Do pitbulls need moisturizer

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Do Pitbulls Shed? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, Pitbulls do shed. With seasonal changes, they are low to moderate shedders and shed twice a year. People go by the Pitbulls hair that is not visible on their coats. This draws a misconception that they may not shed. Even though it is a general tendency for dogs with double coats to shed more than dogs with single coats, Pitbulls are idiosyncratic in this case.

Pitbulls are not heavy shedders. They are short-haired and you can easily groom them. Therefore, their coats must be brushed once a week to moisturize them and prevent seasonal shedding. On the other hand, while their coat becomes too oily, they may need an occasional bath with a gentle shampoo for their sensitive skin. Additionally, these dogs change their coat color as they age and grow into adulthood. Still, these may also be due to some underlying issues such as:

Change in nutrition

Bad skin health

Medication

Exposure to sunlight

Let us scroll down to know: Why and when Pitbulls shed the most? What are the factors for Pitbulls shedding? and how to stop Pitbulls from shedding?

Pitbull Basic Information

Name: Pitbull Terriers
Height: Up to 21 inches
Weight: Up to 80 pounds
Size: Medium
Coat: Short
Color: Solid black, red, white, brindle, tri-colored, pie-bald, blue, fawn, cinnamon, and buckskin.
Energy: Medium to high
Activities: Companion, sports, agility, conformation, obedience, tracking
Group: Terrier
Barking Level: Medium
Shedding Level: Medium to high
Hypoallergenic: No
Litter Size: 5 to 10 puppies
Life Span: 12 to 16 years

Pitbull An Overview

Pitbull is categorized as a medium-sized dog with a short, glossy coat and sturdy muscle. Pit Bulls have round, almond-shaped eyes, small to medium length half floppy ears, and short, little thick, pointed tails. Their nose is medium-sized, but their nostrils are prominent. The color of the coat ranges from solid black, red, white to brindle, tri-colored, pie-bald, blue, fawn, cinnamon, and buckskin. Some Pitbulls inherit finer and shorter coats. Their squarely built body bears strong and agile forequarters and hindquarters. It gives this dog an overall appearance of a bull, just as the name suggests. Pitbulls are enthusiastic, energetic, loyal, and happy dogs. They carry themselves with confidence and are always ready to please their pet owners. They are good at agility and aggressive towards animals. Hence, tall, sturdy fencing is required to stop them from jumping off the fence. Since they are friendly with strangers, they are unsuitable as guard dogs.

Pitbulls are brilliant, hardworking dogs, so they can perform well in dog agility and sports. They are intolerant of being lonely. Pitbull Terrier requires appropriate obedience training. They should be trained to be calm and mannered when given commands. They should be handled with gentleness, as they get hurt easily when punished or scolded. They bark to alert. They tend to be mouthy, so you should train them not to chew, nip, or bite unnecessarily.

A lazy Pitbull can be a destructive dog. Hence, they require regular walks as a part of their exercise needs. The more they exercise, the better the dog will be. Have Pitbulls on a leash while taking them for a walk.

Five Major Bull breeds with their coats

American Pitbull Terrier A breed that originated in the United States. They have a sturdy coat laid on their body. American Pitbulls come in various colors with a mixture of multicolored coats.

American Staffordshire Terrier The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called AmStaffs, is 17 to 19 inches tall, weighing around 55-70 pounds, belongs to the terrier group. The head is broad, cheekbones well pronounced, and the jaws well defined. The eyes are round, dark, and set wide apart. The movement is agile, springy, and graceful, which signifies the breeds innate confidence.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Staffordshire Bull Terriers are medium-sized breeds at 14-16 inches tall, weighing around 24 to 38 pounds. They belong to the terrier group and are energetic, muscular, and rock solid. The head is broad and shot, with pronounced cheeks. The coat is short, tightly fitted, and comes in several colors.

