Why Does My Dog Shed So Much Fur?
Written By Olivia De Santos | Canine Coach, Professional Writer & Video Content Creator.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | Double B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 5th February 2024
If you're a dog owner, you're no stranger to finding fluffy tumbleweeds of fur around your home. I had the pleasure of raising a double-coated German Shepherd a few years ago that had human-sized clouds of fur following him at all times. His shed fur was so monumental, that I’m sure it would’ve gained sentience if left to its own devices.
Dog shedding is a common and sometimes perplexing issue that many dog parents face. So if you’re wondering "Why does my dog shed so much fur?" you’re in the right place!
In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the world of shedding, exploring the reasons why it happens and how to manage it. Let’s dive in.
10 Reasons Why Your Dog Sheds So Much Fur
So let’s cut to the chase. Why is your dog expelling so much hair all over the place? Here are the ten common reasons:
Related: Dogs That Don't Shed.
1. It's genetic
So shedding is pretty normal for dogs across the board. But some breeds are heavier shedders than others:
These breeds are notorious for their excessive shedding.
It’s even worse if your dog has a double coat.
“These two layers help to insulate the dog against cold weather, and they even cool the dog in hot weather by trapping cool air close to the skin.” – Jackie Brown for The Spruce Pets (1)
Surprisingly, double coats have a waterproof effect too. These dogs were bred to withstand harsh winter conditions.
On the other hand, some breeds are known for being low-shedding or “hypoallergenic”:
These breeds tend to shed less. Even the fluffy seeming ones like Afghans and Portuguese Water Dogs. (2)
FUN FACT: A “hypoallergenic dog” is a complete myth. Even dogs with no fur at all can cause allergies as allergens are usually secreted through the skin and saliva. If your dog has skin, they can cause allergies! (3)
2. The seasons are changing
Summers with my German Shepherd were absolute chaos. The tumbleweeds multiplied with every climbing degree of heat.
Just like how the leaves change colours and fall in autumn, many dogs go through seasonal shedding cycles.
Related: Do Dogs Have Hair or Fur?
And not just the double-coated pup! Most dogs shed their coat to adapt to the changing weather.
They'll lose their thicker winter coat to make way for a lighter summer coat, and vice versa. This is a natural process that helps your pup stay comfortable throughout the year.
The amount of shedding during these seasonal transitions can vary, but don't be alarmed if your dog appears to be shedding more during the spring and summer months.
It's entirely normal (albeit more cleanup for you!).
3. Your dog has an underlying health condition
If there’s been a dramatic change in how much your dog is shedding, it could indicate that your dog is suffering from an underlying health condition. (4)
Common health conditions that cause shedding include:
If you suspect your dog has a health problem, consult with your veterinarian.
4. Your dog is stressed
Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety.
This can lead to excessive shedding as a physical response to stress.
Changes in routine, new environments, or separation anxiety are common triggers.
If you suspect stress is causing your dog's excessive shedding, it should pass when things in their environment settle down. So provide a stable, loving home with a consistent routine and it should get better over time.
5. Your dog needs grooming (or is being groomed too much)
Regular brushing not only keeps your dog's coat healthy but also helps remove loose fur.
The type of brush you use should be chosen based on your dog's coat type. As a quick guide:
During shedding seasons, it's a good idea to increase the frequency of brushing to stay on top of loose fur. Just remember excessive brushing or using the wrong tools can irritate your dog's skin and cause more shedding.
6. You need to bath your dog (and maybe switch their shampoo)
Bathing can be a gamechanger.
Using a quality dog shampoo designed to nourish the skin and coat can help reduce shedding. That said, if you bathe your pup too much, their skin can dry out, leading to more shedding.
So it’s important to get the balance right for their breed grooming needs.
7. The environment is impacting your dog
Humidity levels, temperature, and air quality can all play a role in how much your pooch sheds.
Dry and hot environments may lead to increased shedding.
Ensuring your home has comfortable humidity levels and good ventilation can help mitigate excessive shedding.
