Why My Coat Is Falling Out I'm Not Shedding. I'm Redistributing Fur. By Kero, Professional Fur Producer and Victim of Seasonal Misunderstandings

Twice a year, humans lose their minds.

Not because of taxes.

Not because of politics.

Not because of whatever is happening on Facebook this week.

No.

They panic because I leave fur everywhere.

Suddenly Mom is pulling tufts of hair from my coat.

The vacuum is working overtime.

The furniture changes color.

And everyone starts asking:

"Kero, why is your coat falling out?"

First of all, rude.

Second, my coat is not falling out.

I am simply redistributing it throughout the house.

You're welcome.

The Great Fur Migration

Every spring and fall, many dogs go through seasonal coat changes.

Especially those of us blessed with glorious double coats.

A Shiba Inu's coat is a masterpiece.

A work of art.

A finely engineered weather-management system.

Unfortunately, that means we occasionally need to replace parts of it.

When temperatures change, our bodies get the memo.

The old coat starts loosening.

The new coat starts coming in.

And before you know it, there's enough fur floating around to build a second dog.

Possibly a third.

Why Humans React So Dramatically

The amount of fur I shed remains remarkably consistent.

The amount of fur humans complain about is infinite.

You knew I was a Shiba.

This was discussed.

There were photographs.

You saw the fluff.

Yet every spring Mom acts like she's discovering fur for the first time.

I fail to see how this is my problem.

When Shedding Is Normal

Seasonal shedding often includes:

🐾 Fur coming out in clumps

🐾 Increased brushing needs

🐾 A thinner coat while new fur grows in

🐾 Enough hair to create small decorative tumbleweeds

This is generally normal.

Annoying perhaps.

But normal.

Mostly for you.

I personally find it hilarious.

When It Might Be More Than Shedding

Now before everyone starts blaming every hair they find on seasonal coat changes, let's be reasonable.

Excessive hair loss, bald patches, inflamed skin, excessive itching, or changes in coat quality may indicate something else is happening.

Allergies.

Parasites.

Nutritional deficiencies.

Skin irritation.

Or one of the seventeen thousand things dogs manage to get into.

If something seems unusual, it's worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Because "Kero shed a lot once" is not an approved diagnostic method.

Supporting A Healthy Coat

While seasonal shedding is normal, there are ways to support healthy skin and coat condition.

Mom is constantly talking about these things.

Honestly, it's exhausting being this well cared for.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

One of the most important nutrients for skin and coat health.

Omega-3s help support healthy skin, normal inflammatory responses, and a shiny coat.

In other words, they help me maintain my magnificent appearance.

Which should be everyone's priority.

Quality Nutrition

You can't build a healthy coat from poor nutrition.

Hair is made from nutrients.

Which means what goes into the dog eventually shows up on the outside.

Another reason not to live entirely on discarded French fries.

Trust me.

I've asked.

Herbal Skin Support

Several herbs are traditionally used to support healthy skin and coat function.

🌿 Nettle

Traditionally used to support overall wellness and seasonal health.

🌿 Burdock Root

Often used as part of herbal skin-support formulas.

🌿 Calendula

Well known for supporting healthy skin.

🌿 Chamomile

Traditionally used to support skin comfort and overall wellness.

No herb will stop seasonal shedding.

If one could, every Shiba owner in the world would already own a warehouse full of it.

But supporting healthy skin can help ensure new coat growth comes in looking its best.

The Brushing Conspiracy

I'd also like to address brushing.

Humans claim brushing helps remove loose fur.

This is true.

However, I remain suspicious.

Because every brushing session somehow results in a small mountain of hair appearing beside me.

I don't know where it all comes from.

And frankly, I don't want to know.

Kero's Final Wisdom

If your dog is blowing their coat this spring or fall, don't panic.

Many dogs naturally shed their seasonal coats.

Brush regularly.

Feed quality nutrition.

Support healthy skin and coat function.

And accept the fact that fur is now part of your decorating style.

Resistance is futile.

Now if you'll excuse me, Mom has produced the grooming brush.

Again.

I fear she may be planning another intervention.

Kero
Professional Shedder, Creator of Decorative Fur Tumbleweeds, and Owner of One Very Magnificent Coat 🐾