Spring is here, the days are getting warmer, and you may have noticed something else around your home… dog hair everywhere!
For many dogs, spring means one thing: shedding season. As temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, dogs can naturally begin losing some of their winter coat to make way for a lighter coat suited to the warmer months.
While shedding is a completely normal part of being a dog, dog shedding season can leave your home covered in fur and your pet looking a little fluffier than usual. The good news? Regular grooming can make managing all that loose hair much easier.
At TopDawg Grooming, we’re here to help keep your dog comfortable, clean and looking their best throughout shedding season and beyond.
What Is Dog Shedding Season?
Dog shedding season is the period when many dogs naturally lose more of their old or loose coat than usual.
Dogs shed hair year-round, but seasonal changes can increase shedding. In spring, warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours can signal to your dog’s body that it is time to transition from their thicker winter coat to a lighter summer coat.
Not every dog sheds in the same way. Breed, coat type, age, lifestyle and even the individual dog can all influence how much hair they lose.
Some dogs may leave small amounts of hair around the house year-round, while others may experience a dramatic increase in shedding in spring.
Why Do Dogs Shed More in Spring?
Seasonal shedding is primarily a natural way for dogs to regulate their coat as environmental conditions change.
A thick winter coat can provide insulation during colder months. As the weather warms up, your dog may no longer need as much insulation, so their body sheds some of that excess coat.
Indoor dogs can sometimes have different shedding patterns because artificial lighting, heating and air conditioning can influence their exposure to seasonal changes.
So, if you suddenly find yourself vacuuming the couch for the third time this week, your dog may simply be doing what comes naturally!
Which Dogs Shed the Most?
All dogs shed to some degree, but the amount can vary widely by breed and coat type.
Dogs with double coats often shed noticeably in seasons. Their coats generally consist of a protective outer layer and a softer, insulating undercoat. As the seasons change, they can shed large amounts of loose undercoat.
Breeds with single or continuously growing coats may shed differently, often losing smaller amounts of hair more consistently.
Your dog’s coat type can determine what kind of grooming routine it needs, which is why using the right brushing and grooming techniques matters.
How Can You Manage Dog Shedding Season?
While you can’t completely stop a healthy dog from shedding, you can do several things to help manage loose hair.
Brush Your Dog Regularly
Regular brushing is one of the simplest ways to manage dog shedding season.
Brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up on your furniture, carpets and clothing. It can also help prevent loose hair from tangling or matting.
The ideal brushing frequency depends on your dog’s coat type. Some dogs may benefit from brushing several times a week, while others may need daily attention during heavy shedding periods.
Use the Right Grooming Tools
Not every brush suits every coat.
Different coat types require different grooming tools and techniques. Using the right equipment can make brushing more comfortable for your dog while helping you remove loose hair effectively.
If you’re unsure which brush is right for your dog’s coat, a professional groomer (like TopDawg Grooming) can guide you.
Keep Up With Professional Grooming
Professional grooming can be particularly helpful during dog shedding season.
A professional groom (through TopDawg Grooming) can help remove loose and dead hair, keep the coat manageable and identify potential issues such as mats, skin irritation or abnormalities that may otherwise be hidden beneath a thick coat.
At TopDawg Grooming, regular grooming appointments can help keep your dog’s coat in good condition while making seasonal shedding more manageable.
Don’t Forget About Bathing
Bathing can also play an important role in a healthy grooming routine.
A suitable bath can help loosen and remove some of the hair that is ready to shed. Professional grooming can combine bathing, drying and brushing techniques to help remove loose coat effectively.
However, dogs shouldn’t be bathed excessively. The right bathing schedule depends on your dog’s individual needs, coat and lifestyle.
Keep Your Home Ready for the Fur
Even with regular grooming, some loose hair is inevitable!
During dog shedding season, washable blankets and covers can help protect furniture, while regular vacuuming and cleaning can help keep loose hair under control.
Keeping your dog’s bedding clean is also a simple way to reduce loose fur around their favourite sleeping spots.
Does Shaving a Dog Stop Shedding?
No. Shaving a dog does not necessarily stop shedding.
In fact, shaving is not appropriate for every dog or coat type. For dogs with double coats, their coat plays an important role in protecting their skin and helping regulate body temperature.
Instead of shaving your dog simply because they’re shedding, talk with a professional groomer about the best grooming approach for their individual coat.
When Is Shedding a Cause for Concern?
While increased shedding during spring can be completely normal, excessive or unusual hair loss can sometimes indicate an underlying problem.
Watch for signs such as bald patches, red, irritated, or inflamed skin; excessive scratching or licking; sores or scabs; sudden changes in your dog’s coat; and hair loss that seems unrelated to normal seasonal shedding.
If you notice these symptoms, speak with your veterinarian. A groomer can help identify changes in your dog’s coat, but they cannot diagnose medical conditions.
Make Dog Shedding Season Easier With TopDawg Grooming
Spring shedding doesn’t have to mean surrendering your home to a sea of dog hair!
With regular brushing, appropriate grooming and a little extra attention to your dog’s coat, you can help keep loose hair under control while supporting a healthy, comfortable coat.
Regular professional grooming can be especially useful during dog shedding season, helping remove loose coat and keep your dog’s fur clean, manageable and looking its best.
At TopDawg Grooming, we’re passionate about helping dogs look and feel their best year-round. From seasonal shedding to regular coat maintenance, our grooming services can help take some of the work out of keeping your furry friend fresh and fabulous.
So, if your dog is starting to leave a little extra fluff behind this spring, don’t panic, it’s shedding season!
Book your dog’s next groom with TopDawg Grooming and let us help keep the shed under control.