For most dogs, shedding twice a year is a perfectly normal part of their routine, primarily characterized by increased shedding of the undercoat in spring and autumn. However, many pet owners find it difficult to assess how much hair loss is still normal and when it might indicate a skin condition, hormonal imbalance, or metabolic disorder. As the medical director of a small animal practice, I regularly see dogs in my consultations whose coats are becoming thinner, duller, or patchy, without their owners having noticed the transition between harmless shedding and a problem requiring treatment. In this article, I explain the causes of seasonal shedding, how long it lasts, and what simple measures you can take to effectively support your dog's skin during this time.

What biologically triggers a dog's shedding process

A dog's shedding cycle is primarily controlled by day length, not by the outside temperature. The body registers changes in brightness throughout the year via the retina and adjusts its hormone levels accordingly, particularly the release of melatonin. In dogs with a dense undercoat, such as German Shepherds, Huskies, or Labradors, this process is especially noticeable in spring and autumn. Breeds with continuously growing hair, such as Poodles or Maltese, do not have a pronounced shedding cycle and lose very little fur year-round. Basic information on normal skin and coat physiology in dogs can also be found in [reference missing]. Merck Veterinary Manual.

Individual factors also play a role. Castration, age, posture Excessive artificial light or keeping dogs exclusively indoors can disrupt or weaken their natural shedding rhythm. Dogs that live predominantly indoors sometimes shed their fur almost continuously, albeit in smaller amounts, because they lack the seasonal light cues. Nutritional status and overall health also influence how completely and quickly the old coat is replaced by new hair. From my years working at the small animal clinic in Cologne, I know how much this process can vary from dog to dog, even within the same breed.

How a normal shedding season manifests itself in everyday life

A normal shedding period typically lasts four to six weeks and is characterized by significantly increased hair loss when brushed, on clothing, and on upholstery. The skin underneath remains unirritated; there is no itching, redness, or odor. The dog remains lively, eats normally, and shows no excessive scratching or licking. In my experience, typical signs of an uncomplicated shedding period include:

• Increased but steady shedding of the undercoat over several weeks
• no bald or sparse areas with visible skin
• shiny, regrowing guard hairs beneath the shedding fur
• unchanged appetite, unchanged activity level
• no accompanying skin changes such as pustules, scales or redness

When a dog's shedding should be checked by a veterinarian

It becomes critical when normal shedding turns into excessive, irregular hair loss or hair loss accompanied by skin changes. Bald patches, symmetrical hair loss on the flanks or back, severe itching, dandruff, pustules, or an unusual odor are warning signs. Such symptoms can indicate hormonal imbalances such as... Hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome These symptoms can indicate ectoparasites, fungal infections, or food allergies. Extensive specialist literature exists on hypothyroidism in dogs, including in the... PubMed database of the US health authorities, which summarizes the current state of research.

In my practice, I regularly see dogs whose owners only notice the transition from seasonal shedding to a skin problem requiring treatment quite late, because both coincide. A reliable diagnosis based on photos or descriptions is not possible in such cases. If hair loss persists for more than six to eight weeks, skin changes appear, or the dog scratches excessively, it should be brought to the vet so that the actual cause can be determined.

How we examine a dog's shedding in practice

It always starts with a detailed medical history: How long has the hair loss been present, is there itching, what is the diet, what pre-existing conditions are known. This is followed by the clinical examination of the skin, This is often supplemented by a skin scraping to rule out mites, a trichogram to assess the hair roots, and, if a fungal infection is suspected, a fungal culture. If there are indications of a hormonal cause, we also order a blood test to check thyroid levels. My expertise in these matters stems from my veterinary medicine studies in Leipzig and from the part-time Master of Small Animal Science at the Free University of Berlin, which I completed with Focus on dermatology and endocrinology I have completed.

Through my membership in the German Veterinary Medical Society, I also stay up-to-date on current guidelines for the diagnosis of skin and hormonal diseases, which are also relevant for classifying unusual shedding in dogs. Only with this combination of medical history, clinical findings, and targeted laboratory diagnostics can it be reliably determined whether a dog is undergoing a normal seasonal shedding or whether an independent disease is present.

Which treatment is suitable for a disrupted shedding process?

Possible cause	Typical signs	Diagnostic procedure
Hypothyroidism	Symmetrical hair loss, weight gain, lethargy	Blood test with thyroid hormones
Cushing's syndrome	Increased thirst, thin skin, hair loss on the torso	Hormone tests, imaging procedures
ectoparasites	Itching, scratch marks, small scabs	Skin scraping, coat inspection
Food allergy	Itching, recurring skin inflammation	Elimination diet, medical history
Fungal infection	Round, hairless foci, scaling	Mushroom culture, examination with UV lamp

Treatment always focuses on the underlying cause and not on the shedding itself, which is a natural process and does not need to be stopped with medication. Hormonal disorders often require long-term medication, while parasite infestations usually only require targeted antiparasitic treatment, and food allergies necessitate a strict elimination diet. It is important to be honest about the effort and costs involved in such investigations: blood tests and further diagnostic procedures do incur costs, but these are worthwhile because they allow for targeted treatment rather than just symptomatic relief.

