Vizsla is one of the most popular breeds in North America. They are brilliant and easy to train, making them an excellent choice for families who want a hunting companion or family pet. Although Vizsla is a beautiful dog with a great personality, they do come with some challenges. The Vizsla coat and hair can be prone to issues. But, what are they?
The most common coat and hair issues of Vizsla are shedding and itching. These are widespread problems with Vizsla because of their thick double coat designed to protect the dog from weather conditions like rain, snow, etc. Also, the Vizsla coat and hair are prone to tangles.
What are some of the signs that there could be something wrong with your dog? If you notice any unusual bumps on your dog’s skin or other changes in their behavior like excessive scratching, chewing, biting, or licking, then it might be time for a vet visit.
In this post, we will talk about the typical Vizsla coat and hair issues, their causes, how to prevent them in future dogs. Do we also have a section dedicated to determining why your dog is shedding so much?
Vizsla Coat And Hair Issues
Anyone who is a pet owner knows that when it comes time to groom your furry friend, they may not always be the most cooperative. You may have scissors in your hand for trimming, but the amount of hair falling from your Vizsla while you comb it surprised you. Usually, this can happen with many different breeds of dogs. But some species with longer and thicker hairs seem more prone to this issue than others.
For those who are unfamiliar with Vizslas, they are one of the most popular breeds in America. They are originally Hungarian hunting dogs. And many people consider them successful hunters due to their intelligence, trainability, courage, and strength. But the constant running and exposure to the harsh environments have a deteriorating impact on their coat and hair, resulting in skin problems and issues.
What Are The Common Vizsla Coat And Hair Issues?
A lot of times, this has to do with the type of coat your Vizsla has. The thick skin common on Vizslas makes it difficult for them to cool off as quickly as other dogs during hot summers or warm winters. As a result, their glands produce more sebum, natural oil that coats a dog’s hair and skin for protection.
It can lead to all sorts of issues, but the most common is excessive shedding or even matting in some cases. So if you notice your Vizsla shedding more than usual, it may be time to take them to a professional salon for grooming rather than doing it yourself.
Shedding
It is a natural process necessary for dogs to regulate their body temperature and get rid of damaged hair. So if you notice your Vizsla shedding more than usual, it may be due to stress or seasonal changes in the environment- including extreme heat or cold as well as allergies.
Matting
This coat issue is due to the natural oils that can build up in your Vizsla’s fur. Usually, matting makes it difficult for them to cool off and may lead to other issues as well- including excessive shedding or even skin problems like dermatitis.
Tangles
Tangles are a common issue in Vizslas and other breeds where the fur is challenging to dry thoroughly. Depending on their severity, it can lead to mats, which may or may not be easy to brush out.
Sebum Production
In some cases, Vizslas produce more sebum- which is a natural oil that protects their coat. However, it can lead to excessive shedding or even matting in the most severe cases.
Skin Infections
If your Vizsla is scratching a lot, it may be due to irritation in their skin by matted fur. Unfortunately, it can lead to bacterial or fungal infections that are very unpleasant for dogs- even fatal in the worst cases.
Bald Patches
If your Vizsla is shedding excessively or has bald patches, it may be time to take them in for a vet visit. Of course, this could be due to hair loss from other conditions such as ringworm, fleas, ticks, and even allergies- but you should consult with the professionals at the clinic before jumping to conclusions.
How To Know If There Is Something Wrong With Vizsla Coat And Hair?
It’s effortless to tell when something is wrong with your dog’s coat and hair by simply looking for signs that it may be out of balance. For example, if you notice any bald patches on the top or back of your Vizsla’s head, this could be an indication that they need to have their coat brushed out.
Some signs that indicate your Vizsla has hair or coat issues are:
- Excessive shedding
- Matting in the fur
- Skin irritation due to allergies
- Excessive scratching or biting of the fur in some cases.
- Lumps and bumps on the skin surface
- Scratching excessively or rubbing against furniture, windowsills, and other surfaces to relieve itches.
What Causes The Vizslas Coat And Hair Issues?
For you to know how to prevent these issues in the future, it’s essential to consider why they may happen in the first place. It is generally due to some imbalance in the skin- hair follicles, sebum production, etc.
Improper Grooming
One of the most common causes is that the grooming that you provide to your is not adequate. It may also be due to the lack of grooming for a long time. However, this could be due to you not getting through their thick fur or just neglecting it for other reasons.
Seasonal Changes
When seasons change, so does our dog’s hair and coat. For example, in the summer, when it is hot outside and your Vizsla’s coat becomes saturated with natural oils- this can lead to excessive shedding and skin issues such as dermatitis.