Miniature Bull Terrier This breed is a tiny version of the Bull Terrier at 10 to 14 inches, weighing around 18-28 pounds, and belongs to the terrier group. The body is muscular, square, and strong. The head is large egg-shaped, and the eyes are dark, triangular, filled with mischief. The coat is pure white or white with predominant color markings. It is also called the Clown Prince of Dogdom.

American Bully This kind of Pitbull breed has the typical short and stiff coat but is softer than other breeds. They stand apart from other bully dogs in terms of their size.

Do Pitbulls Shed A Lot?

Pitbulls shed a little year-round and shed more during the shedding season. During winters, they grow a winter coat, while they lose their winter coat during spring. Therefore the pet owners can expect heavy shedding during these times of the year. Many pet parents may wonder if one color would cause more shedding than others. However, all Pitbulls shed.

Similarly, some hues would be more evident than others. In terms of grooming, they have to do with low requirements. It would help if you brushed them every couple of weeks.

How Much Do Pitbulls Shed?

Shedding is a typical phase in which canines get rid of their damaged and old hair. Shedding can vary from dog to dog with some factors like genes. Pitbulls have short, single, coarse coats and shed less. Generally, Pitbulls are not heavy shedders, although these breeds have shedding cycles. Their shedding helps to stop irritation and infections of skins and sores.

When Do Pitbulls Shed the most?

Pitbulls shed twice in 12 months. They shed invariably and shed year-round. They do not have the blown-coat event since they are single coated, implying they do not have an undercoat to shed, and so it is the same amount of fur shedding throughout the year. If your Pits are shedding excessively, check other factors of their shedding.

Why Do Pitbulls Shed?

Several factors influence the shedding. Some are natural, while others can be rectified with proper care and attention. A few factors are listed below:

Anxiety and Stress

Pitbulls release epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, when they are stressed. This can cause their coat to shed. You may notice your dog 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 dont get 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. This can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal irritation.

Poor Nutrition

One of the vital factors that cause shedding in Pitbulls is improper nutrition. If your dog is not getting the essential nutrients from his food, it can result in excessive hair loss. Dehydration also plays a significant role in losing excessive amounts of hair. Proteins and fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 are vital in developing your Pitbulls coat health. Protein also plays a significant role in Pitbulls health. Therefore it is essential to feed your dog high-quality dog food. You can add jicama, plantains, edamame, and basil to your dogs diet and give him the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Changes in Routine

Some changes like new saplings, grass, a new home, a new odor, or unkept bedding can also cause them to shed due to the insects or mites found in these areas.

Medical Conditions

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

1. Food

If you have changed your Pitbulls 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, potatoes, and grains. Some may also develop allergies to some proteins. Also, there can be other allergies like pollen or new plants. Your Pitbulls coat health is also related to their gut health. If your canines are infected by parasites, they may suffer from sudden and excessive hair loss. This can cause an irritable bowel if they have eaten any unclean food. It is recommended to feed your Pitbulls once or twice a day. Some signs of food allergies are digestive issues, lethargy, abdominal cramping, and bloating.

2. Skin

Skin allergies, skin dryness due to overbathing, or rashes can also cause excessive hair loss and shedding. In addition, they bear sensitive skin and are prone to rash, hives, leading to some skin ailments like hematoma, atopic dermatitis, and parasitic mites in dogs hair follicles and oil glands, causing demodicosis. They are also prone to skin cancer and sunburn.

3. Insect

Ticks, parasites, and fleas can also cause hair loss in Pitbulls. If some bugs catch your puppy, it will also lead to constant itching and scratching, resulting in skin infection, irritation of pores, rashes, bleeding, sores, excessive hair loss, and patches. Even bacteria and dirt that sit on your dogs coat can cause hair loss. It may affect the skin resulting in hot spots or patches. Other symptoms of allergies are as follows:

Red or watery eyes
Sneezing
Redness of ears and skin

4. Some Cosmetic Products

Some cosmetic products can also cause allergies in Pitbulls since their skin is sensitive. For example, some shampoos may not suit your Pits, leading them to shed more.

