to try new skin products, you know the struggle. 

If you have recently changed your dog’s diet, its skin may be adjusting to the change in nutrition, similarly if you have recently changed your dog’s shampoo, soap, or conditioner. 

Give it time and test which products fit your Pit Bull’s skin best. Consult your veterinarian to get more professional and specialized treatment.  

How to Stop Your Pit Bull from Shedding So Much? 

In order to stop your Pit bull’s excessive shedding, you need to treat it from the outside and the inside. 

The process may be lengthy, but it is definitely worth it.

Brushing

One of the easiest and most underrated ways to stop your Pit Bull from shedding too much is constant brushing. 

Here’s the thing: when you brush your dog’s coat, you encourage old and damaged fur to fall. Consequently, making your dog’s shedding less frequent. Moreover, it distributes the oil evenly, making your Pit bull’s skin moisturized and healthy.  

So, consider brushing your Pit Bull once a week and make sure to use the right brushes.

Here are some brushes I recommend: 

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs

This is the elite of all brushes; it will make your life easier because once you are done cleaning, all you need to do is simply press a button, and it will clean itself. It is also a good quality brush that really does not cost much.

Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush

The Hartz groomer’s best combo dog brush is going to save you a lot of money. The stainless steel side removes dead fur and cleans your dog’s fur, whereas the other side distributes the oil making your dog less prone to dry skin. 

If you want more brush recommendations, check out my guide on the best brushes for Pit Bulls here.

Bathing

Try setting a regular bathing schedule for your Pit Bull. Don’t over or under-bathe your dog, and make sure you use the right products, as we discussed earlier. 

Generally, Pit Bulls do not need to be bathed often; they can even be bathed as frequently as once every 6 months. Whenever you find that your Pit Bull is itchy or smelly, make them hop into the bath immediately. 

Hydration

Make sure to provide your Pit Bull with enough clean and accessible water. 

It is best to keep fresh water available in many corners of the house to encourage your dog to drink more water throughout the day.

You can buy great quality stainless water bowls for your dog on Amazon. Here are my recommendations:

The Coldest Dog Bowl 

The coldest dog bowl will be your dog’s go-to bowl, as it will keep the water’s temperature attractive to your dog. Ultimately making them want to drink more. Plus, its design will make your house look cool and modern. 

Neater Pet Brands Stainless Steel Dog and Cat Bowls

In my experience, the neater pet brands’ stainless steel bowl is perfect for your dog. Its large size means fewer trips to refill them, and they are actually quite simple and classy. The price is also a catch! 

Proper Nutrition

Ensure that your Pit Bull is receiving a balanced diet to promote healthy skin and coat. You can check out my recommendations for the best food for Pit Bulls here.

You can also give your dog some supplements like Omega-3 fatty acids to help improve skin and coat health, reducing shedding.

Also, if your Pit Bull has allergies, work with your vet to identify and avoid the allergen and provide appropriate treatment.

Consult a Vet

If you have ruled out every reason for your dog’s excessive shedding, it’s time to consult a professional.  After all, there might be an underlying health issue that is causing your dog’s excessive shedding.

When you visit a vet, make sure you ask all the important questions and leave with solutions. 

How to Keep Your House Clean of Dog Hair?

Vacuum a lot 

This is self-explanatory. Just like you have set a schedule for your dog’s bathing and nutrition, you need a set schedule for vacuuming. 

It is best to resort to robotic vacuums, as they are time-saving and efficient. I recommend:

NOISZ ILIFE S5 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop 2 in 1

Mopping and vacuuming are not fun. What if I told you the Noisz ILife 25 Pro Robot Vacuum could do both for you? That’s right, save yourself the time and the hassle. 

Cover your furniture 

Although covering your furniture may look a bit ugly at times, it is important to protect it during shedding seasons. 

Of course, if your dog is being extra naughty, they can always snatch the cover off, but that is unlikely if your dog is well-behaved.

Upgrade your air filtration.

While changing air filtration is obvious, some people forget to do it. So, this is a friendly reminder to change your air filtration once every month. Also, consider investing in an air filter that helps reduce pet allergens in the air. 

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