Do Poodles Shed? Everything You Need to Know

No, Poodles don’t shed. Poodles are low shedding dogs with a hypoallergenic coat. These dogs are suitable for people who suffer from allergies. Poodles may need daily brushing to maintain their thick, curly coat and remove any mats. In addition, they require an appropriate coat maintenance regime. If the owner is looking for a dog that would shed less, Poodle would be their right choice. However, one may notice some hair lying here and there, despite marking them as non-shedders.

Poodles come in three sizes – Standard, Miniature and Toy. They need a lot of care. To keep his coat in good shape, he needs brushing every three to six weeks, if not more often. Remember the cost of grooming and the upkeep of a Poodle if you’re thinking about having one. Brushing is needed regularly for Poodles. Since Poodles do not shed like most dogs, loose hair gathers in their coats and mats easily until washed out regularly.

Weepy eyes stain the fur under the eyes of several Poodles. The more visible the tear stains are, the brighter your dog’s coat is. Wipe around the eyes and face with an alcohol-free pet wipe or a washcloth dampened with warm water every day to reduce staining.

To avoid complications, search your Poodle’s ears weekly for dirt, redness, or a foul odor that may signify an illness, and scrub them out weekly with a cotton ball dampened with a soft, pH-balanced ear cleaner. Ear infections are common in breeds with drop-down ears because the ear canal remains dark and wet. Hair also develops in the ear canal of the Poodle. This hair has to be plucked now and again.

Poodle’s intelligence and playful nature require obedience training to keep his mind active.

Suppose your Poodle isn’t appropriately trained. In that case, he is likely to assume himself as the head of the family, which is prevalent mainly among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more pampered and untrained. Teach him good canine manners and understand that he isn’t the pack leader.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

It is well-known that all mammals shed hair at the end of their hair growth cycle. Naturally, hair falls off at the end of the growth cycle, and new hair grows as the following process starts. This varies significantly in dogs. Poodles and certain other breeds are minimal shedders. Common reasons behind dog’s hair loss include:

Double coat
Skin infection
Inflammatory disease
Hormonal Imbalances
Nutritional deficiencies

Why Don’t Poodles Shed?

Some reasons why Poodles shed very little are given below:

Poodles bear a longer fur growth cycle. The growth cycle consists of three phases:
- The new hair – Anagen
- The resting – Catagen
- The falling out – Telogen

This cycle repeats, and the longer they take, the less they shed.

Since Poodles have dense, curly, and wiry coats, they tend to trap the old, dead hairs once they fall out. Thus, most hair tends to get trapped within its coat, meaning most of it will come out only during brushing.

Poodles bear a single coat. Therefore, they do not shed seasonally like other dog breeds. Instead, their hair grows and sheds steadily over the year, which is another reason you will hardly notice your Poodles shedding.

Also, Poodles shed low and do not ‘blow their coats’ when the climate changes, unlike other dog breeds.

What Does Hypoallergenic Mean?

Hypoallergenic, in simple terms, means a breed that is less likely to cause allergies. This includes canines that shed less and canines that are without an undercoat. Pet owners who are allergic to dogs are also allergic to dander. The canines that are hypoallergenic do not shed and have less dander, which are perfect options for people with allergies.

Besides Poodle’s hair, dander is made of dead skin, coat oils, and dust. Like saliva and proteins, all dog breeds have dander in their coat. Hence, no dog is entirely hypoallergenic. However, as far as Poodles are concerned, they are made of fewer allergens/ dander that occasionally stick to clothes, floors, furniture, and walls.

Why is My Poodle Shedding?

Firstly it is essential to remember that shedding is expected even among humans. However, excessive shedding is a point that you should consider. Although the main factor for your Poodles to shed is their genetics, there can be other factors that may cause your Poodles to shed.

Stress

Poodles are sensitive, which can cause their coat to shed. For example, you may notice your Poodle scratching, chewing, and licking unusually. This may lead to the shedding of their hair in those spots. Just like us, dogs may also experience anxiety for several reasons. For example, if they are not physically and mentally stimulated, they may get bored or left unattended, or a new family can cause anxiety. So if your canine has some problem at home that is causing stress, you can expect excessive shedding.

Pregnancy

Some medical conditions can trigger shedding in some canines. Generally, they tend to shed while pregnant or nursing or have some hormonal imbalance. Some dogs shed their coats even after they are spayed. Some conditions like thyroid can also result in shedding.

Allergies, Parasites, and Infections

Food

If you have changed your Poodle’s dog food or any new ingredient in the case of homemade food, then your dogs may be susceptible to allergies depending on what suits them. For example, some dogs may be allergic to corn, wheat, rice, and grains. Some may also develop allergies to some proteins. Also, there can be other allergies like pollen or new plants. Your Poodle’s coat health is also related to their gut health. If your canines develop parasites, they may suffer from sudden and excessive hair loss. This can cause an irritable bowel if they have eaten any contaminated food.

Skin

Skin allergies, skin dryness due to overbathing, or rashes can also cause excessive hair loss and shedding. In addition, some medical conditions can also cause Poodles to shed.

Insect

Ticks, Parasites, and Fleas can also cause hair loss in Poodles. If some bugs catch your puppy, it will also lead to constant itching and scratching, resulting in skin infection, sores, excessive hair loss, and patches. Even bacteria and dirt that sit on your dog’s coat can cause hair loss. It may affect the skin resulting in hot spots or patches.

