It’s important to understand the natural growth cycle of dog hair because you need to trim your dog’s fur to get the desired look.
If your dog is not trimmed regularly, his hair can get longer than normal and this will make his coat look heavier and appear lank and unsightly.
After the trim, you will also want to know how long it takes for your dog to regrow his hair, so you can plan for the next grooming session.
The regrowth of hair takes about 3 months for dogs with single coats, and up to 6 months for dogs with double coats. In the case of double-coated breeds, it is unlikely that the hair will regrow to the standard that it was before it was shaved.
Factors Affecting Dog Hair Regrowth
Dog hair regrowth after shaving is influenced by various factors. While some dogs may regrow their hair quickly, others may take a longer time.
Here are the key factors that can impact the regrowth process:
Breed and Coat Type
Different dog breeds have different coat types, including single coat, double coat, curly, or straight hair. These variations play a crucial role in regrowth after shaving.
For example, double-coated breeds, such as Golden Retrievers or Huskies, have an undercoat that protects them from the elements.
Shaving these dogs may disrupt the natural insulation, making it challenging for their hair to regrow properly.
Genetics
Genetics also play a significant role in a dog’s hair regrowth after shaving. Some breeds are predisposed to have slower hair regrowth, while others have a faster regrowth rate.
Genetic factors can influence hair follicle function, which affects the speed at which hair grows back.
Health and Nutritional Factors
A dog’s overall health and nutrition have a direct impact on hair regrowth. Adequate nutrition, including a balanced diet and essential vitamins and minerals, promotes healthy hair growth.
Health issues, such as hormonal imbalances or underlying medical conditions, can hamper hair regrowth and should be addressed by a veterinarian.
Age and Hormonal Changes
Younger dogs tend to have faster hair regrowth compared to older dogs. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy or after neutering, can affect hair regrowth.
It is important to note that certain hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism, can cause hair loss and may require specific treatment for regrowth.
Seasonal Patterns
Some dogs exhibit seasonal hair growth patterns, which means their hair may grow slower or shed more during specific times of the year.
Factors such as daylight duration and temperature variations can influence these patterns. It’s essential to consider these seasonal variations when assessing hair regrowth after shaving.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can affect the condition and growth of a dog’s hair.
Exposure to extreme weather conditions, excessive sun exposure, harsh chemicals, and pollutants can damage the hair follicles and hinder hair growth.
Providing a safe and clean environment, protecting your dog from extreme weather, and using gentle grooming products can help maintain healthy hair growth.
Care and Grooming Routine
Proper care and grooming practices also contribute to hair regrowth. Regular brushing stimulates blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting healthy regrowth.
Using appropriate grooming tools and techniques, as recommended by professionals, ensures that the hair grows back evenly and in a healthy manner.
Understanding the various factors that affect dog hair regrowth after shaving can help debunk the myth of non-regrowth.
Remember, each dog is unique, and regrowth may vary based on these factors. If you have concerns about your dog’s hair regrowth or experience abnormal hair loss, consulting a veterinarian is advisable to determine any underlying issues and proper care protocols.
Proper Care for Regrowth
Taking care of your dog’s coat after shaving is crucial to ensure healthy regrowth.
Here are some tips and guidelines to follow:
Gradual Sun Exposure
After shaving, your dog’s skin may be more sensitive to direct sunlight. It is recommended to gradually expose your dog to sunlight to prevent sunburn.
Start by allowing short periods of outdoor exposure during mild weather and gradually increase the time spent outside.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures
Shaved dogs are more prone to temperature extremes. During colder months, provide your dog with a warm and comfortable environment.
Consider using dog sweaters or coats to keep them cozy. In hot weather, provide shade and water to prevent overheating.
Regular Brushing
Brushing your dog’s coat regularly stimulates blood circulation and promotes healthy hair growth. Use a soft-bristled brush to prevent skin irritation and gently remove any loose hairs.
Regular brushing also helps to distribute natural oils, keeping the coat moisturized.
Nourishing Diet
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for proper hair regrowth. Ensure that your dog’s diet includes high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.
Consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
Hydration and Skin Health
Proper hydration is vital for healthy skin and hair. Make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times.
Additionally, consider adding omega-3 fatty acids or coconut oil to their diet, as these can help improve skin health and promote hair regrowth.
Regular Grooming and Trimming
Once your dog’s hair starts to regrow, regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s health.
Schedule regular grooming sessions to remove any tangles or mats that may hinder regrowth. Trimming the hair regularly can also help maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance.
What Can I Do to Stimulate My Dog’s Hair Growth?
The wait for your dog’s coat to grow might seem like an eternity. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help your dog stay healthy on the inside and outside so that his hair grows faster.
- Include foods rich in omega fats in the feeding program for your dog. If a dog is healthy on the inside, his coat will reflect that.
- Ask your veterinarian about adding supplements to your dog’s diet, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Supplements like these reduce skin inflammation, making hair healthier and longer. They also prevent your dog from scratching, which may lead to hair loss.
- Give your dog a daily brushing. By brushing his coat with a natural hairbrush, dirt and debris are removed along with old and dead hair. This promotes hair growth.
- Wash him weekly with oatmeal shampoo. This shampoo was created to remove bacteria that causes hair loss and dirt from the skin and coat.
- Spray 1/2 cup white vinegar mixed with 1/2 gallon water on your dog’s skin after each bath to kill growth-hindering bacteria.
What Dog Breeds Should Not Be Shaved?
All dogs that shed large amounts of fur (part of their undercoat), such as Golden retrievers, German shepherds and Siberian huskies, should never be shaved.
You might think that shaving your dog during the summer will help him to keep cool during the hot season.
This is certainly a myth as dogs can’t sweat through their skin to cool off like we do. It is through the panting and flickering of their tongues that they circulate air through their bodies to cool down.
In addition, shaving dogs with double coats can damage their hair in the long run. When shaved to the skin, the undercoat hair grows back faster, often crowding out the slow-growing guard hairs. A dog’s coat may appear patchy and unattractive as a result of this.
What Is the Best Way to Tell If a Dog Has a Double Coat?
A dog with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat is said to be double-coated. It is the soft undercoat that sheds and leaves loose fur all over your house.
Dogs with double coats have a thick undercoat of short hair (fluffy in texture) underneath a coat of longer hair called guard hair. The fluffier the dog appears, the denser his undercoat is.
This means that grooming will take a lot of time. Under this dense undercoat, a dog’s body is protected from hot and cold temperatures, and the top coat repels moisture and dirt.
Breeds with double coats include:
- Alaskan Husky
- Shiba Inu
- Australian Shepherd
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Great Pyrenees
- Newfoundland
- Golden Retriever
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Havanese
- Pomeranian
Does Dog Undercoat Grow Back?
Shaving a single-coated breed will not affect the coat’s growth. On the other hand, shaving a double-coated breed can be very damaging to the coat.
So, be mindful if you are thinking of shaving your “double-coated” dog.
When you shave him, you will see that the undercoat grows back fast. Guard hairs take longer to grow back. Generally, the texture of a dog’s new coat is sticky, and grass seeds, twigs, and plant matter will stick to it.
Why Does My Dog’s Hair Not Grow Back After Being Shaved?
Some dogs will not re-grow their hair for 12-16 months, if not at all. In these cases, it is possible that the dog is suffering from a serious health issue.
In many of these cases, hormonal (endocrine) related alopecia may complicate the situation. Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, and sex hormone alopecia may also be contributing to this hair growth disorder.
If that’s the case, finding out what’s causing it is crucial for more than just your pet’s lustrous coat.
A vet can perform a more thorough examination on your dog to make sure none of these complications exist.