Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much? Shedding Seasons, Causes & Natural Solutions

We’ve all been there. Your couch? Covered in fur. Your clothes? Covered in fur. Lint brush in hand, giving your dog some side eye, you might be asking: Why is my dog shedding so much?

Reassuringly, most of the time your dog’s shedding is completely normal. Shedding is part of the way your dog’s coat is naturally maintained, it's dropping the dead or damaged hair so a fresh, healthy coat can grow in its place.

That said, there’s a difference between the usual seasonal coat sheds versus an underlying skin or health issue that could be affecting your dog, causing them to shed more than normal. In this guide, we’ll help break down the basics of dog shedding, like when your dog’s shedding naturally peaks, which breeds shed the most, what warning signs to watch for to catch a real issue, and how to keep your dog's coat healthy and skin comfortable from the inside out.

What Is Dog Shedding And Why Does It Happen?

Basically, shedding is how your dog’s body continuously drops hair to make room for new growth. A number of factors can affect how much your dog sheds, including seasonal changes and genetics.

Your dog’s hair grows and sheds on a four-stage cycle:

• Anagen Phase: The active growth phase where new hair shoots out of the follicle.

• Catagen Phase: The regression phase where growth stops and the hair shaft attaches to the root.

• Telogen Phase: The resting phase where the hair stays in place while new hair begins forming underneath.

• Exogen Phase: The final shedding phase where old hair falls out so the new strand can break through.

While many pet parents assume the change in temperature is the only thing that triggers their dog’s shedding during ‘dog shedding season’, the primary trigger for their coat shedding is actually known as photoperiod, basically it’s the length of daylight hours in a day. As daylight lengthens in the spring and shortens in the fall, tiny light sensors in your dog’s eyes notify the pineal gland. This hormone signal tells the body it is time to transition between growth and shedding phases.

When Does A Dog Shed The Most?

If you’re wondering when do dogs shed the most, the answer usually comes down to whether your dog has a single coat or a double coat. Single-coated dogs (think short coat breeds like Boxers, curly coat breeds like Poodles, or long silky coat breeds like Shih Tzus) have an extended growth phase and shed continuously at a low level. Double-coated dogs (like Huskies, Shepherds and Retriever breeds) go through dramatic, bi-annual sheds, commonly known as "coat blowing."

If you’re not sure whether your dog has a double coat, part your dog’s fur, if they’re double coated, you’ll see two layers: a soft, downy undercoat underneath and a longer, more coarse outer layer that usually repels water and dirt.

Spring Shedding (March–June)

As daylight hours increase in the spring, your dog will likely drop its heavy, insulating winter undercoat, to prepare for the incoming warmer weather. This is usually the heaviest shed of the year for double coated dogs. During these months, you may pull away entire handfuls of soft, downy fur. Tip: Shed dog fur makes great material for bird nests in the Spring!

Fall Shedding (September–November)

While the days become shorter in autumn, your dog will likely start to shed their lighter summer coat. That’s to make room for their denser winter undercoat to grow in, shielding them from the coming colder temps.

Year-Round Dog Shedding

If it feels like your dog never stops dropping hair, no matter the season, an indoor lifestyle might be the reason. Amid indoor lighting and climate-controlled homes, your dog’s internal biological clock may be mixed up. Because their light exposure and temperature remain pretty constant, many house dogs shed at a steady pace all year.

Which Dog Breeds Shed The Most?

Some dogs shed barely enough to fill a lint roller, while others can give your couch its own coat in minutes. Let’s go over some breeds who are heavy shedders and breeds who are more low-shedding.

Heavy Shedders: Double-Coated Breeds

Double-coated breeds are the heaviest shedders, and there are many of them. Some of the most common include:

• German Shepherd: Lovingly nicknamed "German Shedders" for good reason, this double-coated breed will drop fur year-round, with massive spring and fall sheds.

• Siberian Husky: At home in freezing climates, Huskies blow their entire undercoat twice a year in massive sheds.

• Golden Retriever: Their dense water-repellent double coat drops steady amounts of fur every week.

• Labrador Retriever: Short hair doesn't mean low shed! Labs have dense undercoats that shed year round, and also blow their coat twice a year in the spring and fall.

Other notable heavy shedders include Bernese Mountain Dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Australian Shepherds, and Akitas, among many others. If your breed has a dense undercoat, heavy shedding comes with the territory.

Low-Shedding Breeds: What "Hypoallergenic" Really Means

Breeds like Poodles, Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises are frequently touted as hypoallergenic. In reality, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, because dander and saliva cause allergies, it’s not just their fur. The hypoallergenic label is more about their low shedding, these breeds are considered to be better for allergy sufferers, as there’s less dander in the air or around the home. However, because these breeds have hair that grows continuously with a very long Anagen phase, loose hairs get trapped in their long or curly coats, requiring routine grooming and clipping.

