Do you have a “walking dandelion” at home? We love our lovely furry friends but are also frustrated when it comes to the heavy shedding problem. Dogs tend to shed heavily when they transit from their winter coat to their summer coat. Different fur types have different shedding patterns and severe shedding may also indicate potential health conditions. Moreover, how to manage the shedding if you are allergic to pet hair needs to be discussed as well.

What Time of Year do Dogs Shed?

It is not easy to provide a straightforward answer to when your dog sheds, as it depends on various factors, including the breed of your dog. Some dog breeds tend to shed more during specific months, whereas others shed at a consistent rate throughout the year. However, figuring out the shedding pattern of your dog will enable you to prepare yourself for the furry occurrence more efficiently.
  • Seasonal Shedding
Dogs with thick double coats tend to be seasonal shedders, with their heavy undercoats shedding heavily during the spring and fall. This shedding period is characterized by a dramatic shedding of the undercoat, which is usually done to restructure the dog's coat in preparation for the changing season. During this shedding process, large clumps of thick hair from the undercoat come to the surface.
  • Year-round Shedding
Alternatively, some breeds of dogs do not undergo seasonal shedding. Short-haired and single-coated breeds tend to shed throughout the year. Unlike long-haired breeds, short-haired dogs do not develop a winter coat, which results in more frequent and constant shedding. Although short-haired breeds may shed more hair in larger quantities, the shedding of long-haired breeds is more noticeable due to their longer hair.

Why is My Dog Shedding More than Usual?

  • What is Normal Hair Loss
There is no only rule for "normal" shedding in dogs or cats because we have to consider multiple variables in order to decide the normal amount of pet hair loss. It includes pet breeds, physiology, genetics and etc. Therefore, it is important that you pay close attention to your pets' health and their shedding pattern after the adoption. Besides different breeds and other genetic reasons, excessive shedding can be also affected by health issues like allergies. When you decide if it is an abnormal hair loss of your dog, all the factors mentioned above should be considered.
  • Identify Abnormal Shedding
When it is not shedding season and your dog is shedding more than usual for its breed, you should keep an eye on some several symptoms that may indicate potential health issues of your dog.
Main symptoms
  • Skin irritation (redness, bumps and scars)
  • Excessive itching and dandruff
  • More frequent licking
  • Loss of interest and appetites
  • Significant fur thinning
  • Bald spots
  • Wounds
  • Medical Conditions Associated with Abnormal Shedding
Some dog breeds shed more than others such as Labrador Retrievers, Akitas, Chow Chows, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherds. However, if you notice your dog sheds more than regularly suddenly, you may need to look into some medical conditions. Take them to a vet if conditions last.
Main Medical Causes
  • Skin Parasites (fleas, ticks, or mange mites)
  • Bacterial or fungal infections
  • Stress
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Immune disease
  • Thyroid issues
  • Pregnancy
  • Liver, kidney conditions or even cancer


Do All Dogs Shed?

Yes, all dog breeds shed their hair to some extent. This is due to the fact that old hair will eventually die and be replaced by new hair. The amount and rate of shedding will vary among breeds and individuals within the breed, and breed characteristics, particularly coat type, play a major role in how much a dog sheds.

  • Do Puppies Shed?
Yes! When puppies are born, they have a soft and fluffy coat for regulating their body temperature. However, this coat will eventually be replaced by a thicker adult coat, which could be a single or double coat depending on the breed. Typically, puppies begin shedding their puppy coat at around 4 to 6 months old, although this could happen as early as 3 months old. During this shedding process, the puppy may look disheveled until their adult coat grows in completely.
Some breeds take longer than others to grow their adult coat, with Pomeranian puppies taking up to two years to do so.
  • What Breed of Dog Sheds the Least?
Certain breeds of dogs are bred to have hair that resembles human hair, and are often labeled as "non-shedding." However, this is not entirely accurate. Instead of shedding like most dogs, these breeds shed similarly to humans. Just like you may notice your own stray hair around your home, you'll also find your dog's. Therefore, they are not truly "non-shedding," but rather "low shedding," as they shed less hair compared to other breeds.
Low-shedding dog breeds include
-Shih Tzu
-Maltese
-Poodle
-Irish Terrier
-Bichon Frise
-Afghan Hound
-Giant Schnauzer
-Miniature Poodle
-American Hairless Terrier