Shedding their fur is a natural process for dogs. But excessive shedding can be a sign of a serious condition, such as allergies, infections, parasites, and more. How can you tell if your dog’s coat is healthy and that their shedding is within the normal range for frequency and volume? Join us for a deep dive into dog shedding!
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Shedding is a natural process that helps canines to remove old, damaged, or dead hair to make room for healthier fur. Shedding also serves to prepare dogs for the change of seasons, as temperatures rise or fall. But other, less healthy factors can affect a dog’s coat, as well, which can lead to excessive shedding.
Signs of excessive shedding can include bald spots, patches of abnormally thin hair, itchy, flaky or scabby skin, red inflamed skin (such as a rash), sores or lesions, or an abnormally dull coat.
Common Causes of Excessive Shedding
Certainly, there are natural reasons for your dog to shed their fur, as we’ve discussed. But there are also several potential reasons for your pet to shed more dog hair than is necessary (or healthy). These can include:
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Poor diet or lack of essential fatty acids
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Allergies (environmental or food-related)
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Skin infections
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Parasites (such as fleas and mites)
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Hormonal imbalances or illness
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Stress
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Reaction to medications or recent illness
Some of these issues, as you can see, are quite serious. That’s why identifying excess shedding early and checking in with your vet can be vitally important for your dog’s health.
Best Supplements for Healthy Skin and Coat
The good news is that there are dog supplements that can help reduce excessive shedding by improving their coat health. Key ingredients, like coconut oil, biotin, and vitamins B3 and E, can nurture your dog’s fur and help them have a healthier coat. Our Dog Supplement for Skin and Coat delivers all of those fur-friendly ingredients, plus P-18 probiotic for gut and immune health, organic coral calcium, and sweet potato. These tasty vegan chews are a great tool for dog coat care, along with a healthy diet and regular pet grooming.
Spring and Other Seasonal Changes: Dog Shedding Season
As we mentioned earlier, there are normal, healthy reasons for your dog to shed. During certain times of the year, dogs “blow their coat,” losing old fur to prepare for seasonal temperature changes. Most shedding occurs in the spring and autumn. Here’s a look at what you can look for during these seasonal changes:
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Spring: Dogs shed winter undercoats to stay cool
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Autumn: Dogs shed lighter summer coats for thicker winter fur
In addition, indoor pets may experience light shedding year-round, due to artificial lighting and stable temperatures inside the house.
Remember, consistent grooming during these periods helps control excess hair and keeps your dog’s coat healthy.
Breeds That Shed the Most Dog Hair
Certain breeds are naturally heavy shedders. Here’s a list of some of the more common high-shedding dog breeds:
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Akita: With thick, medium-length double coats, this breed requires weekly brushing.
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Chow Chow: With leonine manes up top and thick double coats, these pooches require frequent brushing to avoid hair knots.
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Doberman: This breed’s smooth, short, single-layered coat sheds a surprisingly large volume of hair, requiring daily brushing.
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German Shepherd: While not as obvious as some of the longer-haired shedders, these animals shed constantly and require regular brushing.
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Golden Retriever: That long, golden hair comes at a price—lots of shedding, requiring lots of brushing.
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Great Pyrenees: With lots of white hair to show up on your furniture, easy-to-brush Pyrenees require multiple groomings per week.
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Labrador Retriever: For having such a short coat, Labs shed a lot! So, keep that double coat brushed regularly.
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Siberian Husky: These thickly coated canines shed lots of hair throughout the year, especially as seasons change. That said, they’re pretty clean pups, so make sure not to overbathe them.
How to Manage Your Pet’s Shedding
There are several things you can do at home to help manage your pet’s shedding. These include:
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Regular brushing using the right dog grooming tool for your pet’s coat type
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Bathing with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo to remove excess hair
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Giving your dog a balanced diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other hair-friendly nutrients
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Keeping your dog hydrated and their stress levels low
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Vacuuming regularly and using pet hair tools to manage fur around the home
Most importantly, schedule regular visits to your veterinarian. And if your dog appears to exhibit a skin condition or is excessively shedding, consult your vet right away. Their professional advice can help you rule out or create a treatment plan, if necessary, for issues like allergies, infections, or thyroid issues that cause hair loss.
Dog Shed FAQs
1. What to Give a Dog for Shedding?
Shedding is a natural occurrence and generally just requires regular grooming. But if your dog is shedding excessively, consult your veterinarian right away to help identify and treat the issue. And make sure to keep your dog on a healthy diet with plenty of water, and consider the addition of a good skin and coat supplement to their daily routine.
2. When Should I Worry About My Dog Shedding?
You should expect your dog to shed regularly, and during the changing of the seasons. But if you start to see much more shedding than usual, particularly with bald spots or irritated, inflamed skin, consult your veterinarian right away.
3. What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Dog Shedding?
Vitamins A, B, and E are all important for your pet’s skin and coat health. So, deficiencies in any of these vitamins can potentially cause shedding.
4. How Often Should I Bathe My Dog That Sheds a Lot?
This depends completely on your dog’s breed. Most dogs require bathing every four to six weeks, while some dogs need weekly bathing and others require bathing much less frequently. So, always research your pet’s breed to see what’s best for them—and ask your vet!
5. What Time of Year Do Dogs Shed the Most?
Dogs shed the most in the spring and autumn, as those seasons signal a change in temperature for the months ahead.
