You have noticed that your Shikoku loses a lot of hair. In the same way, you are worried about your Shikoku, you keep picking up Shikoku hairs, brushing your clothes, shaking the carpets… Let’s see below why your Shikoku loses its hair and how to reduce this problem.

Your Shikoku is losing its hair – Why?

Your Shikoku loses its hair – Shedding periods

Shedding process for Shikoku is characterized by a greater loss of hair during 2 periods (spring and autumn). So there’s no need to worry if your Shikoku loses its hair in early spring and autumn. It is a natural phenomenon that allows the Shikoku to coat itself with a coat that is more adapted to the upcoming season.

But as the life of the Shikoku has changed from the time they stayed outdoors all day, the shedding system has also changed. Indeed, the fact that the Shikoku stays all day in a heated dwelling all year round disrupts the natural phenomenon of shedding. This way, your Shikoku may lose its hair permanently. This is called false shedding.

Your Shikoku loses too much hair – Pathologies

If you notice a sudden loss of hair in large quantities, if your Shikoku is often itchy and you have identified that it is not a moult, it could be a medical problem.

Indeed, parasitic diseases (scabies, fleas…) cause inflammation and “pruritus” (Shikoku which itches) and can lead to hair loss. Your Shikoku may also have an internal parasite, fungal, bacterial infection or any other pathology.

In this case, I advise you to quickly show your Shikoku to his veterinarian.

Your Shikoku loses its hair – What to do?

Control hair loss with regular brushing

By brushing your Shikoku regularly, you can help remove dead hair before they fall out. This way, your interior will be better preserved and your Shikoku will have a more beautiful coat. In addition, it is the way to check if your Shikoku does not have fleas, ticks or lesions.

The most powerful brush on the market is the Furminator.

The FURMINATOR brush for Shikoku

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Of all the brushes on the market, it is the most effective tool for removing dead hairs and undercoats from your Shikoku. This brush removes bristles without breaking them and without hurting your Shikoku. In the FURMINATOR range, I have selected in particular the Shedding Anti-Moulting Tool.

Users’ opinions

Super-efficient, top, spectacular, stunning, extra… adjectives and superlatives are very numerous in the comments of the users of this brush.

The majority of opinions confirm that it is a very efficient brush. Very good marks for the quality of the product, its robustness and efficiency. One person testified that her effectiveness is spectacular and that it is the only brush she has tried that does her job as well.

Reduce hair loss by adopting a healthy diet

Diet can affect the health as well as the coat quality of your Shikoku. For your Shikoku to have a remarkable coat, its diet must be of good quality, rich in good fatty acids and vitamins. So be careful about the quality of the food you give him (see our article on what are the best croquettes for Shikoku?).

In addition, there are several ways to supplement your Shikoku’s diet to limit hair loss. Vitamins, fatty acids, omega 3 can be added to your Shikoku’s regular diet. Some add salmon or rapeseed oil, others give special food supplements for a healthy coat.

Reduce hair loss with brewer’s yeast

Brewers Yeast Dog Chewables

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It is the most effective food supplement (widely known and used in Europe). This product is a stimulant for hair growth and quality because it promotes the synthesis of keratin (hair protein) and slows down sebum production (reducing hair fat). Brewer’s yeast makes the coat shine and reduces hair loss.

Prevent hair loss by providing good hygiene

If it is recommended to clean your Shikoku to ensure good hygiene, too frequent baths could have negative consequences on hair loss.

A recommendation: Do not bathe your Shikoku more than once a month. The skin of your Shikoku could be weakened.

As we have studied in our article What is the best shampoo for a Shikoku, there are specially designed specific shampoos to fight against hair loss.

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo

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FURMINATOR shampoo is recommended by veterinarians and dog groomers for its high quality.

Hypoallergenic, it is designed to reduce hair loss. It is recommended to use it in addition to the FURMINATOR brush. Its composition is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins and proteins, which contributes to the good health of the Shikokus’ skin but above all to the reduction of hair loss. It is a good product with a very unbeatable price for premium quality.

Users’ opinions

Very good comments saying that this shampoo is a quality product. Many people testify that after applying the Shikokus to the coat, they noticed more softness in the coat and shinier hair…

A minor drawback: users don’t like the coconut smell.