A new article which I read recently is a good reminder of how important it is to keep your dog’s coat in good condition, this is part of good health. Sometimes we remember to brush their teeth or give them proper food,although there is more to a good coat than just brushing it. Good health involves proper brushing and nutrition.

Some things in this article refer to shedding dogs. One fabulous thing about Australian Labradoodles is that they are non-shedding! They do have an undercoat which is why they need to be brushed with a proper grooming tool to get the undercoat and not just what you see. Mats begin at the skin,which makes it harder to detect. Learn more about your dog’s health in this interesting article.

Skin and Haircoat Facts for Dogs

When we think of the major organs that dogs have most of us think of liver, heart and their brains. It may surprise you to know that their largest organ is the skin that covers their bodies. It is that soft protective outer covering that encases the other organs of the body. It has many functions that include preventing dehydration, sensing pain and temperature, helps prevent trauma and contains the hair coat. Actually the list of its functions would be very long indeed.

The haircoat of the dog is found on the outermost layer of the skin. Besides giving each breed and dog a distinctive look it also plays a role in the dog’s health. The haircoat provides insulation for the dog, keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As you know the type and length of the haircoat in dogs varies a great deal. The haircoat also can act as a warning to others as we see when two dogs approach each other and their “hair rises” on their backs.

The hair is basically dead material consisting of protein. It is produced in hair follicles that determine the shape of the hair. Curly follicles produce curly hair and straight follicles produce straight hair. Part of the hair follicle produces sebum, an oily like substance that gives the hair a sheen. The hair of dogs grows in cycles and this cycle has four phases. The duration of these phases determine the length of the hair coat and the thickness of the haircoat. When the hair reaches a certain length the genetics of the dog than determines when the growth stops. The final phase that we encounter is when the haircoat sheds. The length of this phase is determined by the seasons. Not all hair follicle are in sync thankfully or shedding would result in complete baldness and than start over from scratch. Different breeds have differing phases and that is why we have very long haircoats and dogs with almost complete baldness. Dog breeds vary in haircoats: some have double coats consisting of a top coat and undercoat, some are hairless and some have a topcoat with little or no undercoat.

Many owners of dogs are concerned about shedding and so I will give a few generalizations on dog and the cycle of shedding. Shedding is related to seasonal cycles, that is the daylight to nighttime seasonal changes. An increase in the amount of daylight stimulates the growth of hair and usually coincides with spring. The shedding we encounter in spring is heavier due to the winter coat being heavier and being replaced by a lighter summer coat. Those dogs that have double coats usually shed their undercoats two times per year and their topcoats once a year. When these dogs shed both top and undercoats at once it is referred to as “blowing a coat”. Some dogs shed throughout the year or once a year. The process of shedding usually lasts anywhere from three weeks to two months while indoor dogs seem to shed lightly all year round. Other factors that influence haircoats and shedding are nutrition, hormones, stress, temperature and the sex of the dog.

The skin and haircoats of dogs are not only attractive but a very complicated organ that is vital to the health of the dog. Diseases of the skin and haircoats are one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits. Keeping your dogs’ skin and haircoat healthy involves proper bathing and brushing, proper nutrition and using well formulated supplements designed for skin and hair health.

Healthy Skin and Hair Starts With:

• Proper bathing and brushing
• Proper nutrition
• Using well formulated supplements

<Lambert Vet Supply>

Good health and nutrition are important to your dog, they are with you for many years to come! Your Australian Labradoodle is part of your family, take care of them as you take care of yourself and other members of your family. It doesn’t take long to groom your Australian Labradoodle, take the time and do it once or twice a week. If you do not keep up with it, take them to your groomer.

Ashford Manor feeds our Australian Labradoodlesa premium dog food which is very important to their well being. Our nutritious meal is made by Life’s Abundance. This food has never been recalled and is shipped to your door! You can be on auto-ship and your food will come when you need it.

Life’s Abundance for Proper Nutrition

• Delicious Canned and Dry Food
• Treats
• Supplements if needed
• Never been recalled
• Shipped to your door
• Choice of premium breeders

Take care of your Australian Labradoodle Dog’s

Health and Nutrition Today!

Cheryl Sabens

Ashford Manor Labradoodles

Indiana’s Finest Breeder of the Australian Labradoodle

765-714-1436