8. Your dog needs a healthier diet
A well-balanced diet can significantly impact your dog's coat and shedding.
Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can improve coat quality and reduce shedding. But you don’t need a gourmet meal. There are plenty of high-quality dog foods that take care of that stuff for you.
If your dog's diet lacks essential nutrients, their skin and coat may suffer, leading to more shedding.
If in doubt, consult with your vet to ensure your dog's food meets their nutritional needs.
9. Your dog may have a skin condition
Allergies and skin conditions can exacerbate shedding.
Your dog may be allergic to certain foods, environmental factors like pollen or dust, or even their bedding material.
Skin conditions, such as dermatitis or fungal infections, can also cause excessive shedding. If you suspect allergies or skin issues, consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
10. Your dog is a puppy or a senior dog
Your dog’s age can also affect shedding patterns.
Puppies often shed their baby fur and grow in their adult coats, which can result in increased shedding during this transition.
Likewise, as dogs get older, their coat quality may change, leading to more shedding.
How Can I Stop My Dog Shedding So Much?
So you’re probably wondering: how can I manage my dog’s shedding?
Here are five simple tips that will help you get on top of this hairy situation!
1. Brush your dog
Brushing your dog will help remove excess fur. The key is to choose a brush that works for your dog’s fur type. This article may help:
Related: The Best Dog Hair Brush Australia - Hair Deshedding Tool Review
2. Improve your dog’s diet
A healthy diet with all of the key proteins, vitamins and minerals they need is essential for healthy skin and fur.
3. Invest in a shedding tool
Shedding tools are brushes that specifically strip away dead hair. It looks like a little rake.
Like with any brush, you must choose the right one for your dog’s fur type.
Related: The Best Dog De-Shedder Australia.
4. Bathe your dog
Bathing your dog keeps them clean and removes dead hair. However, you don’t want to bathe your dog too much! That can cause skin irritation and increase shedding. Find the right balance.
Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? The Ultimate Guide
5. Keep your dog hydrated and cool
If your dog overheats in the summer or isn’t staying hydrated throughout the day, get creative so that your pooch drinks more water. For example, dog water fountains can be more fun than regular water bowls. Dog water bottles are also super helpful on the go.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, dog shedding is completely normal. Yes, some dog breeds shed more than others but it’s relatively rare for dogs not to shed at all – even short-haired breeds *cough cough* Corgis I’m looking at you! So while it may be frustrating to consistently leave the house with a fine coat of your dog’s fur clinging to your clothes, it’s one of those things we need to come to peace with as dog owners.
However, excessive shedding can be a sign of underlying issues, so it's essential to monitor your dog's coat and overall health. By addressing factors such as grooming, nutrition, and the environment, you can help manage and reduce the amount of fur billowing around the house.
FAQ
Shedding is not uncomfortable for dogs if it’s their typical amount. It’s much like when you find hair in your hairbrush. You don’t feel every strand of hair leave your head (please contact a doctor immediately if you do!). That said, excessive shedding to the point of leaving bald patches can be uncomfortable for your dog. Contact your vet if you notice excessive shedding as there might be an underlying health issue.
If your dog is showing bald patches or the shedding is a lot more than the usual amount, you have cause for concern. Contact a vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
References
- Brown, J. April 30, 2021. “11 Double-Coated Dog Breeds for Harsh Weather”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved October 31, 2023. https://www.thesprucepets.com/double-coated-dog-breeds-5112540
- “Best Dog Breeds for People With Allergies”. November 12, 2021. American Kennel Club. Retrieved October 31, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/hypoallergenic-dog-breeds/
- Schimelpfening, N. January 15, 2020. “Why There’s No Such Thing as a Truly Hypoallergenic Dog”. Healthline. Retrieved October 31, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/no-hypoallergenic-dogs
- Grzyb, K. February 2, 2018. “Is Your Pet’s Excessive Shedding a Sign of Illness?”. PetMD. Retrieved October 31, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/your-pets-excessive-shedding-sign-illness
