Why Your Dog Is Shedding More Right Now (And What Actually Helps)

If your home has suddenly become covered in dog hair - on your clothes, your furniture, and somehow even places your dog never goes - you’re not alone. This time of year, many dog owners notice a sharp increase in shedding, and it can feel like it’s happening overnight.

The good news is that in most cases, this isn’t a problem - it’s biology doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. But understanding why it’s happening (and how to manage it properly) can make a huge difference to both your dog’s comfort and your sanity.

What’s Actually Happening to Your Dog’s Coat

As we move from spring into early summer, changes in temperature and daylight trigger a natural response in your dog’s body. During the colder months, many dogs grow a thicker, insulating coat to retain heat. Now that the weather is warming up, that extra fur is no longer needed.

So your dog starts to shed it.

This process - often referred to as “blowing the coat” - is especially noticeable in double-coated breeds. These dogs have a dense, soft undercoat beneath a tougher outer layer, and it’s the undercoat that tends to come out in large amounts.

Even if your dog doesn’t fall into that category, you’ll likely still notice increased shedding. Dogs that live indoors may shed more consistently throughout the year due to artificial lighting and stable temperatures, but seasonal changes still tend to trigger a spike around this time.

When Shedding Is Normal - and When It Isn’t

Seasonal shedding should look fairly even. You might notice more hair coming out during brushing or more fur collecting around the house, but your dog’s coat should still look healthy overall.

However, it’s worth paying attention to the quality of the shedding, not just the quantity.

Shedding is usually normal if your dog:

• Has an even coat with no obvious thinning patches
• Isn’t scratching excessively
• Has skin that looks healthy (no redness, sores, or flaking)

On the other hand, you may want to look into things further if you notice bald spots, irritated skin, or sudden changes outside of seasonal patterns. These can point to underlying issues like allergies, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies.

The Most Effective Ways to Manage Shedding

While you can’t stop seasonal shedding entirely, you can reduce how much loose fur ends up around your home - and improve your dog’s coat health in the process.

Brushing: Your First Line of Defence

Regular brushing is by far the most effective way to manage shedding, but consistency matters just as much as technique. During peak shedding season, brushing a few times a week - sometimes even daily for heavy shedders - can dramatically reduce loose hair.

What many owners don’t realise is that the type of brush you use makes a huge difference. A tool that works well for a short-haired dog may barely make a dent in a thick undercoat. If you’re dealing with heavier shedding, especially in breeds with dense coats, a proper de-shedding tool or undercoat rake is often far more effective than a standard brush.

Done correctly, brushing doesn’t just remove loose fur - it also distributes natural oils through the coat, which helps keep the skin healthy.

Ancol Ergo Undercoat Rake £9.59 and Ancol Ergo Double Sided Brush £7.27

Bathing: Helpful, but Often Misused

A good bath can loosen dead hair and make it easier to remove, which is why many people see a noticeable difference after grooming. However, more isn’t always better.

Bathing too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation - which can actually increase shedding over time. Sticking to a balanced routine with a gentle, dog-specific shampoo is key. After bathing, a thorough brush once the coat is dry can help remove a large amount of loosened fur in one go.

Ceva Douxo S3 Calm Shampoo 200ml £19.69 and Dechra DermAllay™ Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats 230ml £20.39

Nutrition: The Overlooked Factor

It’s easy to focus on external grooming, but your dog’s diet plays a major role in how much they shed and how healthy their coat looks.

A diet that supports skin and coat health typically includes:

• High-quality protein sources
• Essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6
• Adequate vitamins and minerals

When these are lacking, coats can become dull, dry, and more prone to excessive shedding. In some cases, improving diet or adding supplements can noticeably reduce the problem over time.

MP Labo Sensiderm Omega Drops 60ml £25.49 and Proflax Omega Vital Supplement £12.39

Hydration and Warmer Weather

As temperatures rise, hydration becomes more important - not just for overall health, but for coat condition too. Dogs that aren’t drinking enough water can develop dry skin, which contributes to increased shedding.

Making sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water is simple but often overlooked. Some owners find that dogs drink more readily from flowing water sources, especially in warmer months.

Managing the Environment

Even with the best grooming routine, some shedding is inevitable. That’s where managing your home environment comes in.

Instead of trying to eliminate shedding completely, it’s often more effective to focus on controlling where the fur ends up. Regular vacuuming, washable covers on furniture, and keeping lint rollers within reach can all make day-to-day life much easier.

Think of it as a two-part approach: reduce the amount of loose fur on your dog, and minimise how much of it spreads through your home.

Common Mistakes That Make Shedding Worse

A lot of frustration around shedding comes from approaches that simply don’t work - or even make things worse over time.

One of the biggest mistakes is brushing too infrequently. During peak shedding season, once a week just isn’t enough to keep up with the volume of loose fur. Another common issue is using tools that don’t reach the undercoat, which means you’re only dealing with surface hair while the bulk of the shedding continues underneath.

Using products designed for humans can also cause irritation, as dogs have different skin pH levels. And while it might be tempting to ignore shedding and hope it passes quickly, staying proactive is what actually shortens the most intense phase.

Final Thoughts

Seasonal shedding might be messy, but it’s a completely natural and healthy process. Your dog is simply adapting to the changing weather, getting rid of what it no longer needs.

With the right approach - regular brushing, proper nutrition, and a bit of environmental management - you can significantly reduce the impact it has on your home and keep your dog comfortable at the same time.

In most cases, it’s not about stopping shedding altogether. It’s about understanding it, working with it, and staying one step ahead while the seasons change.