Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: HannaM on 04/09/2009 09:26:22

Title: Can dogs grow winter-fur in different seasons?
Post by: HannaM on 04/09/2009 09:26:22

I live in South Africa and have a Labrador who is now loosing her winter fur. If I move to the northern hemisphere how long will it take before she gets her winter fur in the October rather than March?

Title: Re: Can dogs grow winter-fur in different seasons?
Post by: Don_1 on 04/09/2009 10:08:06

The dog's fur, or coat, is constantly in a state of flux, as I'm sure you know from the fur it leaves all over the house all the time. Like us, the hair grows from follicles and will fall out and be replaced with another growth. The coat will change in density according to the ambient temperatures, not at specific times of the year. If you were to move a dog from the south to the north, it's coat will change in density accordingly. It will take a while for the coat to adjust and ensuring the dog has a good supply of vitamins and minerals in its diet would be essential for such a sudden need to re-grow a winter coat.

I would guess that your dog would have adjusted to the new environment in about 3 - 4 weeks, but that really is pure guesswork.