Stress
While some breeds are more prone than others to stress, all dogs experience it at one point or another. So if you notice your Vizsla shedding more than usual, it may be because of stress.
Allergies
Some breeds of dogs can develop allergies that lead to matting and excessive shedding- including skin issues like dermatitis, which is no fun for anyone.
Preventing The Coat And Hair Issues
There are many ways to prevent coat and hair issues in Vizsla beforehand. I will list out some of the preventive measures below for you to try:
Proper Grooming
The best way to prevent these coat and hair issues is by grooming your Vizsla regularly. It includes brushing your Vizsla’s coat at least twice per week- but it’s okay if you can’t do this every day, as long as you’re getting through their fur in some capacity.
Vizslas with chronic coat or hair issues need regular grooming and brushing- even if they are not shedding excessively. It will keep the coat in balance as well as prevent any excess sebum from building up.
Dietary Changes
Addressing any dietary changes that may be affecting your Vizsla’s coat can go a long way. For example, if you recently switched them to dry food- this could cause excessive shedding because of the lack of oil in their diet.
Shampooing And Conditioner
Another thing that you need to consider is shampoo and conditioner for all types of coats. It will help to keep your Vizsla’s coat in balance and promote healthy skin.
Seasonal Changes
If you notice that there seems to be a pattern with seasons, consider what might be causing it- such as the heat or humidity changing their natural oil production levels or seasonal allergies developing. Then take preventative measures for when those times of year come around again.
Spend Time With Vizsla
The best way to help your Vizsla with stress is by taking time out of the day just for them. It can include going on walks, playing games, or giving them a special treat- you should always try and get in some quality bonding time with your dog so that they feel loved and not stressed.
How To Treat Coat And Hair Issues In Vizsla?
There are many ways to treat coat and hair issues in Vizsla. Here are some of them:
Visit A Groomer
If you notice your Vizsla’s shedding is just excessive, it may be time for a groomer or vet visit- whichever is more appropriate for the situation. It will help determine whether any medical issue is at play rather than neglect.
Visit Your Vet
If you notice that your Vizsla is just shedding a lot and doesn’t seem to have any other symptoms, it may be time for an appointment with the vet- who will also determine whether or not they need grooming as well. Coat and hair issues in Vizslas are an indication of health problems. So, it is best to consult with the vet immediately when you notice such an issue.
Try Bathing Them
Some owners have found that bathing their Vizsla and leaving it wet for an hour or two seems to help with the shedding.
Use A Furminator Tool
A furminator tool is excellent for brushing out all of the excess hair for some breeds without damaging the coat. It also helps remove loose hairs more effectively- so it could help with the shedding.
Why Is My Vizsla Shedding So Much?
There could be various reasons for the excessive shedding- but most commonly, it’s either due to seasonal changes or an underlying medical problem.
There are a few reasons why your Vizsla might be shedding more than usual. Here they are:
Your Dog Is Allergic To Something In Their Environment
If you notice that there seems to be a pattern with seasons, consider what might be causing it- such as the heat or humidity changing their natural oil production levels or seasonal allergies developing. Then take preventative measures for when those times of year come around again.
Your Dog Is Going Through A Growth Spurt
If you notice your Vizsla is shedding more often than usual, it could be because they are going through a growth spurt- which will cause them to shed much more regularly. One thing that can help with this is by keeping them well-fed and hydrated.
Your Dog Is In Stress
The best way to help your Vizsla with stress is by taking time out of the day just for them. Usually, this can include going on walks, playing games, or giving them a special treat. In addition, you should always try and get in some quality bonding time with your dog so that they feel loved and not stressed.
Your Dog Is Going Through A Major Change In Their Life
If you notice one day, your Vizsla starts to shed more than usual. It could be because of a significant change in their life, such as moving homes or having a new baby join the family later on down the line.
Your Dog Is In Pain Or Sick
If you notice your Vizsla is shedding a lot and doesn’t seem to be well, it’s time for an appointment with the vet- who will determine whether or not they need grooming as well. For some breeds of dogs (including vizslas), excessive matting or shedding could indicate a medical problem. So as an owner, you must address it with the vet’s help as soon as possible.
If you notice that your Vizsla seems not to have any other symptoms aside from being excessively shedding, take them in for a vet appointment as soon as possible. So they can determine whether there is an underlying medical problem or not.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vizslas do not need much care. But if there is something wrong with coat and hair, you need to know. Here are some tips for treating Vizsla’s coat issues: regularly brushing your Vizsla; dietary changes; shampooing and conditioner; seasonal changes; spending time with them, taking them to the vet. We hope our article helps you understand more about typical vizsla coat and hair issues.