Dog shedding: How to support the skin at home

Even though shedding itself isn't an illness, you can actively support your dog's skin during this time. Regular brushing removes loose undercoat, prevents matting, and stimulates blood circulation in the skin. A balanced diet with sufficient protein and essential fatty acids supports the development of new hair structure, which is also important for... WSAVA dietary guidelines General advice: Bathing too frequently with unsuitable shampoos should be avoided, as it puts additional strain on the skin barrier.

• Daily or several times a week brushing with a suitable shedding brush
• balanced diet with sufficient omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• mild, dermatologically tested shampoos instead of frequent baths
• Sufficient exercise in the fresh air to stimulate the metabolism
• Observe the skin for redness, scaling, or bald patches.

Prevention and long-term support during your dog's shedding season

Completely preventing shedding is neither possible nor advisable, as it is a natural, hormonally controlled process. Instead, it is beneficial to maintain generally healthy skin: regular grooming, a stable diet without frequent changes, and up-to-date parasite protection make the transition easier for the body. In the Laser Medicine Working Group of the German Society for Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (DGK-DVG), I am involved, among other things, in the study of physical therapies that can be used to support the treatment of irritated skin, for example, after excessive scratching during a disrupted shedding process.

Regular check-ups also help to detect hormonal changes early, before they become clearly visible in the coat. Especially with older dogs or breeds known to be prone to thyroid disorders, I recommend using the annual health check to also include a brief skin and coat assessment. This allows you to reliably distinguish between a harmless, seasonal shedding and an emerging skin problem requiring treatment, without you, the owner, having to constantly worry. When in doubt, always remember: a personal examination at the vet's office is no substitute for a remote assessment and protects your dog from unnecessary stress as well as from overlooked illnesses.

Frequently asked questions about dog shedding

How long exactly does a dog's shedding process last in spring and autumn?

A normal shedding period for dogs typically lasts four to six weeks, with noticeably less hair loss at the beginning and end of the phase than in the middle. The duration of the process in each individual case depends on breed, coat type, age, and living conditions. Dogs with a dense undercoat often take a little longer because more dead hair needs to be combed out before the new coat has fully grown in.

There are definite differences between spring and autumn shedding. In spring, the dense winter undercoat is shed, a process that is often more intense and visible because more guard hairs are lost at the same time. In contrast, the autumn shedding prepares the dog for the cold season; here, primarily new undercoat grows back, while the visible shedding is usually less noticeable. Both phases can be delayed by a few weeks if the home is heated year-round or if the dog spends a lot of time in artificial light, as a lack of natural daylight signals can affect the hormonally controlled rhythm.

In my practice, I frequently observe that two dogs of the same breed and age go through their shedding cycle at different speeds, often depending on how regularly they are brushed and the overall health of their skin. If they aren't adequately supported, the process can appear prolonged because dead hair remains trapped in the undercoat.

If visible hair loss persists for more than eight weeks, or if skin changes, itching, or bald patches occur, it is no longer a simple seasonal occurrence. In such cases, I recommend taking the dog to the veterinarian to rule out hormonal or dermatological causes, rather than simply waiting longer.

Can I support my dog's shedding process with special food or supplements?

A balanced, high-quality complete food with sufficient high-quality protein and a sensible ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids provides the building blocks the body needs to grow a new coat. For dogs already fed a complete diet, additional supplementation during shedding is usually unnecessary, but can be beneficial for dull or brittle hair, for example in the form of fatty acid supplements or biotin, always after consulting a veterinarian.

High-quality animal protein sources are particularly important, as hair keratin consists primarily of amino acids, and a deficiency can directly affect coat quality and growth rate. Zinc and B vitamins also play a role in healthy skin and coat structure, but are generally already sufficiently present in a complete and balanced diet. Those who feed their dogs a raw diet or cook for themselves should pay particular attention to a balanced recipe, as deficiencies are more likely to occur than with commercially produced complete feeds that are tailored to the dog's needs.

From my experience, I know that many pet owners resort to several supplements simultaneously during this time, even when there is no actual deficiency. This isn't inherently harmful, but it's an unnecessary expense and doesn't replace a proper examination if hair loss exceeds the normal level. It's more sensible to first check the basic diet before using additional supplements.

