Many dog owners have noticed their furry friends start to show grey hairs as they get older. Just like humans, greying hair is a natural part of the aging process for dogs. However, some dogs seem to go grey earlier or more quickly than expected. This has led to the question of whether stress and anxiety can cause dogs to prematurely grey.
What causes dogs to go grey?
Greying hair in dogs is caused by a loss of pigment in the hair follicles. The pigment that gives hair its color is called melanin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes, which are specialized cells in the hair follicle. As a dog ages, the melanocytes become less active, producing less melanin. With less melanin, the hair becomes grey, white, or transparent.
Genetics plays a major role in greying. Some breeds, like poodles and schnauzers, tend to grey early, while others retain their color longer. Nutrition, environment, and overall health also impact greying.
Melanin loss
Melanin does not suddenly stop being produced, but is lost gradually over time. Initially, only some hairs lose pigment, giving a salt-and-pepper appearance. Eventually most of the hairs become depigmented. The process of melanin loss usually starts around the muzzle and eyes.
Rate of greying
The rate of greying varies between breeds. Small breeds tend to grey earlier, starting around 6-8 years old. Large and giant breeds grey later, around 8-10 years old. Gender and spay/neuter status also influence greying. Intact females tend to grey slower than neutered females and males.
Can stress and anxiety accelerate greying?
There is some evidence that stress may contribute to premature greying in dogs. However, the link is not fully proven.
Scientific research
A few studies have found correlations between anxiety, impulsivity, and premature greying in dogs:
- A 2016 study of 400 dogs found fearful and anxious dogs greying earlier than non-fearful dogs. Greying occurred 1-2 years earlier in fearful dogs.
- A Hungarian study in 2020 analyzed hair pigment loss in 40 dogs. More nervous and impulsive dogs showed significantly more depigmentation.
- Research in mice showed stress hormones can deplete melanocyte stem cells, interfering with melanin production.
While these studies show a connection, they do not prove stress and greying are directly causally linked. More research is needed.
Possible mechanisms
There are a few possible ways stress could induce greying:
- Oxidative stress – Chronic stress causes more oxidative damage from free radicals. This can damage melanocytes.
- Inflammation – Stress elevates inflammation. Inflammation can deplete antioxidant defenses, allowing oxidative damage to melanocytes.
- Accelerated aging – Stress can accelerate cellular aging. Since melanin loss is part of the aging process, stress may speed it up.
- Neuropeptides – Stress neuropeptides may directly inhibit melanin synthesis enzymes.
Risk factors for premature greying
While the link between stress and greying requires more research, there are some clear risk factors that may predispose a dog to prematurely grey:
| Risk factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Breed | Some breeds are genetically prone to early greying. Examples: poodles, schnauzers, Yorkshire terriers |
| Age | Smaller breeds tend to grey earlier than larger breeds |
| Gender | Neutered females and males tend to grey sooner than intact females |
| Nutrition | Deficiencies in nutrients like copper, zinc, and vitamin B12 can impact melanin |
| Sun exposure | UV radiation can damage melanocytes |
| Oxidative stress | Oxidative damage depletes antioxidant defenses needed to protect melanocytes |
| Systemic illness | Diseases that cause inflammation or metabolism changes can accelerate greying |
| Anxiety/stress | May contribute through mechanisms like inflammation, oxidative damage, and premature aging of melanocytes |
Tips to minimize premature greying
While some greying is inevitable, the following tips may help delay the process:
- Feed a high quality diet rich in antioxidants and B vitamins
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Treat any underlying illnesses or conditions
- Reduce anxiety and stress through training, exercise, enrichment
- Provide a predictable routine and stable home environment
- Consider nutritional supplements that support melanin production
- Groom regularly to remove grey hairs and improve coat condition
Should you be concerned about grey hairs?
In most cases, greying hair alone is not a medical concern. However, take note if greying seems well before expected or is excessive. Some signs to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian include:
- Greying before the age of 6 years old
- Sudden or very rapid greying over several months
- Skin changes like darkening or hardening along with grey hairs
- Other concurrent symptoms like weight loss, poor appetite, lethargy
While anxiety and stress may play a contributing role, uncontrolled greying can be a symptom of more serious medical conditions like hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) or vitiligo. It’s important to rule out health problems as a cause.
Cosmetic options for greying dogs
While greying does not hurt your dog, some owners opt to restore their dog’s natural color for cosmetic reasons through:
- Dyes – Coloring products formulated for dogs can cover grey hairs. Results last 4-8 weeks.
- Shampoos – Bluing or color-enhancing shampoos can temporarily camouflage grey for 1-2 weeks.
- Supplements – Melanin-boosting supplements may help reduce rate of greying.
Discuss any coloring products with your groomer or veterinarian first, as dogs can have skin sensitivities or reactions. Always monitor your dog closely when trying a new product.
The takeaway
Greying is a natural result of aging, but stress may accelerate melanin loss in dogs. While more research is needed, anxious and impulsive dogs do appear more prone to premature greying. Ensuring your dog’s health and reducing stress can help delay this natural process. But ultimately, embrace your pup’s distinguishing grey hairs as a mark of a life well lived.