Pitbulls are among the most popular pups to adopt in the US, but many people want to know: do Pit Bulls shed like other dogs? Even though they are single-coated, there is no such thing as a non-shedding pitbull. Thankfully, Pit Bulls have short hair, so they don’t shed as much as a Yorkshire Terrier or a Maltese. Let’s talk more about Pitbull shedding.
Do Pitbulls shed?
The term Pitbull describes a variety of dog groups, so let’s first clarify who we are talking about:
- American Bulldog,
- American Pit Bull Terrier,
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier,
- American Staffordshire Bull Terrier,
- Crossbreeds of these breeds.
The good thing is that all breeds have similar coats, so when we say Pitbulls shed, they all do. However, they don’t shed as much as other single-coated dogs.
Pitbull shedding season is usually during early summer and late spring, and they shed more during these times. Most dogs shed during spring because they adapt to enjoy the nice spring weather. Pitbull shedding is either low or moderate through the rest of the year.
Another great news is that Pitbulls have short fur, so the shedding isn’t as heavy. Some single-coated dogs, like pugs, shed a lot more heavily, but Pitbulls are not like that. Cleaning pit bull fur is easier as the length of the fur is smaller.
Why Do Pit Bulls Shed?
Pitbulls shed because of a lot of reasons. For one thing, shedding is natural and happens with all dogs. But when do Pitbulls shed a lot more than usual? The answer could be anything, such as stress, poor nutrition, skin issues, or even allergies.
Single Coat
Pitbulls have less shedding than most dogs because they are single-coated. Pitbulls do not have an undercoat, so they shed less than other dog breeds with double coats. Dogs with two coats of fur, such as Bernese mountain dogs and german shepherds, shed a lot.
Pitbulls shed throughout the year, but it is usually low to moderate. They have a slight increase around the end of fall and the beginning of summer. However, if you are wondering why Pitbulls shed a lot, it could be related to deeper issues. In this case, the best thing to do is to see your vet because she can guide you better.
Most Pitbulls have fine fur, so their hairs are hardly noticeable. Thus, their shedding does not need regular cleaning, unlike that of dogs with thicker hair. As a Pitbull owner, you can easily take care of the shedding.
Stress and anxiety
Pitbulls may look intimidating, but they are sensitive creatures. They feel emotions just like other dogs, making them prone to stress and anxiety. For example, when some Pitbulls go to the vet, they start shedding more than usual. This shedding is due to the stress or anxiety of the trip.
Pitbulls release epinephrine when they are stressed, and this increases the amount of shedding in their bodies. Epinephrine is not harmful; it is just a fight-or-flight response but may increase shedding.
If your dog is shedding more only during the visit, it is nothing to worry about. If it is continually shedding more, there might be another cause, and you need to figure it out. Some factors that cause anxiety in dogs include
- Loud noises
- Physical or mental abuse
- Fear of separation (from the pet parent)
- Change in the environment (like moving to a new house)
- Unfamiliar feeding dish or carriers
- Regular interaction with strangers (especially in pups who haven’t been socialized)
Nutrition
Pitbulls can also shed more because their diet lacks nutritious food. Pitbulls are large, muscular dogs that need more protein than others. AAFCO recommends 4.5 g/100 kcal protein for adults and 5.63 g/100 kcal for puppies.
This is the average protein requirement, and Pitbulls need more than this. Unfortunately, many commercially available “cheap” dog foods increase volume by adding fillers, such as corn and wheat. These foods provide insufficient nutrition for a pit bull.
The quality of the food your dog consumes is directly related to shedding. The number one reason why Pitbulls shed a lot is that their diet is unhealthy. Also, try not to feed your pitbull gluten-free diets because this can increase health issues in them. Most dogs are not allergic to grains, so it is perfectly healthy to give them these diets.
Allergies
Pitbulls can shed more due to allergies, and there can be several reasons why your pup has them:
- Pollens, dust, molds, insect cadavers,
- Food allergies (grains, lactose, chicken, pork, beef, etc.)
- Certain types of shampoos,
- Some drugs,
- Worms and other parasites
- Ticks, fleas, and mosquitos.
You need to notice differences in shedding and your pup’s behavior to figure out that it has allergies. Some common symptoms of dog allergies include
- Dry and itchy skin,
- Sneezing,
- Vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Hot spots,
- Hives,
- Nasal discharge,
- Scabs.
If you notice these signs, along with excess shedding, it is best to take your pup to a vet. Your vet can diagnose the cause of the allergy and prescribe appropriate medication. For example, if it is a case of internal parasites, they would prescribe deworming medicine. For fleas and ticks, they might prescribe lime sulfur baths.
Skin issues
Pitbulls have sensitive skin, and it is made more sensitive due to the lack of an undercoat. Their short hair provides less protection, unlike dogs with double-coated skin. Common symptoms of skin problems in Pitbulls include
- Excess shedding,
- Itchiness,
- Chewing,
- Excess biting,
- Scooting,
- Rashes,
- Hives,
- Skin lesions.
Skin issues may be related to
- Food allergies,
- Fleas or ticks,
- Dry skin due to bad shampoos,
- Poor diet,
- Allergens,
- Hormonal changes,
- Age,
- Skin cancer
One common reason is using bad products, such as shampoos, body wash, and moisturizers, not designed for their skin. Dogs should never be bathed with human bath products because human skin has a different pH than theirs.
Always buy only vet-verified, dog-friendly products from the market. If your dog’s fur keeps shedding and exhibiting skin issues, consult your veterinarian and get the necessary medication.
How Much Do Pit Bulls Shed?
There is no single answer to the question: how often do Pitbulls shed, or how much do pit bulls shed? The main thing to remember is that there is no such thing as a non-shedding pitbull. All dogs shed, and so do Pitbulls. They shed little to moderate amounts all year, but during pitbull shedding season, they might shed a lot.
