[thanks4allthefish]

My elderly dog, who is about 15, has started shedding like crazy recently. I usually give her a quick brush-off when she comes in from the yard because she loves to roll on the ground. So, I give her a quick brush to remove the dirt, leaves, grass, etc. Usually, just a small amount of hair comes off, but she has been shedding whole handfuls of hair every time I brush her for the last few weeks. I know dogs shed seasonally, but this does not seem to follow any temperature changes. I am wondering if older dogs shed more as they age? Is this something I need to go to the vet for? Is there anything I can do to help stop this from happening?

[Danielle DeGroot]

This is a great question. Older dogs tend to shed more as they age. This is due to the skin and coat weakening as they age. There are a few other things that can factor in, like allergies or an underlying skin issue. Unfortunately, older dogs can develop underlying health issues and diseases, such as thyroid disease, kidney disease, immune system disorders, cancer, alopecia, and mange, to name a few.

Due to your dog’s age, it might be a good idea to chat with your vet if you are concerned about any sudden changes in shedding. While it may simply be normal aging, it’s best to rule out any other kind of medical cause. Learn more about caring for your senior dog in our guide.

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