|
|
HairHair is made of the protein keratin and dead epidermal or skin cells and it grows from follicles in the dermis or inner layer of the skin. Some hair is densely packed, depending on species and location on the body may become horns, fingernails or toenails. Each follicle has an sebaceous (Oil) gland to keep skin and hair smooth and elastic. The Westie like most dogs has three types of hair, soft downy undercoat, stiffer and often longer guard hairs that form a protective layer to protect undercoat and skin from harsh weather and whiskers that grow in clumps on the face. The dogs hair grow in cycles, when it reaches a certain length it stops growing and dies, this is when shedding starts. During the shedding period your Westie might get very itchy, so its important to brush the coat to remove this hair. While some people say that shedding is linked to seasonal temperatures and others quote photoperiods or day length, there is a variation with dogs living outside who may shed heavy during spring, while your Westie lives in your home and sheds a little all year, the loss of any winter under coat does help stay cooler in hot weather. Female dogs often drop their coats after a heat cycle. >> More |
|
Furry Friend
Hair Saliva
Contact Allergy Food Allergy
Trauma Injury Excessive Moisture
Sebum Production |
|