Managing Dog Shedding During Seasonal Coat Changes

If it feels like your dog is suddenly leaving fur everywhere as the seasons change, you’re not imagining it.

Many dogs shed more heavily as the weather shifts. As the days get cooler or warmer, their coat naturally adjusts to prepare for the coming season. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it, can make a big difference for both your dog’s comfort and your home.

 

Why Dogs Shed More During Seasonal Changes

Many breeds have what’s called a double coat. This means they have a soft insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat.

During seasonal transitions:

• Autumn: Dogs shed their lighter summer undercoat to make room for a thicker winter coat.
• Spring: Dogs shed their dense winter undercoat to stay cooler in warmer weather.

Breeds such as German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Pomeranians and Rottweilers are especially well known for this seasonal “coat blow,” where large amounts of undercoat are released over a few weeks.

Even some shorter-coated breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pugs and Great Danes can shed more noticeably during seasonal changes.

 

Signs Your Dog Is Shedding Seasonally

You might notice:

• Extra fur on furniture and floors
• Hair coming out easily during brushing
• Clumps of undercoat loosening after a bath
• A dull coat that improves once loose hair is removed

This is a normal process - but proper grooming helps remove the loose coat faster and keeps the skin healthy underneath.

 

How to Manage Seasonal Shedding

While shedding can’t be completely stopped, you can speed up the release of loose coat and reduce the amount that ends up around your home.

Here are a few helpful steps.

1. Regular Brushing

Brushing helps lift loose undercoat before it falls out around the house.

During heavy shedding periods, brushing several times per week can make a big difference.

2. Bathing With Deshedding Shampoos and Conditioners

Bathing is one of the most effective ways to release trapped shedding fur.

A good deshedding shampoo and conditioner helps:

• Loosen and release dead undercoat
• Clean the skin and fur 
• Allow brushing to be more effective after the bath

Conditioner is just as important as the shampoo. Conditioner helps soften the coat and allows more loose fur to slide free during drying and brushing.

Our breed specific grooming ranges are designed to support this process, including our ‘high shedding’ formulas for:

• Boxers
• Bulldogs
• German Shepherds
  
• Golden Retrievers
• Great Danes
• Labradors
• Pomeranians
  
• Pugs
• Rottweilers
• Westies (West Highland White Terriers)

Each formula is tailored to suit the coat type of that breed, helping release loose fur while supporting healthy skin and coat.

3. Thorough Drying and Brushing After Bathing

Many owners notice the biggest amount of shedding happens after the bath, once the coat is dry.

This is a good thing - it means the loose undercoat is finally coming free.

Using a brush or grooming tool once the coat is dry helps remove the remaining loose fur quickly.

4. Maintain Skin and Coat Health

Healthy skin supports a healthier coat cycle.

A grooming routine that includes quality shampoo, conditioner and regular brushing can help:

• Maintain coat shine
• Reduce excess loose hair
• Keep skin comfortable during seasonal changes

The Good News About Shedding Season

While seasonal shedding can feel overwhelming, it usually only lasts a few weeks as the coat transitions.

With the right grooming routine, you can help your dog release the loose coat faster - meaning less fur around the house and a healthier, more comfortable coat for your dog.

Checkout out our High Shedding (Deshedding) Shampoos and Conditioners: