Is your Boston Terrier shedding a lot lately? Is there anything you should worry about? Shedding is a natural process that most dogs go through. It can be different for several dog breeds.
Boston Terriers are known to be a low-shedding breed. They shed all year round. However, since they have a single layer of hair coat, they shed less than a dog with a double coat. Let’s find out!
Here’s everything that you need to know why Boston Terriers are shedding a lot.
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Everything You Need to Know About a Boston Terrier Shedding a Lot
A Boston Terrier shedding a lot may be experiencing underlying causes behind it. It may be because of an unhealthy diet, poor skin condition, stress or anxiety, flea infestation, allergies, or the season.
Just like in humans, their hair plays an important role in protecting their bodies from heat or cold. It helps them to maintain their temperature. If that’s the case, a lot of hair shedding in Boston Terriers might be a call to action.
Luckily, I have found some ways to reduce shedding as well.
Facts About Boston Terrier Shedding
| Cause | Examples | Effects | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Late spring, early summer, winter | Seasonal shedding, dry skin | Manage stress levels, brush properly |
| Allergy | Food, flea, environment | Excessive scratching, hair loss | Change food, shampoo, or environment |
| Poor diet | Diet lacking in fatty acids | Hair loss, flaky skin | Prepare meals with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids |
Causes of Shedding In Boston Terriers
Identifying the real causes of shedding in Boston Terriers will help us a lot in treating them correctly. Here are some factors that may cause shedding:
The Season
Boston Terriers may shed a lot depending on the season. This is known as seasonal shedding. However, if I compare Boston Terriers with large dogs with a thick double coat, it is still not very extreme.
You may notice a slight increase in shedding in the late spring to early summer, or late fall to early winter.
Allergies
A Boston with an allergy tends to scratch more than normal. Scratching can cause other serious problems. Excessive scratching can cause hair loss as well. Some common types of allergies are food allergy, flea allergy, and environmental allergy.
- Food Allergy: Food allergies may develop later in their life. Sometimes, it can be caused by a newly introduced treat or dog food. Most food allergens are found in poultry, beef, and dairy products. The most obvious symptom of food allergy is itchiness. Itchiness can dry your dog’s skin and may lead to other serious skin problems.
- Flea Allergy: Fleas are sometimes out of sight since they are so tiny. Another way to spot fleas is through flea dirt. Flea dirt is the pepper-like specks on your dog’s skin. You can spot it on their chin, under their arms, and near the tail. Constant scratching is the most visible symptom of flea allergy.
- Environmental Allergy: Aside from fleas and food allergies that may cause hair loss and itching, your Boston may have environmental allergies as well. Environmental allergy may be caused by pollen, dust mites, or molds. It can cause skin redness, itching, and hair loss.
Poor Diet
A poor nutrition diet can lead to many serious diseases. It includes obesity, rickets, allergy, and hair loss. A diet lacking in essential fatty acids will reflect on your Boston’s hair and skin. Dull, brittle coats and dry, flaky skin are signs of a poor nutrient diet.
Reducing Excessive Shedding in Boston Terriers
While being a small dog, Boston Terriers can still shed a lot of hair. Their shedding in little amount is not very noticeable because the hair is small and thin. Fortunately, there are several ways to get shedding under control.
Here’s how to reduce excessive shedding in Boston Terriers:
Bathe With The Right Shampoo And Treatment
Bathing your Boston may not be an easy task to do. However, bathing is really essential especially if they are shedding. Giving them a nice warm bath does not only cleans their coat but also helps to remove dead hair.
Deshedding shampoos and conditioners moisturize and hydrate your dog’s skin and hair. You may want to ask your vet for the best ones applicable for your Boston.
Bathe your Boston regularly. Don’t forget to brush their coat before and after bath time. Cutting their nails is also best after the bath because it will be softer. Cutting their nails short will help lessen the amount of hair pulled out when scratching.
Choose the Correct Brush
The brush that you should choose is the one that is made specifically for your Boston Terrier’s coat. You may use a slicker brush which is made of fine wire bristles. It is useful for removing mats and tangles.
Rubber combs are also great for your Boston’s short hair. Rubber comb massages the skin of your dog and removes dead hair. Brush their hair regularly, at least two to four times a week, depending on your dog’s shedding.
Give a Balanced Diet
Your Boston needs a complete and well-balanced diet. The food that they eat should contain enough vitamins and minerals to keep their hair follicles growing strong and resilient from breakage. Their diet must be meat-based.
Their meal should contain Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote hair growth and immune health. Fish oil or fish meal is a good source of Omega-3. Chicken, animal fats, and vegetable oils, such as sunflower, corn, canola, and soybean oils, are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids.
Consult with your vet for some Omega-3 supplements suitable for your dog.
Here’s a little trick!
Adding virgin coconut oil to your Boston’s diet can help manage his/her shedding. It has high vitamin and mineral content.
Manage Stress Level
Stress may be one of the factors why your Boston sheds a lot. An anxious or stressed dog may lose more hair than a carefree dog. Identify and remove what causes them stress or anxiety. It can be from the food that they eat or some factors in the environment.
Make sure to give them a safe place away from things causing stress. Managing stress levels may lessen their shedding and other diseases that may arise.
Health Concerns That May Cause Excessive Shedding
If your Boston Terrier experiences shedding more than usual and is showing some other signs. It is best to consult your vet. Here are some serious health problems that may cause excessive shedding:
- Kidney failure: one of the early signs of kidney failure is poor hair coat and hair loss because of dehydration.
- Liver complication: a liver disease can cause death to the uppermost layer of the skin resulting in shedding.
- Thyroid and adrenal problems: excessive shedding due to dried skin is one of the most common signs of thyroid and adrenal problems. Hair does not regrow as fast as it should.
- A side-effect of medication: some long-term medications that contain corticosteroids can cause hair shedding. If possible, stopping or finding an alternative medicine will solve the shedding problem as well.
- Cancer: when the cancer cells secrete hormones, the natural growth of healthy hair is disturbed. It usually happens with ovarian and testicular cancer in dogs.
Related Questions
How Much Does a Boston Terrier Shed?
A Boston Terrier only sheds a small amount of hair every year. They are not heavy shedders because of their short coats.
Are Boston Terriers Hypoallergenic?
Boston Terriers aren’t hypoallergenic dogs. While they don’t shed that much, their shedding may still prompt dander to spread around your home.
Is a Boston Terrier’s Coat High Maintenance?
Maintaining a Boston Terrier’s coat is generally not high maintenance. You can care for its short fur with baths and gentle brushing.
Bottom Line
Shedding is part of Boston Terriers’ normal process as dogs. Though it may be unnoticeable most of the time, some Boston Terriers may experience shedding a lot. It may be caused by an allergy, the season, or a poor and unhealthy diet.
Excessive shedding may be controlled through proper grooming, a balanced diet, increasing water intake, and managing stress levels. A regular visit to the vet may also prevent more serious problems from happening.
