QuestionHi! We recently had our 8 month old Akita neutered. He is doing fine and back to his normal personality. It only took him a day and a half to feeling fine or at least acting fine. My concern is that about 1 week after the surgery, I noticed tufts of fur laying around the floor. I can also pull out tufts of fur without him caring. I started brushing him more frequently and I get 5+ full brush fulls of fur from him. I could get more, but he really doesn't like me brushing him. He never shed like this. I'm getting concerned. Is this a side effect from the surgery or is he just losing his puppy fur and getting his adult fur. He doesn't have any bear spots at this point. What are your suggestions?
I appreciate your help.
AnswerHi Irene,
Firstly, well done for being a responsible owner and having your dog neutered!
Secondly, I really would not worry. It definitely sounds like he's shedding his undercoat.
As long as the tufts of hair are not leaving bare patches, he is not excessively itchy, you cannot find lots of dandruff or white flakes in the tufts of fur you pull out, it sounds completely normal to me. Akitas shed at least twice a year.
It mainly sounds completely coincidental that it happened not long after his surgery.
5+ full brushes of fur is nothing. Just wait until he's a bit older. You could cover the kitchen floor with the amount of fur you pull/brush out!
Do not worry too much, Irene. I assume he's eating healthily, looking healthy and acting completely normal, so I see no problem here at all.
There is no harm in calling the vet to inquire! I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help - no consultation required.
If you have any follow-up questions, please go right ahead.
Kindest regards and best of wishes!
