Shedding

by Beth and Cameron
(Mercer, MO)

We have two great pyrenees puppies, male and female. The male is around 14 weeks old and weighs 23 lbs. When we first got him his fur was fluffy but not super thick. We had him for one month before we got the female she is about one month older than he is and bigger as well. She weighs 29 lbs.

He started losing his hair and now it is short but it still covers his skin. I wonder if its okay to give him a bath, and is there anything else I can do?

He seems healthy, no fleas or ticks, I also thought maybe he got stressed out when we brought the female home because she was very whiny and barked a lot, was a little more aggressive with food, etc in the beginning but not now.

He is already potty trained and only chews on his toys and is very smart, calm and well mannered. He can sit, lay down and shake both paws when he is asked to do this.

But she is more high strung and we have had to get after her for chewing on tv cords, shoes, trash, etc Don't get me wrong, we love them both very much but she was only an outside dog when we got her.

Just wanting to make sure it is okay that he is shedding like this, etc thanks for your input!:)

Comments for Shedding

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 26, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Shedding
by: Donna

Is there a reason to give him a bath? Pyrs stay pretty clean as dirt will fall off of them. I would simply keep him groomed weekly and keep his nails trimmed? You can bathe but when you do, make sure it is a natural dog shampoo. Make sure to look at the ingredients. Avoid parabens and sulfates.

Make sure they have toys to play with. Have a positive-reinforcement trainer come in to help you out, too. Make sure you pups meet lots of people and other animals.

When she is chewing things, do not chastize her. Simply give her something else to chew on like toys or bones. Distract her.

When you are not home, make sure to crate them for their safety. They actually will come to like being in their crates as a safe place to be.Here is how to crate-train.
http://info.drsophiayin.com/crate-training-handout/

Make sure to never leave them in the crate for too long. They need to go our for regular pee and poos.

Also, make sure you take your pups to the vet for checkups.

And, do neuter and spay your dogs at about 6 months old. There are enough unwanted dogs in shelters being euthanized everyday because people did not spay or neuter.
Aug 26, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Natural variation
by: Tressie

There are individual differences in colouration, length of fur etc. As long as your vet says he is healthy for his age, I wouldn't worry about him shedding his baby fuzz. His fur will likely get bushier as days get shorter in preparation for colder weather.

You will probably find different opinions on bathing dogs, here as anywhere else. If there are no parasites i.e., fleas, etc. and the dog has not rolled in mud, or the remains of some critter, or their scat, I don't see the necessity of bathing a dog. It strips the natural protective oils from their fur. And unless you are showing your dog, where he has to be pristine and perfectly coiffed, daily (yup not a typo - I meant daily) brushing should suffice to keep mats out and brush out loose dirt and hair. A grooming rake and furminator go a long way to keeping their coats in good shape.

Now I know many people do bathe their dogs regularly whether they need it or not. But I think that's a personal preference and is done more for the human guardian's sense of aesthetics and cleanliness, and convenience than for the dog's sake - unless of course fleas are an issue.

And by the way any shampoo will kill fleas, you don't need a special flea shampoo. The detergent in shampoo (or any soap for that matter) dissolves insects' exoskeleton, i.e., their outer shell.

However, if you do opt to bathe him do use a shampoo made for dogs. Their skin and fur have different sensitivities and needs to ours. Human baby shampoo for example, is too harsh for dogs's skin.
Aug 27, 2015
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		normal
by: Anonymous

Relax. The important thing is that your pup is healthy. Our young Pyrenees is 1/4 Bernese. He looks, acts and passes for a pure Pyr but we know he's not quite. When we got him he was this adorable mostly grey fluffy snuggly. He lost the fluffies, his color turned white as snow except for the ears and the tail and curly. Gorgeous!! Now his coat is changing again, longer on the outside, but still shedding wool from the inside part next to the skin. And the grey is slowly returning along his back and along the shoulders. Your dog may or may not do the same. Hair loss from stress would be accompanied by a host of other signs, so don't worry. Give your dogs really big knuckle bones to chew. Good for the teeth, gums, and the need to do something. Make sure they get the appropriate exercise for their age, and good food. Enjoy their wonderful company!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Neuter - Best Age?

    Mar 04, 21 08:21 AM

    I just adopted my Great Pyrenees, Leo, a few days ago. He was kept intact by his last owners and used as a stud. He will be 2 years old in May this year.

    Read More

  2. Shelby

    Mar 01, 21 11:40 AM

    ADOPTED Shelby's family sent the photos along. She is a lovely dog and a great fit for their family. Congratulations! Her story: Shelby, a big white

    Read More

  3. Highway 281

    Mar 01, 21 10:26 AM

    Three weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon we decided to drive to Red Cloud, Ne to mail a couple of letters. We were sad because we had recently lost our beloved

    Read More

  4. Incontinence and humping

    Feb 26, 21 08:32 AM

    Has anyone had issues with their female Maremma puppy at 3 months old after being house trained started wetting herself at four months all of a sudden

    Read More

  5. Howling

    Feb 22, 21 10:57 AM

    Why does my Great Pyrenees howl when my rooster crows?

    Read More

  6. Always loving, always working

    Feb 22, 21 10:30 AM

    Samson was added to our family 15 months ago he’s not only growing in style and grace he’s growing in beauty as well. But, when you first meet Samson

    Read More

  7. Love this story

    Feb 16, 21 03:56 PM

    I have had a Great Pyrenees for the last 34 yrs. Not a “working” dog except in my home. Trust them with my life and I too, would do anything for them.

    Read More

  8. Cold - 6-week old pup outside in room

    Feb 16, 21 01:28 PM

    Its currently 36°F here outside in texas. I have a 6 week old GD pup. He is sleeping in a little room outside so its technically cold too. I go check up

    Read More