When Do Puppies Start Shedding Their Puppy Coat?

If you're a new puppy parent, you might be wondering what to expect as they grow, so when do puppies lose their puppy coat?

Puppies are born with a soft layer of fine fur before their adult coat comes in, to help them regulate their body temperature in their early life. Then, when they’re between 4 to 6 months most puppies begin shedding this puppy coat. For breeds with long hair, or heavier shedding double-coated breeds, this transition can take up to a full year.

As they transition from their puppy coat, you might notice changes in their coat texture, density, or even color as their stiffer, weather-resistant adult coat takes over. It's totally normal for puppies to look a little scruffy or patchy during this phase!

Other Reasons Dogs Shed: Beyond Dog Shedding Season

What if your dog is shedding more than usual, outside of their spring and fall seasonal sheds? Or what if your dog’s coat is suddenly becoming patchy? When sudden hair loss happens, it's often a sign that something internal is off, whether that's your dog’s skin, gut health, immune function, hormones, or diet.

Figuring out what’s causing your dog’s excessive shedding or coat and skin issues often starts with understanding your pet’s sensitivities. Here are some common causes for excessive dog shedding, beyond dog shedding season:

• Seasonal & Environmental Triggers: Food sensitivities or allergy season can cause itchy, inflamed skin. When a dog scratches, bites, or licks constantly, they can also physically pull healthy hair out of the follicles.

• Stress-Related Shedding: Stress, whether it’s vet visits, thunderstorms, moving to a new home, or separation anxiety, stress can trigger an increase in adrenaline and cortisol. This sudden hormonal jump can upset the hair cycle, your dog’s coat can shift prematurely into the shedding phase, bringing about a sudden "stress shed."

• Nutritional Deficiencies & Poor Diet: Hair is made almost entirely of protein. If your dog's diet is lacking in premium proteins, or essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), it can cause hair to break easily and shed ahead of schedule.

• Hormonal Changes and Foundational Health: Thyroid imbalances, adrenal issues, or hormonal shifts following spaying or neutering can cause widespread thinning of the coat.

• Parasites (Fleas, Mites, Lice): Mites or fleas biting your dog's skin can trigger intense itching and localized hair loss, often accompanied by red bumps or scabs.

• Age: As dogs age and become seniors, their skin thins, their hair growth slows down, and their coat may become sparser.

What Does Abnormal Dog Shedding Look Like?

Normal shedding happens evenly across the body, and the skin underneath looks clean and healthy. When something else is going on, the signs are usually pretty visible if you know what to look for.

If you’re concerned about excessive dog shedding or abnormal hair loss, there are usually warning signs that can help you spot skin or coat issues:

• Bald patches or uneven, patchy hair loss
• Red, raw, inflamed, or darkened skin
• Scabs, crusts, or hot spots
• Constant, obsessive scratching, biting, or head-shaking
• Dull, dry, brittle fur that snaps easily
• A strong, unpleasant, or yeast-like odor coming from the skin

How To Reduce Dog Shedding: Natural Management Tips

While you can’t eliminate shedding entirely (it's a healthy bodily function!), there are some tips to help you manage the mess while keeping your dog's skin comfortable and balanced.

Regular Grooming

Brushing helps remove loose, dead hair before it gets dropped all over your house and furniture. Double-coated breeds benefit immensely from undercoat rakes and slicker brushes during peak spring shedding. Single-coated or smooth-haired dogs do best with a rubber curry brush, which massages the skin and stimulates natural oils to keep their coat silky and healthy.

Bathing and Topical Skin Care

Bathing helps loosen trapped fur, but over-washing with harsh, synthetic detergents strips essential protective oils, causing dry, itchy skin that sheds more. Stick to gentle, plant-based shampoos like Replenish, that respect your dog’s delicate skin microbiome. You can also include our all natural Restore groom spray in your dog’s grooming routine, to keep their skin and coat refreshed and smelling great between baths.

Diet and Nutrition

Look for fresh, minimally processed diets rich in complete proteins. Highly processed kibble with fillers simply doesn't provide the nutritional foundation healthy skin and fur depend on. Adding bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids like wild-caught fish oil or hemp seed oil nourishes the skin's lipid barrier from the inside out.

Gut health matters here too since a dog that isn't absorbing nutrients properly won't show the benefits of even a great diet in their coat. MycoDog Digest supports digestive function and microbiome balance, which is worth considering for dogs whose coat issues seem to track alongside digestive sensitivity.

Supporting Inflammatory & Immune Balance

Supporting the skin from the inside out makes a world of difference for dogs suffering from itchy, dry, or sensitive skin. Incorporating CBD into your dog’s routine offers gentle, holistic support in support of a balanced immune response and healthy skin & coat.

