Why does your dog shed, and how can you help your pet?

Shedding is a natural process that affects all dog breeds. It typically occurs in autumn and spring, as dogs adjust their coats to match the changing seasons.

Some dogs can shed so much hair that it could almost create another dog. Some breeds shed constantly, while others shed very little or not at all. In autumn, most dogs start shedding to prepare for the cold winter, developing a thicker, warmer, and softer coat. Then, as spring arrives, they shed again to adjust for the heat of summer, growing a looser, more suitable coat for warm weather. While autumn shedding is not as intense as spring shedding, it tends to last longer.

How can you make it easier for yourself?

Shedding can significantly affect the cleanliness of your home, so it’s helpful to use a few strategies during this period. Frequent brushing can make managing shedding easier. It’s also important to feed your pet a high-quality diet. If you already do this but want to further support your dog’s immune system during shedding, you can give them brewer’s yeast specifically formulated for dogs. This can speed up the process and provide essential vitamins. Boosting the immune system in winter is particularly beneficial because, during shedding, a dog’s body uses many nutrients to develop a coat well-suited for harsher conditions. More frequent bathing can also help, and it’s a good idea to use nourishing oils for dogs. Bathing will remove dead hair, while beneficial products help maintain a silky, shiny coat.

When does a problem arise?

If your dog has been shedding for more than eight weeks, it may indicate a problem rather than normal shedding. Various issues, such as skin problems, stress, hormonal disorders, allergies, or, in the worst case, cancer, can cause excessive shedding. Therefore, it’s essential to consult your vet if you suspect any of these conditions. In such cases, the quality of the coat also deteriorates, becoming dull and lackluster.

Age-related shedding

All puppies, even long-haired breeds, are born with short hair. As they grow, they shed their puppy coat, and their color often changes as well. For example, Yorkshire Terriers are born with a black coat but develop a silvery, steel-blue coat as adults. They shed little or almost imperceptibly in later life. In contrast, some breeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier, may shed year-round.

Some dogs kept indoors shed constantly because they are less exposed to the elements. Their fur falls out when the hair follicles die. Shedding is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it can be useful to prepare for it in advance. If you’re particularly concerned about dog hair, it’s worth choosing a breed that doesn’t shed much. These breeds are often more-or-less can be considered hypoallergenic, making them great companions for people who are sensitive to dog hair.