Aging is the main cause of gray hair coming out of our dog. Like humans, age causes changes in their health and physical appearance; therefore, it is common to see pets with seven or eight years of gray hair. Canine fur tends to weaken and white or gray hairs appear, first in the area around the snout, mouth and eyes, and then in other areas of the body.
It is a clear symptom that the passage of time does not forgive an animal either. Obviously, those with a darker coat are more noticeable, because the white hairs contrast with the dark tone of the rest of the body.
But there are animals in which white hairs arise for other reasons. They are young dogs, some only one or two years old, in which these gray hairs can be a symptom of physical or emotional problems, although they can also be related to their diet.
Besides age, what can cause the appearance of gray hair on my dog?
If your pet is not older, it is possible that the gray hair is due to another cause. One of the most marked is the presence of chlorine in the water. If the water we give to our dog contains chlorine, this element can lighten its fur and cause the appearance of white hairs.
Stress can also produce gray hair. Like humans, if the animal is very nervous and is subjected to levels of stress or anxiety, it may present symptoms of premature aging, such as gray hair. They are very restless dogs, that spend a lot of time alone, that can show reluctance, sadness or anxiety for separation, and to which the stress of their own owners also affects them.
In this way, if our canid has begun to show gray or white hairs despite its young age, and is a very nervous animal, who spends time alone at home while we work, it is recommended that we go to the vet to examine if behind the Whitening your coat there is some emotional disorder, such as anxiety. This professional will recommend the best way to treat this problem that can complicate the animal's health.
Finally, other times, behind the gray hair hides a major health problem. Therefore, if our pet is young, it is also important that we observe how their behavior is and contact the veterinarian if we notice something abnormal, such as lack of appetite, hair loss, apathy or sadness. Sometimes, after apathy and sadness there is not only anxiety but also other more serious health problems. That's why we should go to the specialist.