Moulting is mostly triggered by the duration of daylight and the surrounding temperature. But some cats and dogs moult the whole year round, especially castrated pets.

Moulting comprises of the shedding of hair and new growth. The whole cycle can take up to six or seven weeks. Dogs and cats tend to moult more intensively in spring than in the autumn because their winter fur is much more dense. In addition, moulting usually takes place faster in young animals than in older pets.

In order to ease this phase for your pet, it is good to brush and comb the coat thoroughly and daily – the undercoat especially should be removed with special combs. Brushing out knotted and matted hair removes dead and lose hairs. Brushing also massages the skin and improves blood circulation. And it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce protective oil.

Some dogs do not moult at all: Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers are among those races that hardly shed hair. Their hair grows continuously and should be regularly trimmed or shorn.

Moulting can be supported by feeding your pet with essential nutrients. Besides zinc and vitamins A and B, unsaturated fatty acids are essential for healthy fur metabolism. Unsaturated fatty acids are found, for example, in borage, fish and evening primrose oil. All these nutrients can be purchased as food supplements in the form of special tablets or oil blends. It is especially important to provide a balanced diet rich in these ingredients during this 'hairy' period.