For dogs suffering from allergy season, or needing inflammatory & immune system support, integrating a high-quality CBD oil for itchy skin into their daily routine supports overall skin comfort and a balanced inflammatory response, something many pet parents find makes a noticeable difference during allergy season.

For targeted topical relief, especially on irritated or inflamed skin caused by excessive scratching, applying a natural, plant-based CBD salve for skin irritation provides topical relief where your dog needs it most.

When To Visit The Vet?

While dog shedding is completely natural, sudden or excessive hair loss or unexplained dog shedding should never be ignored if accompanied by other signs of distress. Check in with your holistic veterinarian if you observe:

• Hair falling out in distinct clumps, leaving completely bare skin
• Open sores, bleeding, or signs of secondary skin infections
• Lethargy, appetite changes, or unexplained weight gain/loss
• Licking or chewing at one specific spot until it becomes raw

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a dog shed the most?

Most dogs shed the most during seasonal shifts in late spring (March to June) and fall (September to November). Spring shedding is typically the heaviest as dogs blow their dense winter undercoat.

Do all dogs shed?

Virtually all dogs shed to some degree. Even low-shedding or hypoallergenic breeds drop dander and trapped hair, though their shedding is significantly less noticeable than double-coated breeds.

What month do dogs shed the most?

The heaviest shedding months are typically May and June (as dogs shed winter coats for summer) and October and November (as they transition to winter coats).

Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?

A sudden surge in shedding can originate from seasonal changes, high-stress events, environmental triggers, changes in diet and nutrition, parasites, or an underlying hormonal imbalance.

How long does shedding season last for dogs?

A typical seasonal blowing of the coat lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the breed, outdoor exposure, and routine grooming frequency.

Can stress cause a dog to shed more?

Yes. High stress can trigger adrenaline spikes that force hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely, causing a fast, temporary release of fur commonly known as a "stress shed."

What can I give my dog to stop excessive shedding?

You cannot and should not stop your dog’s natural shedding as it’s an important biological process. However, supplying essential Omega-3 fatty acids, feeding clean protein, and supporting skin barrier health with all natural CBD, mushrooms and adaptogens can naturally support your dog’s health and help manage excessive hair loss caused by allergy season, gut health or immune imbalance.

What is a normal amount of shedding?

The amount your dog sheds will depend on your dog’s breed, some breeds like German Shepherds are heavy shedders, and other breeds like poodles are low shedding. Signs of normal shedding is hair coming off evenly across the body while the underlying skin is light, clean, smooth, and free of redness, bald spots, or scabs.

Why do some dogs shed more than others?

Shedding volume is governed primarily by genetics and coat type. Double-coated, cold-weather breeds possess significantly more follicles per square inch than single-coated breeds.

Do puppies shed?

Yes, puppies shed, though their initial puppy coat drops very lightly compared to adult coats.

When do puppies lose their puppy coat?

Puppies usually lose their soft baby coat between 4 and 6 months of age, though larger or long-haired breeds may take up to 12 months to complete the transition to their adult coat.

Why do puppies shed their coat?

Puppies shed their soft, insulating birth fur to make space for a thicker, coarser, weather-resistant adult coat meant for adult temperature regulation.

When is shedding season for dogs?

Shedding season occurs twice a year: spring (shifting to a light summer coat) and autumn (shifting to a heavier winter undercoat).

Do dogs shed more in the summer?

While some dogs drop fur heavily in late spring to prepare for summer, summer shedding itself is usually lighter than the dramatic spring coat blowout.

What causes excessive shedding in dogs?

Excessive shedding is commonly triggered by environmental allergens, poor nutrition, stress, parasites, dry air, or systemic health imbalances.

What months do dogs shed the most?

May-June, and October-November consistently mark the highest-volume shedding months for outdoor and double-coated dogs.

 

 

About Angela Ardolino

 

Angela Ardolino, a certified cannabis and fungi clinician, brings over 20 years of expertise to the field of holistic pet wellness. As a graduate of the inaugural Medical Cannabis for Therapeutic Use program at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, she is a passionate advocate for safe, natural, and ethically-grown whole plant and fungi medicine tailored for pets.

Angela is the founder and formulator behind CBD Dog Health and MycoDog, two pioneering brands that prioritize pet health through carefully crafted Full Spectrum Hemp Extract CBD for dogs, cats, and horses, as well as wild-harvested, dual-extracted mushrooms and adaptogens.

Committed to the highest standards, Angela continues to educate and inspire pet parents through her popular podcast, Your Natural Dog, where she hosts experts to discuss holistic pet care, natural remedies, nutrition, and training. Follow Angela Ardolino on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to stay updated on her mission to educate and empower pet parents everywhere.