"In this section, our vets share their expertise — specialists who have spent years working on healthy dog nutrition and coat health."
When the fur flies: dog shedding season
The days are getting longer, spring is in the air — and suddenly your home is covered in dog hair. On the sofa, in the dog bed, on the floor, on your clothes. Some hairs, some whole clumps. Shedding season is a hairy business for both you and your dog. You reach for the brush and vacuum cleaner. Your dog works on its summer coat. And for that, it needs extra energy right now: for skin, coat and metabolism.
What happens in the body during shedding
Most dogs lose individual hairs throughout the year. Depending on breed, coat type, age and hormonal status, the hair loss may be more or less noticeable.
There are two basic types of dog hair: guard hairs and undercoat.
Guard hairs, also called awn hairs, are the longer, firmer hairs. They protect the coat from the outside — from moisture and sunlight. Guard hairs grow less densely.
The undercoat consists of fine, soft hairs lying close to the skin. The air cushion between the individual hairs acts as a natural insulating layer.
Depending on the breed, a dog may have more or less undercoat — or none at all. That's exactly why spring shedding looks so different from dog to dog. Poodles and Havanese, for example, barely shed and don't go through a classic summer-to-winter coat change. Breeds with a dense undercoat — like the Husky or German Shepherd — can lose fur in large clumps as soon as the weather warms up.
Is it the warmth? Actually, the dog's body responds to the new season — but it's primarily triggered by the increasing daylight. Longer days affect the dog's hormonal balance, including melatonin production. Rising temperatures then further accelerate the shift from a thick winter coat to a lighter summer one.
Dog coat: from root to tip
Dog hairs don't grow continuously and evenly — they grow in genetically controlled cycles. First comes the growth phase, during which the hair root forms and the hair grows. After that, no new cells are produced, the hair loosens and eventually falls out.
Hair loss is followed by a resting phase, known as the kenogen phase. Its duration influences how dense your dog's coat is overall. After that, the hair root regenerates and a new cycle begins.
In breeds that shed little or not at all, the genetics are different: the hairs stay in the growth phase, the dog loses almost no hair, and the typical shedding season is largely absent. Instead, the coat needs to be clipped or trimmed regularly.
Dog shedding: when does it start and how long does it last?
Twice a year, it's time for the big coat change. In spring, heavy shedding usually begins in April and May. How long it lasts varies from dog to dog. For most dogs it takes between six and eight weeks, though it can go faster or slower. Dogs with a lot of undercoat benefit from regular combing throughout the year — after all, the thick winter coat needs to come out so the lighter summer coat can grow in. No wonder many dog owners find the spring shed the most intense one.
In autumn, usually in September and October, the dog's coat prepares for cooler weather again. Some hair is lost, but primarily a lot of undercoat builds up to equip the dog for lower temperatures. Many owners barely notice this one.
Dog shedding: symptoms
The most obvious symptom is increased hair loss and loose undercoat. You'll notice it everywhere: more hairs in the dog brush, on your hand after stroking, in the dog bed. In dogs with dense undercoat, you can even see whole clumps or mat-like patches pushing through the guard hairs. It often looks dramatic — but it's completely normal.
The coat may also look slightly dull, untidy or less dense during this time. That's because the old coat hasn't fully come out yet while the new one is simultaneously growing in. If loose undercoat stays caught in the fur, small tangles can form — especially in dogs with very thick or long coats.
Even the smell can change. Some dogs develop a slightly musty odour at this time. Dead hairs are colonised by microorganisms that gradually break them down. Regular brushing is all it takes to keep these harmless symptoms under control.
Itching during shedding – normal or not?
A little scratching is normal. Loose hairs can irritate the skin and cause itching. The key word here is "a little". Excessive scratching points to stronger irritation. This can happen when a lot of undercoat remains trapped in the coat. The skin gets less airflow, which can lead to dry skin, dandruff and irritation.
The longer dead hair stays in the coat, the less air reaches the skin. This creates an environment where parasites, bacteria and fungi thrive.
So keep brushing — and keep a close eye on your dog. If your dog is scratching frequently, licking itself raw, has bald patches, redness, heavy dandruff or inflamed skin, it's time to see a vet. Not every case of itching is related to shedding, and not every case resolves on its own.
