The years also take a toll on our furry friends, so it’s not surprising that from the age of 7 or 8, we start to see some white hairs on them. But gray hairs can also appear for other reasons, discover them!
Many times, when we see gray hairs on our furry friends, we tend to automatically think it’s something associated with age, but it’s not always the case! Hair color is due to melanin, which is also present in humans. When there is a decrease in the production of this compound, tadaaaa! The first gray hairs appear, reflected in their wonderful coat.
And yes, it’s true that with age, usually starting from seven years in large dogs and nine in small dogs, our furry friends' coat can start to turn white. But sometimes they appear earlier than expected, and it’s no big deal! Today we discuss some reasons that can justify the appearance of these gray hairs and that you may not know.
Age and genetics of your furry friend
It’s completely normal that, with the years, your dog starts to experience certain visible changes. Along with the gray hairs, they will become less agile, find it harder to concentrate, and have difficulties learning new things... in short, things of age! It’s also known that, genetically, dogs with dark or black fur tend to have a greater tendency to develop gray hairs.
Stress
When a relatively young dog starts to develop gray hairs, it’s possible that it’s due to a problem of stress, fear, or anxiety. Adrenaline can affect the genes that control hair pigments. Loneliness, the loss of a loved one, the arrival of a new pet or a baby… these are things that can also cause nervousness and anxiety in your furry friend.
Poor nutrition
A diet lacking in essential vitamins can also cause your dog to age earlier than expected. And don’t forget water! High levels of chlorine or fluoride can lighten the color and shine of their fur. Especially when we fill the bowl directly with tap water, which has significant differences from bottled water.
Health problems
Sometimes gray hairs can hide a bigger health problem. If you notice abnormal behaviors such as loss of appetite, apathy, extreme sadness, hair loss... don’t hesitate to contact your trusted veterinarian. Visit your specialist to rule out any more serious issues!
Although it may seem crazy, there are some dyes on the market specifically designed to change the color of your pet's fur. At Ownat, we do not recommend using these products at all; the appearance of gray hairs is natural and our furry friends don’t see it as something negative! A change in their coat can alter their smell and harm their original skin and fur. So our advice is to love their gray hairs as much as you love them, and besides, they probably have a very intellectual look, in the style of George Clooney or Helen Mirren.
