Why is my Schnoodle Shedding? Help!

Perhaps the main reason you chose a Schnoodle was their low shedding factor? But now you are faced with a shedding Schnoodle and are feeling a bit upset? Fear not, we are here to examine the possible reasons your Schnoodle may be shedding and offer help to these potential problems. Generally speaking, they shouldn’t shed much so if you are finding more hair than normal then it’s time to look into this a little deeper.

You can expect minimal shedding from Schnoodles so if yours start to shed more there could be an underlying issue. Factors to consider are parasites, diseases such as Cushing’s, pregnancy, skin problems, allergies, and stress. Some conditions will need treatment.

There could be a simple reason your Schnoodle is shedding more than usual but any sudden changes like these need further investigation. Let’s look at why your low shedding dog suddenly isn’t so low shedding.

Do Schnoodles Shed?

Before you worry there may be a potential issue here let’s first look into a Schnoodle’s normal shedding process. A mix of Poodle and Schnauzer, the Schnoodle is considered a low shedding dog so is popular among allergy sufferers.

They are not the type of dog where you will find clumps of hair in the carpet or upholstery. Their fur type is inherited from their parents who are also both low shedding dogs. The curlier the coat the less potential there is for shedding.

There are two occasions in the year when all dogs go through the shedding process routinely. These times tend to be as the temperatures change so during the Spring and again when the temperatures change in the Fall.

However, even during this seasonal shedding you still shouldn’t be overcome with dog hair. You are likely only going to notice this hair loss during their regular groom when it shows up on their brush.

The Reasons for Shedding in Schnoodles?

With what we have learned so far in mind it can then be worrying if your Schnoodle suddenly starts losing their hair. There are a few potential causes for this which we have looked into.

If you have a longer haired Schnoodle then they may potentially shed more than the shorter-haired ones. It’s pretty impossible to tell which coat your pup will develop until they are a little older but looking at parents should give you a rough guide. It’s worth remembering that there are often surprises in dog litters though. Even longer haired Schnoodles shouldn’t drop hair much but more will visibly come out during grooming.

Another reason your Schnoodle may be shedding is down to a skin problem. Sadly, skin problems can be a fairly common occurrence with this breed of dog. They can have sensitive skin which can, in turn, lead to dryness and itchiness. They sometimes get scaly skin known as dry seborrhea. Schnoodles are also prone to oily seborrhea which becomes greasy and itchy. These conditions can all potentially cause dog hair to fall out.

Skin allergies can also cause dogs to lose some of their hair. Allergies can be caused by environmental factors or even their dog food. You can buy allergy-friendly food to help with this which contains vitamins and omega fatty acids that help to combat dry skin. You can also speak to your vet about hypoallergenic dog diets that aim to cut out foods that are known as a cause for skin irritants.

Parasites could be the cause of hair loss so it’s very important to keep up to date with vaccinations and treatments. Conditions such as ringworm can cause your dog to come out in bald patches which can be a worry but is very treatable. Other skin infections or an outbreak of fleas can cause hair loss so a trip to the vet is always recommended if this comes on suddenly.

A more serious and thankfully less common reason for hair to fall out is a tumor. Sometimes when a dog has a tumor their hormones become more erratic which can cause hair to fall out in localized areas. You would most likely see other symptoms here too such as general unwellness, but it is always best to seek professional advice if you are at all worried.

Cushing’s Disease can also cause Schnoodles to lose hair. This disease is caused by too much of the cortisol hormone being produced in the dog’s body. There are usually other symptoms that accompany this illness such as excessive thirst and panting.

Other potential reasons for hair loss can include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Sunburn
  • Stress/Trauma
  • Excess licking
  • Some medications
  • Other allergies such as washing powder or shampoo

How Can I Minimize Shedding in My Schnoodle?

We’ve established that some shedding is normal but not to the point you should find piles of fur around the house. We’ve looked into potential reasons for excess shedding so now let’s focus our attention on keeping on top of the shedding process.

The only way to keep your Schnoodle’s fur in good condition is to regularly groom and clip their fur. Regular brushing is a must for Schnoodles who will have wavy to curly coats. Low shedding dogs need methodical brushing to stop their hair from becoming knotted.

If your Schnoodle is shedding because on one of the reasons we have already discussed then treatment, a different diet or an allergy trigger being avoided should go on to fix the issue.

Final Words

Panic not – you don’t need to suddenly go out and buy the most expensive pet hoover on the market, phew! Save those dollars and instead look into any changes you may have made to your Schnoodles diet or lifestyle.

Anything you’ve changed around the time of increased shedding may well be your culprit. If you are still a little perplexed, then keep a food diary and also have a chat with your vet. Most of the time there will be a simple and easy to treat explanation for increased shedding in your pooch.

Related Question

Do Schnoodles Smell?

Schnoodles can suffer from sensitive skin which can cause oily or scaly skin. If this becomes inflamed or infected, it can emit an unpleasant smell. Keeping on top of any dry skin issues and regular bathing and grooming should eradicate any unwanted doggy smells in your home.