Genetic Causes

Sebaceous Adenitis

Sebaceous Adenitis is a genetic health disorder in Poodles. Particularly in Standard Poodles, SA is a severe problem. It is believed that half of all Standard Poodles are carriers or infected by the disease. This difficult-to-diagnose hereditary disorder is often misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, asthma, or other illnesses. When a dog has SA, the skin’s sebaceous glands get inflamed and ultimately killed for unclear causes. These glands contain sebum, a fatty secretion that protects the skin from drying out. It’s typically found when the dog is between one and five. Affected dogs usually have rough, scaly skin on top of their heads, necks, and backs, as well as hair loss. Following symptoms may occur in severely infected dogs:

Skin thickening
An irritating odor
Secondary skin infections

Sebaceous Adenitis can distress the dog. If you suspect SA in your Poodle, the veterinarian will take a skin biopsy. Treatment options are many.

Cushing’s Disease

When the body releases too much cortisol, this disease progresses. A pituitary or adrenal gland deficiency may cause it, or it can be caused by a dog producing so much cortisol due to other factors. Excessive drinking, loss of hair, bloating, and frequent urination are typical symptoms. Take the Poodle to the doctor if these signs appear. Surgical and pharmaceutical therapies are available to deal with this condition.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a state in which your pets might develop hair thinning gradually on their skin, resulting in hair loss permanently. This condition develops in some canines bred for unusual coat color. This heredity disorder primarily affects the Miniature and Toy Poodles. This starts from the base of the tail and continues to the spine. However, they don’t affect the head or forequarters of Poodles. Some noted symptoms are they may experience digestive issues and skin inflammation.

How to Make My Poodle Shed less?

These tips may be helpful for pet owners to avoid shedding in Poodles.

Inspect the recent changes in your dog’s daily schedule (diet, training, and exercise sessions) and try to get back to the old routine to check if the shedding has reduced.
Eliminate an ingredient from your dog’s diet to see if the shedding goes away.
Remove new saplings from your dog’s area.
Always choose a healthy and nourishing option for your canines.
Wash their food plate or bowls and change their bedding.
Deworm your canine regularly, especially if they spend hours outside.
Please consult your vet about adding supplements into their diet.
Consult your vet regarding the infection and acquire suitable treatment.
Regularly brush your Poodles to get rid of the dirt brought when they come after a walk.
Bathe your Poodle with an organic two months once and maintain the routine since more or fewer intervals can cause harm to your dog’s coat.
You can also try applying coconut oil to alleviate your Poodle’s skin.
It is essential to brush Poodle’s coats regularly to get rid of their shedding. This can help eliminate the dead and loose hair from the coat.
Brushing also distributes a dog’s natural oil making it strong, shiny, and healthy.

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Trimming is another essential way to reduce shedding, as trimming the coat short makes brushing more manageable. Also, Poodles are less likely to shed, making their hair grow and resulting in matting which can also cause shedding. Hence trimming your dog’s hair can promote hair health and stop shedding.

Proper Diet and Nutrition are essential in maintaining your Poodle’s coat health. An unbalanced and unhealthy diet can lead to excessive shedding. However, check for the ingredients if they are not allergic to your dog. To enhance their coat’s health, the pet parents should look for dog foods rich in fats like meat, eggs, fish, flaxseeds, fish oil, and other oils that are excellent sources of omega – 3 fatty acids and omega – 6 fatty acids. Vegetables and fruits, vitamins and minerals such as zinc, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin E would also promote good coat health.

Reducing stress and anxiety can help your dog from not licking often. Consult your veterinarian to reduce anxiety in your Poodles. Please spend some time with your pets and keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

What Should I Do If I Am Allergic to My Poodle?

Some pet owners could be allergic, and the following solutions can help if you are allergic to your Poodle.

Allergy Medications and Injections

When your allergies are mild, you can manage with over-the-counter allergy medicines. If these don’t work, you could also consult your doctor for allergy shots to cure allergies.

Keep Your Home Clean

Pet owners must keep their homes clean and vacuumed regularly especially, when your Poodles lose excessive hair than expected.

Keep Your Poodle Well Groomed

Pet parents can also avoid allergic reactions by keeping your Poodle brushed, bathed, and well-groomed. Take your canine to a professional groomer every six to eight weeks. You also groom your Poodle in between with the professional grooming. Extra bathing and brushing can help shed less if the pet parents are severely allergic to dander.

Don’t Let Your Poodle Lick You

The pet parents should ensure that their Poodle is not let lick them if they are allergic to the dog’s saliva. Keep someone in charge to serve food and water for your pets.

Rehoming Your Poodle

If the pet owners cannot cure their allergies and find difficulty living with their Poodle, they will be required to rehome their Poodle. Rehoming will be the ultimate solution, sadly. Poodles are very sensitive and may suffer from separation anxiety. It is always best to test for the pet owner’s allergies before adopting or purchasing your Poodle to avoid such circumstances.

Some Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

Poodles are not the only dog breeds that shed less. Some purebred dogs are great for people who suffer from dander allergies. Some of the dog breeds that shed less are mentioned below:

The Spanish Water Spaniel
The Chinese Crested
The Bichon
The Kerry Blue Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier
The Lagotto Romagnolo
The Bouvier Des Flandres
The Schnauzer
The Welsh Terrier
The Airedale Terrier
The Peruvian Inca Orchid
The Lakeland Terrier
The Barbet
The Mexican Hairless Dog

Final Thoughts

Amalgamating all the points, we would have that Poodles don’t shed, but they are prone to some underlying health issues that cause them to shed more than usual. However, if you still face any problems after trying out the shedding solutions, it is always better to consult your pet’s veterinarian and get them treated.