Seasonal moulting in dogs: what helps with heavy shedding?

Many dogs lose significantly more hair in spring and autumn. With the right care, you can recognise what is normal and when an examination makes sense.

The fur grows in different phases. Daylight, temperature, breed, age and living conditions influence this rhythm. Many dogs shed a lot of old hair in spring and early autumn. Dogs with a thick undercoat can lose large amounts of fur during this time, even though their skin and new coat are healthy.

Dogs that mostly live in heated rooms also shed. Due to uniform light and constant temperatures, seasonal moulting can be less clearly defined and spread over a longer period of time.

Regular brushing removes loose hair, distributes natural skin oils and helps you detect skin changes early. The brush must match the coat type. A short-haired dog needs a different tool than a dog with a thick undercoat or long, silky coat.

Brush gently in the direction of growth and do not apply strong pressure. Pulling or rushing or sharp edges can irritate the skin. Tangles should be carefully removed. If they are close to the skin, a professional dog groomer or veterinary practice is the better choice.

Bathe your dog only as often as necessary and use a dog-safe shampoo. Human shampoo can disrupt the skin barrier. After a bath, the fur must dry completely, especially if the undercoat is thick.

Natural shedding does not usually result in bald spots. Get your dog checked if you notice any of these signs:

Possible causes range from parasites and infections to allergies to hormonal or other internal diseases. The appearance of the fur alone is not enough to make a diagnosis.

A healthy coat requires sufficient energy, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. A complete food that meets your dog’s needs provides these nutrients in appropriate quantities. Additional preparations are therefore not automatically helpful.

Too much oil increases calories and can cause digestive problems. Individual vitamins and minerals can disrupt the nutrient balance if consumed in excess. If your dog has unusual coat changes or a diagnosed illness, plan any supplements with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.