How much a dog sheds depends on the season, breed, type of fur (single/double coat), age, and nutrition. Among these, the season is perhaps the most important. Pitbull shedding season starts during early spring and late summer, and they shed more during this time.
Some dogs are genetically predisposed to shedding, and if your pup’s mother or father sheds more, they might too. Younger pups shed much less than older Pitbulls because the older dogs’ hairs lifespan shortens. Lastly, Pitbulls who get poor diets, less exercise, and are treated to bad shampoos or products might shed more.
How Often Do Pit Bulls Shed?
Pitbulls shed less as compared to other dogs. However, the frequency is no less than other dogs. How often Pitbull’s shed also depends on the season. A Pitbull sheds more than twice a year, from late fall to winter and late winter to early spring. However, shedding continues all through the year, and they are similar to other dogs in this field.
Every dog is unique, and Pitbulls are no different. So, while some may shed moderately, others may shed heavily during shedding season. Moreover, you might think that white Pitbulls shed more often than others. That’s a common myth because white dander and fur are easier to spot. If you have dark-coated furniture or tiles in your home, white fur would be clearly visible.
One common rule is that younger Pitbulls shed less often than older ones. So, take care of your older dogs and add lots of protein and omega-fatty acids to their diets.
How to Deal With Pit Bull Shedding?
We cannot stop Pitbulls, or any other dog breed, from shedding because it is a natural process. However, with regular brushing, bathing, using the right bath products, and proper nutrition, we can reduce it. Here are some tips on how to stop pitbull from shedding:
Regular Brushing
Brushing your dog is a good way to groom it, and it also reduces shedding. It improves the quality of their fur and also lessens the amount of shedding. You can start with brushing their coat 2 to 3 times a week. If you feel the need, you can increase it to 4 to 5 times or more.
With regular brushing or combing, loose strands come out naturally, reducing shedding in the house. Use stiff-bristled brushes because your pitty’s fur is short. However, if your dog is prone to skin infections, you can use a gentle brush too.
Bathing
Pitbulls are active dogs. They love to go outside and have a fun time running and playing. When they return home, Pitbulls might be covered in dirt and dust. If not bathed well, their skin is prone to fleas, ticks, and skin allergies. Giving your Pitbull a bath at least once a month is important.
However, you need to be careful with the frequency of baths. Pitbulls have a single coat of fur, so they do not need frequent baths. If you bathe them too often, they will lose the natural oils that protect their skin. So, make sure to give them baths only once a month.
The right choice of shampoo
Many dog owners use shampoos made for human hair on their pup’s skin. Never use human shampoo on your Pitbull or any other dog breed because their skin is different. Always choose dog-specific shampoos that have the right pH for their skin.
It is also best to use dog shampoos based on natural ingredients, such as oatmeal-based shampoo. Also, always remember to buy products from a reputable brand and read the customer’s reviews.
The right choice of food
All dogs need a good diet because it helps them maintain a healthy coat. A diet rich in omega fatty acids and proteins can help keep their fur shinier and reduce shedding. The most important ingredient is protein since Pitbulls are active dogs and consume a lot of energy. Poor protein intake can reduce the diameter and length of their fur and also cause it to break easily.
Apart from this, Vitamins A and B and Zinc and Copper are all important for healthy dog fur. Make sure that you provide these nutrients at least as per the AAFCO guidelines for dog nutrition.
Supplements
Active dogs like Pitbulls need a healthy amount of nutrients to function well and live long lives. As mentioned earlier, these nutrients include vitamins, zinc, copper, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, omega-6 fatty acids, and more. You can find them in poultry, eggs, fish, and grains, but if your Pitbull has a deficiency, you should explore dietary supplements.
You should regularly get your Pitbull tested for these deficiencies and add vet-recommended supplements to counter them. Fish oil, for example, is available as a supplement both in tablet and liquid form. Fish oil is a powerful source of omega fatty acids. Adding supplements will definitely help control the extra shedding your dog may be going through.
Do Pit Bulls Shed: FAQ
If you are still asking yourself: why is my pit bull shedding so much? Let us answer some more commonly asked questions about Pitbull shedding.
There are several reasons why your pitbull might be shedding, such as poor diet, skin issues, allergies, and anxiety. Pitbulls are not heavy shedders, so if your pup is shedding excessively, you should consult a veterinarian. Moreover, make sure you are using high-nutrition foods and vet-approved, dog-friendly bathing products.
Pitbulls aren’t hypoallergenic; in fact, no dogs are hypoallergenic. All dogs shed fur, some might shed less than others, but shedding is always there. Pitbulls are not heavy shedders. They have single-coat, fine fur, which doesn’t shed as much as compared to double-coated dogs like Berners or Malteses.
Pitbulls shed throughout the year, but they shed more in early summer and late fall. Spring is the season when all dogs shed because their skin is preparing to enjoy the pleasant weather. They shed their winter coats which protected them from the harsh winter weather during this time.
To reduce your Pitbull’s shedding, you should:
– Bathe your dog once a month,
– Brush their fur once or twice a week,
– Feed them nutritious food, and use dog-friendly shampoos.
You should also consider adding important supplements apart from their diets, such as omega fatty acids and vitamins.
So, if they come home covered in dirt, you can bathe them immediately. Do not bathe them every day, or they will lose their natural oils. Moreover, never use human shampoos and products on them. You should bathe your Pitbull once a month. However, since Pitbulls are active dogs, they go out regularly and can get quite dirty.
So, do Pit Bulls shed? Yes, they do, just like all other dogs. Their shedding is lesser than others because they have a single coat and fine fur. However, they shed more during late fall and the beginning of summer.