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The GLOSSary

Sit, stay—learn with us!

You're an A+ dog parent.

Dog parenthood is an oftentimes messy, always fulfilling journey. It’s a daily learning process for everyone in the family. The more you learn, the closer the bond! We’ve compiled mini-lesson plans to help you learn more about living your best life with your best friend.

Want bragging points?

Take our super-short pawp quizzes afterwards to test your knowledge of dog grooming, skin, and coat care. (Paw-fect scorers also receive treats!)

Are dogs actually fur babies?

Fact #1

Dog skin is as thin as–and can be thinner than–baby skin.

Peer reviewed by:

Heo, S., Hwang, T., & Lee, H. C. (2018). Ultrasonographic evaluation of skin thickness in small breed dogs with hyperadrenocorticism. Journal of veterinary science, 19(6), 840–845. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2018.19.6.840

Fact #2

The canine epidermis, which is the top layer that protects against environmental aggressors and irritants, is thinner than the human epidermis

Peer reviewed by:

Theerawatanasirikul, S., Suriyaphol, G., Thanawongnuwech, R., & Sailasuta, A. (2012). Histologic morphology and involucrin, filaggrin, and keratin expression in normal canine skin from dogs of different breeds and coat types. Journal Of Veterinary Science, 13(2), 163. https://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.2012.13.2.163

Fact #3

Dog skin cell turnover is faster than human skin cell turnover.

Peer reviewed by:

Hwang K. (2013). Surgical anatomy of the upper eyelid relating to upper blepharoplasty or blepharoptosis surgery. Anatomy & cell biology, 46(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2013.46.2.93

Fact #4

Like babies with adorable fat rolls that develop rashes, dogs with fat rolls, such as Pugs and Basset hounds, can suffer from irritation and infection in the wrinkle folds.

Peer reviewed by:

Hwang K. (2013). Surgical anatomy of the upper eyelid relating to upper blepharoplasty or blepharoptosis surgery. Anatomy & cell biology, 46(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2013.46.2.93

Conclusion

Because dog skin is just as thin, delicate, and sensitive as infant baby skin, they are indeed fur babies–according to science.

What's the difference between fur and hair?

Fact #1

Contrary to popular belief (and some pet grooming marketing claims), hair and fur are interchangeable.

Peer reviewed by:

Whitaker, D. T., & Ostrander, E. A. (2019). Hair of the Dog: Identification of a Cis-Regulatory Module Predicted to Influence Canine Coat Composition. Genes, 10(5), 323. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes10050323

Fact #2

Hair loss is common for both dogs and humans.

Peer reviewed by:

Scarampella, F., & Roccabianca, P. (2018). Alopecia Areata in a Dog: Clinical, Dermoscopic and Histological Features. Skin appendage disorders, 4(2), 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1159/000479781

Fact #3

Dogs, in particular Dachshunds, can also get split ends!

Peer reviewed by:

Vaishnav, L., Parashar, S., Kumar, A., & Sachdeva, M. P. (2021). A study on hair analysis of different Canidae breeds. Forensic Science International: Reports, 3, 100169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2020.100169

Conclusion

Put the "hair" of a single-coated dog and the "fur" of a double-coated dog under a microscope, and you won't find significant structural differences. They are the same thing. Prioritise pet grooming products that benefit the skin and hair follicles for a naturally healthy coat.

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