Shedding in dogs: when to see a vet
Flying hairs — whether single or in clumps — are a normal part of shedding. But not all hair loss is harmless. If your dog is losing a lot of hair outside the typical shedding season, or is showing additional symptoms during shedding, take a closer look.
Warning signs include sudden, heavy hair loss in clumps, excessive dandruff, bald patches, skin redness, weeping areas, pustules or intense itching. In these cases, get your dog checked out by a vet.
A veterinary examination can identify the underlying cause. Coat and skin problems can result from parasites, fungal infections, allergies, hormonal disorders, bacterial skin inflammation, or metabolic and organ diseases.
Special case: seasonal flank alopecia
Not every bald patch signals illness. Some dogs react more dramatically to the longer days: their coat falls out, the hair follicles go into standby — and the new hair takes its time to arrive. The flanks are a typical area. Bald patches appear there, often rounded and irregular. Vets refer to this as seasonal flank alopecia — hair loss that occurs only temporarily in spring. If you notice this in your dog for the first time, it's understandably alarming. Fortunately, this type of seasonal hair loss has no impact on your dog's health. And before long, the cosmetic issue resolves itself, and your dog's coat looks as good as ever.
Why nutrition matters so much during shedding
During shedding, your dog's body is working at full capacity. It needs energy to produce many new hairs — and it draws that energy from the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
If your dog isn't getting optimal nutrition, it shows quickly: the new coat grows in dull, brittle or sparse, and the skin becomes dry and flaky. Good coat care starts in the bowl.
Supporting shedding: high-quality protein
Protein intake is critical right now. Hair is made of keratin — which is protein. High-quality protein forms the foundation for a healthy coat during shedding. Particularly relevant for hair formation and structure are the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cystine, found within protein.
Supporting shedding: vitamins and trace elements
Skin and coat also need trace elements and vitamins such as biotin and B vitamins, zinc, copper, vitamin E and iodine. These support skin cell renewal, protect skin cells and contribute to a strong, healthy coat.
Shiny coat: oils and fats
Fats play a key role. Every individual hair is surrounded by a lipid layer. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in particular keep the coat supple and beautifully shiny.
Your dog's body cannot produce essential fatty acids in sufficient quantities on its own. During shedding in particular, omega-3 fatty acids can meaningfully support your dog's skin and coat.
Salmon oil is an excellent addition for dogs going through shedding: the omega-3 fatty acids it contains can soothe skin issues and visibly improve coat shine and health. Salmon oil is especially well tolerated and, for most dogs, very palatable.
Beautyfuel Salmon Oil by LuckyChef
High-quality omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat — simply add to food.
It's all about balance
What matters most is the bigger picture. No single nutrient creates a beautiful coat — it's the interplay of a balanced, needs-appropriate diet. That's exactly why it's worth thinking about the whole feeding plan during shedding, not just individual supplements.
Our recipes are individually balanced for your dog so they receive exactly the nutrients they need — including during shedding season.
Individually balanced recipes
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Grooming routine during shedding
Brush, brush, brush! That's the golden rule right now for removing loose hairs from your dog's coat. The right brush depends on your dog's coat type and what your dog will tolerate — or even enjoy.
For long-haired dogs with undercoat, there are slicker brushes that work loose undercoat out of the fur. For tangles and matting, there are special detangling brushes and sprays that make the process easier.
For short-haired dogs with sensitive skin, rubber brushes or soft nubbed gloves are often enough. Rubber curry combs can also be helpful, especially if your dog prefers a gentler touch or needs to be gradually accustomed to grooming.
How often you should brush depends on your dog. The more it sheds, the more frequently you should brush. Dogs with a lot of undercoat in particular benefit from daily grooming sessions.
Puppies and shedding
Puppies go through shedding too. The first time, they lose their soft puppy coat and grow the coat of an adult dog. This first coat change can take a long time — often weeks or even months. During this period, the coat may look a bit patchy and uneven.
It's worth starting to gently accustom your puppy to the brush, comb and other grooming routines from the very beginning of this phase.
Summary: ready for all coats
The days are getting longer and temperatures are rising. Both signal to your dog's body that it's time to shed the winter coat. During shedding, you can support your dog from the inside and outside. A balanced diet and regular grooming both do their part for skin and coat health.
Eventually the fur storm passes and your dog presents its new, lighter summer coat — ready for the season ahead. Enjoy your freshly renewed companion!
Want to know more about dog health? In Vets answer, you'll find more articles from our veterinarians.
