collies

Question
Hi Mary Lou,

I have a beautiful collie/golden retriever mix who will be one the end of June.  I live in Michigan.  She has a beautiful black coat with some underfur that is "goldenish".  She is beginning to lose lots of fur in her hind quarters (the fluffy stuff from the back of her thighs and around her rear).  I have heard of collies "blowing their coat".  Is this what is happening.  I have only owned a purebred golden retriever in the past and have never experienced this quantity of hair loss.  There does not appear to be any fleas or discomfort in any way --just loads of fur coming out.  No bald spots as of yet :-)  Praise the Lord.  Any information about this would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!  Blessings, Cherie

Answer
Hi Cherie,
If your dog has the Collie's coat texture then indeed what is happening is "blowing coat".  The undercoat comes out all at once in clumps and layers. The good news is that once this happens (at least in a purebred) it doesn't continually shed because it's all gone.  The easy way to deal with this is to start by giving your dog a bath in very warm water on the edge of hot (but not hot enough to burn your dog). The warm water loosens the hair. If you can manage a warm water spray you are even further ahead as that "strips" the undercoat out.  Then cool air blow dry your dog to help loosen any matting that has occured.  Lastly sit down and spend a little quality bonding time brushing your dog using a rake brush (not bristles, but "teeth") as that will get down to the undercoat and rake the hair out.  I enjoy sitting down with a paper bag and seeing if I can fill it up - do you ever make pillows...?

Your dog should never have bald spots with shedding. If that ever happens take your dog to the vet to be treated for allergies or mange mites.  some commercial foods can cause allergic reactions that cause abnormal hair loss, hot spots and itching. Be assured though that what your dog is doing is normal.  Not all my purebreds shed in the same fashion either.  I have one who is looking really ratty right now and another whose undercoat is coming out in tiny tufts. One of my dogs I can almost get started with a rake brush and nearly peel it off in one big layer.  Good luck, and if you need any more suggestions just let me know.