Why Dogs Shed & How to Reduce it
Shedding can be frustrating for all dog owners, no matter how much we love our dogs. All dogs shed to some degree, with the exception of completely hairless dogs. Don't worry though, there are ways to combat the dog hair floating all over the place! Learn more about why dogs shed hair, as well as ways to control and reduce dog hair.

Let's start with why dogs shed hair. Commonly, there are three types of shedding; year-round, seasonal and health-related shedding.


Year-Round Shedding

All animals with hair shed on a regular basis, therefore causing year-round shedding. Most shedding is the loss of the undercoat, with some regular loss of fur. Normal shedding will occur year round, and will be visible on your clothes, sofa, and around the house.
Dogs will shed hair differently depending on their breed type. Dog breeds such as Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers shed very little, due to their hair having a long life-cycle. Dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair life span and have more abundant undercoats, resulting in greater shedding year-round.

Seasonal Shedding

Seasonal shedding occurs with some breeds, usually in the spring, but may also happen in autumn. Seasonal shedding occurs evenly across the whole body, and will happen every year on a cycle. This process is sometimes called "blowing coat." 

When the weather warms, dogs shed their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat. This type of shedding is typical among cold weather breeds like Huskies.

Husky - cold climate dogs


Health

Your dog's health may also affect shedding rate, so it is important to take note of unexplained excessive shedding. Health problems that may affect shedding include:

  • Skin problems
  • endocrine diseases
  • nutritional or vitamin deficiencies
  • metabolic disorders

Any noticeable differences in your pets shedding rate is a good sign to contact your local veterinarian.

Sick dog

How to Control Shedding

Excess shedding can be difficult to manage as pet hair tends to clings to furniture and upholstery around the house. Regular cleaning and vacuuming is essential for getting rid of loose hairs around the house. Keeping the house clean is good for both you and your pet, especially if you have allergies.

Get your dog used to grooming, as this is a great way to manage dog hair. Using a specialized dog brush will help to remove dog hair. 

Look after your dog's skin and hair by regularly bathing them. Please note that you should only bathe your dog when necessary. Using dog shampoo while cleaning your dog will help to remove dead and loose hair.

Dog getting a bath


Shedding can be frustrating for all dog owners, no matter how much we love our dogs. All dogs shed to some degree, except for entirely hairless dogs. Don't worry, there are many ways to combat the dog hair floating all over the place! Learn more about why dogs shed hair and how to get the situation under control. 

Let's start with why dogs shed hair . Commonly, there are three types of shedding; year-round, seasonal, and health-related shedding.

 

Year-Round Shedding

All animals with hair regularly shed, therefore causing year-round shedding. Most shedding is the loss of the undercoat, with some regular loss of fur. Normal shedding will occur year-round and will be visible on your clothes, sofa, and around the house. Dogs will shed hair differently depending on their breed type. Dog breeds such as Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers shed very little because their hair has a long life cycle. Dogs like Labradors and Huskies have a shorter hair life span and more abundant undercoats, resulting in more significant shedding year-round.


Seasonal Shedding

Seasonal shedding occurs within some breeds of dogs, usually around springtime, but may also happen in the fall. Seasonal shedding occurs evenly across the whole body and will happen every year on a cycle. This process is referred to as "blowing coat." For example, when the weather warms, dogs shed their old winter undercoats to make way for a lighter summer coat. This type of shedding is typical among cold-weather breeds like Huskies.

 

Health

Your dog's health may also affect the shedding rate, so it is vital to take note of unexplained excessive shedding.

  • Health problems that may affect shedding include:
  • Skin problems
  • Endocrine diseases
  • Nutritional or vitamin deficiencies
  • Metabolic disorders

Any noticeable differences in your pet's shedding rate are an excellent sign to contact your local veterinarian.

 

How to Control Shedding

  1. Excess shedding can be challenging to manage as pet hair tends to cling to furniture and upholstery around the house. Regular cleaning and vacuuming are essential for getting rid of loose hairs around the house. Keeping the house clean is beneficial for you and your pet, especially if you have allergies.
  2. Get your dog used to grooming, as this is a great way to manage dog hair. Using a specialized dog brush will help to remove dog hair.
  3. Look after your dog's skin and hair by regularly bathing them. Please note that you should only wash your dog when necessary. Using dog shampoo while cleaning your dog will help remove dead and loose hair.