Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much?

Normal reason 1: seasonal coat blowing

Many dogs replace their coat twice a year. In spring they drop the dense winter undercoat, and in fall they shed lighter hair to make room for it to grow back. The AKC notes that these sheds are driven by changes in daylight and temperature and can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. During a coat blow, hair comes out in tufts and clumps, which can look alarming but is healthy.

Indoor dogs, living with steady heating, air conditioning and artificial light, often shed more evenly all year rather than in two big bursts. A steady, even shed with healthy skin underneath is usually just your dog's normal. During a seasonal blow, brushing with a deshedding tool keeps loose hair off the furniture.

Normal reason 2: coat type and breed

Some dogs are simply built to shed. Breeds with thick double coats, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, Malamutes, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Corgis and Pomeranians, have a soft undercoat beneath their guard hairs, and that undercoat sheds heavily. The AKC notes that double-coated dogs such as Goldens tend to shed year-round, with peaks.

Short, smooth single coats on dogs such as Beagles and Pugs also shed more than people expect, because short hairs work into fabric. Curly and wiry coats, such as Poodles and Schnauzers, shed the least because loose hair stays caught in the coat.

Other common, fixable causes

A coat that is not brushed often enough lets loose hair build up and fall out all at once, so the house suddenly seems full of it. Bathing too often or with harsh products can dry the skin and coat. A diet that is not complete and balanced can lead to a dull, brittle coat and more hair loss. Stress, such as a move, boarding or a new pet, can trigger a burst of shedding.

Pregnancy, nursing and recovery from illness or surgery can also cause heavier shedding for a while afterward. Some dogs shed more after spay or neuter. These usually settle with time, good food and regular brushing. Our guide to deshedding tools explains which type suits which coat, and a dog brush suits everyday upkeep between sheds.

Medical causes to rule out

When shedding is excessive, the AKC points to health conditions including allergies, hypothyroidism and congenital coat disorders. Fleas and mites cause itching and hair loss, often over the lower back, tail base, belly and legs. Skin infections, bacterial or fungal, including ringworm, cause patchy hair loss, scaling and redness. Hormonal conditions such as an underactive thyroid or Cushing's disease can cause thinning, symmetrical hair loss with little itching.

Food and environmental allergies often show as itching, licking the paws, ear infections and red skin, with hair loss from scratching. These causes do not improve with more brushing and need treatment.

When to see your vet

Book a vet visit if you notice thinning fur or bald patches, red, sore, scabby or flaky skin, a bad smell from the skin or ears, constant scratching, licking or chewing, fleas or flea dirt, hair loss along with weight change, increased thirst or tiredness, or a sudden change in shedding that has no obvious seasonal reason. The AKC advises consulting your vet when shedding seems excessive.

Your vet may check for parasites, take skin scrapings or tape samples, culture for fungus, run blood tests for thyroid or adrenal problems, or suggest a food trial for allergies. In the meantime, keep up gentle brushing, use a mild dog shampoo, and keep your dog on flea prevention as your vet recommends.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.