Do American Bulldogs Shed? Vet-Approved Facts & Explanation
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The American Bulldog is medium to large in size, muscular, and can weigh up to 100 pounds. They are intelligent, active, and love attention. They have short coats and come in a variety of different markings and colors. Although they tend to struggle with skin issues, a healthy American Bulldog doesn’t shed much and is easy to care for.
Like most dog breeds, American Bulldogs are seasonal shedders, so you can expect to find more of their hair lying around your home during spring and fall.
Do All Dogs Shed?
All dogs shed, at least to some degree. Some breeds shed seasonally, while others can shed all year round. Shedding has less to do with the length of a dog’s hair and more to do with the type of coat the dog has. Dogs with double coats shed more than dogs with single coats. However, some short-haired breeds can shed more than some longhaired breeds.
Like humans, dog hair is always growing. Shedding old hair is normal and necessary to make way for fresh, new hair that can protect your dog from the elements and regulate their temperature.
Dogs that shed seasonally will shed more in spring and fall. This is to rid the coat of the hair that kept the dog warm in the cooler months and change it to become lighter for the warmer weather so that the dog doesn’t overheat. The coat will change once more as the weather becomes cooler because they’ll need to shed their summer coat for a warmer one, which will result in heavier shedding.
Why Is My American Bulldog Shedding More?
There are many factors that can cause a change in the amount of hair your American Bulldog is losing. It’s important to take notice of how much your dog usually sheds as changes can be an indication that something is wrong, especially if you also notice thinning in your dog’s coat or new behaviors, such as excessive licking, biting, scratching, or chewing at the skin.
- Allergies: American Bulldogs are at risk for developing allergies because many have an overactive immune system. Their allergies can be caused by certain foods, pollen, parasites, and dust. Allergies can cause your dog’s skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed and can cause hair loss.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant dogs or ones that are lactating may experience hair loss due to the changes in their hormones. Pregnancy can also deplete the mother of certain nutrients that are needed for a healthy coat, which causes excessive shedding.
- Poor Diet: Dog food that isn’t nutritious enough can cause a dog’s coat to become dry and weak, which can result in hair loss. Dogs need food that is nutritionally balanced and complete to thrive and look their best.
- Parasites: If your dog has an infestation of fleas, mites, or other external parasites, they will be excessively biting and scratching at their skin, which can result in skin wounds and hair loss.
- Stress: A dog may experience stress for many reasons, with change being one of the main ones. Although the process is not fully understood, it is believed that hormones that are released when a dog feels stressed can cause a dog to shed more than they usually do.
If your dog suddenly begins to shed more than usual, and it isn’t due to seasonal shedding, reach out to your vet because hair loss can also be an indication of a health problem. Many diseases can also cause symptoms of hair loss. It’s important to catch issues early on for the best prognosis.
American Bulldog Care
American Bulldogs are a low-maintenance breed, requiring very little grooming due to their short coats. Because this breed doesn’t shed much, they only require weekly brushing.
Brushing your dog’s coat is important because it’ll brush out all the loose hairs, dirt, and dry skin that would otherwise end up on your furniture or bedding. It also spreads the natural oils from your dog’s skin, which will bring a shine to their coat. Brushing your dog also helps you discover parasites, skin irritation, and wounds.
Bathing your American Bulldog is also necessary every now and then when they become dirty. Bathing your dog also helps remove loose hairs and dirt and keeps them looking and smelling good. However, this breed can struggle with skin sensitivities, so it’s important to use a gentle shampoo that is hydrating so as not to dry out the skin.
Make sure to trim your dog’s nails frequently, brush their teeth with dog-friendly toothpaste, and clean their eyes and ears if needed. It’s important to clean your American Bulldog’s wrinkles and facial folds regularly, making sure to remove any dirt or food that has become trapped between them. Failing to do so may result in skin infections.
Your American Bulldog also needs plenty of exercise to stay healthy, as this is an active breed. Activities such as swimming, running, and hiking will keep your dog in shape and well-behaved. Games such as tug of war and fetch will also burn off energy and stimulate your dog.
What Is the Right Brush for My American Bulldog?
Different breeds require different brushes according to their coat type. Because American Bulldogs have short, smooth coats, they do best with a bristle brush. You can opt for a bristle brush with a handle, but if your dog doesn’t enjoy being brushed, you can also use a grooming glove.
A deshedder can also be used for your American Bulldog’s coat, but make sure the one you buy is suitable for short coats. Deshedders penetrate your dog’s topcoat and reach right down to the skin to remove any hidden loose hairs.
Make sure that the brushes you use don’t have sharp tips, as these can hurt your dog’s skin. When brushing your short haired dog, first brush against the natural direction of the hairs or in a circular motion. This will loosen the dead hair to remove it. Then, brush the coat in the other direction to smooth it out.
Conclusion
American Bulldogs do shed, but not a lot. They have short coats that are smooth and easy to care for. If your dog suddenly sheds more than usual and it isn’t because of the change of season, take them to their vet, as it could be a symptom of a health issue. Bristle brushes, grooming gloves, and deshedders are great tools to use to keep your dog’s coat looking good and to remove loose hair.
American Bulldogs need to be brushed weekly and bathed when they’re dirty or smelly.
Featured Image Credit: Golland, Shutterstock
