Dog shedding is a normal part of life for nearly every dog and their owner. Understanding why dogs shed and how to manage it can help you maintain your dog’s coat and reduce loose hair around your home.
Since 2002, Top Notch Pet Resort has been a premier destination for dog grooming with hands-on experience managing shedding across dozens of dog breeds. We offer these tips to minimize shedding and maintain a healthy coat for your furry companion.
Why Dogs Shed, and What’s Actually Normal
Shedding is a natural biological process where dogs lose old or damaged hair to make room for healthy new growth. All dogs shed to some degree. Even breeds marketed as “low shedding” shed minimally throughout the year.
If you’ve noticed your dog shedding a lot, it’s important to understand what’s normal before assuming something is wrong.
The Coat Cycle and Why It Triggers Shedding
Dog shedding season follows a natural four-stage hair growth cycle:
Anagen (growth): New hair actively grows from the follicle.
Catagen (transition): Hair growth slows as the follicle begins to shrink.
Telogen (resting): The hair remains in place while the follicle rests.
Exogen (shedding): Old hair is released and falls out to make room for new growth
Because dogs move through these stages continuously, some level of shedding is normal year-round.
Double-coated breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies, shed both their outer coat and dense undercoat. This can result in significantly more loose fur.
Breeds like poodles have a longer growth phase, so shed hair often remains trapped in the coat rather than falling onto furniture and floors.
When Shedding Peaks: Shedding Season Explained
Most dogs experience two major shedding seasons each year. In spring, they shed their heavier winter coat. In the fall, they lose their lighter summer coat as a thicker winter coat begins to grow.
Pups that spend most of their time indoors may shed more consistently since artificial lighting and climate-controlled homes reduce the natural seasonal cycle. For many indoor dogs, year-round shedding is completely normal.
What Counts as Too Much Shedding?
Heavy seasonal shedding is usually nothing to worry about. However, a shedding dog that has bald patches, red or flaky skin, excessive scratching, frequent licking, or a sudden change in shedding seasons could point to more serious issues. These include allergies, parasites, hormonal disorders, poor nutrition, or stress.
Rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice these warning signs.
Proven Ways to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home
If you’re wondering how to stop dog shedding, here are a few proven habits that can significantly reduce loose hair and support a healthier coat.
Brush Consistently
Brushing your dog two to three times each week removes loose hair before it ends up in your home. It also distributes natural oils across the coat, helping strengthen individual hairs and reduce breakage.
Different coat types require different tools, including:
Slicker brushes for medium and long coats
Bristle brushes for short-coated breeds
Undercoat rakes or deshedding tools for double-coated dogs.
Professional groomers also recommend brushing in the direction of hair growth first before making a gentle second pass against the coat to lift loose undercoat. This simple technique often removes much more dead hair than brushing only once.
Bathe Regularly With a Deshedding Shampoo
Bathing your pup every four to six weeks helps loosen dead hair that brushing alone may not remove. Deshedding shampoos moisturize the skin while supporting healthier hair follicles and reducing loose coat.
For heavy shedders, professional deshedding treatments can remove significantly more loose undercoat than at-home bathing. At Top Notch Pet Resort, our professional grooming services help your pup stay healthy and reduce the amount of fur that ends up around your home.
Feed a Diet That Supports Coat Health
One of the best dog shedding remedies starts with proper nutrition. Diets rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and stronger hair follicles, which can help reduce excessive shedding over time.
Fish-based foods and veterinarian-approved fish oil supplements are common ways to increase omega-3 intake. Fresh water is equally important, since dehydration can contribute to dry skin and brittle hair.
If you’re changing your dog’s food, transition gradually over seven to ten days. Sudden diet changes can temporarily increase shedding while your pup’s skin and digestive system adjust.
Keep Up With Vet Visits to Rule Out Medical Causes
Regular wellness exams help veterinarians identify health conditions that may contribute to abnormal shedding before they become more serious.
Stress can also trigger increased shedding. Major life changes, new pets, moving, or changes in routine may all play a role. If your pup is experiencing stress-related shedding, behavioral dog training resources are a great place to start.
How to Keep Fur Off Furniture, Floors, and Clothes
Even with excellent grooming habits, some loose hair is inevitable around your home. Fortunately, a few simple cleaning strategies can help keep your home clean even with your dog shedding a lot.
Furniture and Floors
Washable furniture covers provide an extra layer of protection for sofas and beds. Smooth materials like microfiber and leather tend to collect less hair than heavily textured fabrics.
Running a robot vacuum every day prevents hair from building up deep inside carpets. On hard flooring, rubber brooms and rubber pet-hair tools often collect stubborn fur that traditional vacuum cleaners leave behind.
Laundry and Clothing
Before washing pet bedding or heavily fur-covered clothing, place it in the dryer on a low-heat cycle for about 10 minutes. This loosens pet hair and captures much of it in the lint filter before it goes into the wash.
Adding white vinegar during the rinse cycle can also help release embedded pet hair from fabric. Regularly cleaning your washing machine helps prevent pet hair from accumulating and transferring back onto freshly washed items.
Common Mistakes That Make Dog Shedding Worse
Some everyday grooming habits can unintentionally increase shedding or make it harder to manage over time.
Shaving a double-coated breed. Shaving breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or German Shepherds doesn’t stop shedding. It can interfere with normal coat growth while removing important insulation that helps regulate body temperature.
Brushing only when shedding becomes noticeable. Waiting until your dog is covered in loose hair lets dead fur accumulate, increasing matting and making shedding harder to manage. Consistent brushing is much more effective.
Using the wrong brush. Different coat types require different grooming tools. Choosing the correct brush helps remove loose hair safely without damaging the coat.
Skipping regular baths. Even dogs that don’t appear dirty benefit from routine bathing. Baths help loosen trapped undercoat and support healthier skin.
Assuming all types of shedding are the same. Seasonal shedding, year-round shedding, and excessive shedding caused by health issues require different approaches. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right solution.
Book a Dog Grooming Appointment
If you’re asking, “Why is my dog shedding so much?” our expert groomers at Top Notch Pet Resort can help identify the cause and reduce excess shedding. With professional grooming services and personalized care, we help pet parents support their dog’s coat health and overall well-being.
Dog Shedding FAQs
Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?
Seasonal coat changes, stress, diet changes, or an underlying health condition can cause sudden increases in shedding. If shedding occurs alongside bald spots, itching, or irritated skin, schedule a veterinary examination.
What dog breeds shed the least?
Poodles, Bichon Frises, Maltese, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Schnauzers are commonly considered low-shedding or non-shedding dog breeds. However, no breed is completely free from shedding.
Can I stop my dog from shedding completely?
No. Shedding is a natural biological process. While you can’t stop dog shedding entirely, regular brushing, proper nutrition, and professional deshedding treatments can greatly reduce the amount of loose hair around your home.
How often should I brush a shedding dog?
Most dogs benefit from brushing two to three times per week. Double-coated breeds often need daily brushing during heavy dog shedding season to keep the loose undercoat under control.
Does diet affect how much a dog sheds?
Yes. A balanced diet that supports healthy skin and coat health can reduce excessive shedding over time. If you’re considering supplements, speak with your veterinarian to determine what’s appropriate for your dog’s individual needs.