How to Stop Pitbulls from Shedding?

Here are some tips that would help keep your Pitbulls from shedding:

Inspect the recent changes and try to get back to the old routine to check if the shedding has reduced.
Eliminate an ingredient from your dogs diet to see if the shedding goes away.
Remove new saplings from your dogs 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 dog to get rid of the dirt they bring after a walk.
Bathe your Pitbull with an organic lotion two months once and maintain the routine since more or fewer intervals can cause harm to your dogs coat.
You can also try applying coconut oil to alleviate your Pitbulls skin.
It is essential to brush Pitbulls coat regularly to get rid of his shedding. They need to be brushed with a slicker, pin, or bristle brush at least once a week. This eliminates the dead and loose hair from the coat. Brushing also distributes a dogs natural oil making it strong, shiny, and healthy.
Proper Diet and Nutrition are vital in maintaining your Pitbulls 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 coats health, the pet parents should look for dog foods rich in protein and fats like fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, and omega 6 fatty acids.
Reducing stress and anxiety can help your dog from not licking often. Consult your veterinarian to reduce anxiety in your Pitbulls. Please spend some time with your pets by playing tug-of-war, fetching balls, and keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.
Consult a veterinarian for a complete blood work that diagnoses hypothyroidism, which can also cause shedding.

What Equipment is Needed to Groom Your Pitbulls Coat?

Dog Grooming Gloves

Dog Grooming Gloves

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HEPA Filter Vacuum

HEPA Filter Vacuum

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Dog Shampoo

Dog Slicker Brush

Dog Slicker Brush

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Detangling Brush

Detangling Brush

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Deshedding Brush

Deshedding Brush

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference Between Fur Loss and Shedding?

Shedding	Fur Loss
It occurs when the dog has lost dead or damaged hair giving way to a new and healthy coat to grow.	Fur loss is otherwise known as Alopecia.
Shedding depends on some health conditions as well, like pregnancy.Shedding can be due to seasonal changes.They shed even after they have been spayed or neutered.	Fur loss depends on the coat color of your dog. It can be due to skin conditions and could be a genetic factor.Fur loss can be due to allergies or infestations with parasites, Cushings disease, pressure, and sores.

Is Pitbull Hypoallergenic?

Pitbulls are not hypoallergenic; however, they are not the worst breed for allergic people. Generally, Pitbulls shed less compared to other dogs. They may have dander on their fur and stick to their owners, causing allergic reactions. Other than dander, some pet owners may be allergic to dog saliva that Pitbulls come with. Your Pits saliva can get stuck to household furniture, and if it is not cleaned, it will become airborne after getting dried up. The sweat and urine of Pitbulls can also result in allergic reactions. Thus, your bed and places in your houses can breed harmful allergens.

Do Pitbull Terriers Shed A Lot?

Pitbulls descend from Bulldog and Terrier parents. Ideally, the four Pit types are American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American BullDogs, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They all have the exact shedding schedules and are single-coated. Thus Pitbulls are not heavy shedders.

Do Pitbulls Shed More than Rottweilers?

Pitbulls shed less hair than Rottweilers, even when they have short coats. However, since Rotties have denser fur than Pits, they shed more. Therefore, Rottweilers require more effort for grooming than Pitbulls.

Do Spay or Neutered Pitbulls Shed Less?

Both male and female Pitbulls frequently shed after being spayed or neutered. Some may shed less in rare cases. If you notice prolonged shedding after this procedure, you may better consult your vet and get examined as there could be some health issues causing shedding.

Does Adult Pitbull shed less than Pitbull Puppies?

Usually, older dogs shed more when compared to puppies. They will shed their puppy coats around four to seven months of age. It might take longer for Pitbulls since they bear single coats. As your puppies grow, they naturally will shed more.

Final Thoughts

Summing up all the points, you must have got a clear picture of the know-hows of Pitbulls shedding. However, if you still face any issues after trying out the shedding solutions, it is always better to consult your pets veterinarian and get them treated.