It's also important to understand that dietary supplements cannot correct a genuinely disrupted coat shedding process, such as one caused by hypothyroidism. If the coat remains dull, thin, or patchy despite good nutrition, a veterinary examination should be conducted to determine the underlying cause, rather than relying solely on supplements.

Why does my dog shed constantly, even outside of the typical shedding seasons?

Continuous shedding without pronounced seasonal peaks particularly affects dogs that live predominantly indoors in heated rooms with artificial light. They lack the natural light cues that would otherwise stimulate their bodies to shed in a concentrated, time-limited manner. The result is a consistent, but usually less pronounced, shedding pattern throughout the year, which in itself is not a sign of illness.

Breed also plays a role. Dogs with a single coat and no pronounced undercoat, such as poodles or Maltese, don't naturally exhibit a classic seasonal shedding pattern, but rather shed individual hairs continuously throughout the year, similar to humans. In contrast, continuous shedding is atypical for double-coated breeds like German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers and should be considered more indicative of a problem with their living conditions or health than in breeds that don't exhibit a pronounced seasonal pattern anyway.

Besides the way the animal is kept, underlying health issues can also be the cause of persistent hair loss, such as food intolerances, parasite infestations, stress, or hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism. In my consultations, I specifically ask about accompanying symptoms like itching, weight changes, or skin changes in such cases, because these indicators are often more important than the sheer amount of hair falling out.

If hair loss increases noticeably, bald patches appear, or the coat changes from shiny to dull, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable. Only a physical examination, possibly supplemented by a skin scraping or blood test, can reliably determine whether the cause is harmless due to poor husbandry or an illness requiring treatment.

Should I bathe my dog more often during shedding season?

Frequent bathing is generally unnecessary during shedding season and can even further irritate the skin, as many shampoos disrupt the natural oils and dry out the skin. Regular, thorough brushing with a suitable tool, such as an undercoat comb or a special brush that removes dead undercoat without irritating the skin, is more beneficial. This noticeably reduces the amount of hair in the home and simultaneously promotes the growth of a new coat.

As a general guideline, a healthy dog without skin conditions usually only needs to be bathed every six to eight weeks, regardless of whether it's shedding season or not. The water temperature is also important; it should be lukewarm and not too hot. Thorough drying with a hairdryer on a low setting is essential, especially for dogs with a dense undercoat, to prevent the skin from remaining damp and causing irritation.

If a bath is desired or necessary, for example after heavy soiling, I recommend a mild shampoo suitable for dogs and sufficient time for thorough rinsing to ensure no residue irritates the skin. In my experience, frequent bathing, especially with unsuitable products, tends to lead to dry, flaky skin rather than a faster or cleaner shedding.

If the skin appears red, flaky, or has an unusual odor after bathing, this should be investigated, as it could indicate the beginning of skin irritation or an intolerance to the grooming product used. In such cases, it is more advisable to rely on mechanical grooming and reduce bathing to the bare minimum.

What can I do if my dog scratches excessively during shedding season?

Mild, occasional itching can occur during shedding season when dead undercoat mechanically irritates the skin, but it should always be brief and without visible skin changes. Persistent or severe itching, on the other hand, is not a typical sign of normal shedding and should be taken seriously, as it can indicate parasites, allergies, or skin diseases that simply coincide with the shedding period.

Before your appointment, you can observe and document a few things yourself that will facilitate the diagnosis. Check your pet's fur with a flea comb for black specks or live parasites, note whether the itching is particularly intense in certain areas such as the paws, ears, or belly, and make a note of any recent changes to the food or environment. Such observations are often more helpful to me during the examination than a general description of increased scratching.

In my practice, I frequently see dogs whose owners initially attribute the itching to shedding, while examination reveals flea infestation, the onset of a food allergy, or dry, irritated skin as the actual cause. A thorough examination, including skin scrapings or a trichogram, helps to differentiate such causes from a harmless shedding season.

If your dog scratches, licks, or nibbles unusually often over several days, especially if redness, pustules, or bald patches develop, you should take him to the vet. A reliable diagnosis based solely on this description is not possible, as the causes mentioned can have very similar outward appearances.

Dog shedding season: the most important information at a glance

In the vast majority of cases, a dog's shedding cycle is a natural, twice-yearly process controlled by day length and requiring no treatment. Spring and autumn are the typical periods when the undercoat is shed more frequently and replaced by new hair. Breeds with a dense undercoat exhibit shedding particularly noticeably, while dogs with continuously growing hair are hardly affected. Indoor living, artificial light, neutering/spaying, and age can disrupt the usual rhythm, but this is not necessarily a sign of illness. Understanding these biological factors is crucial for correctly interpreting a dog's shedding cycle and avoiding premature alarm.

In my practice, I regularly see dogs whose owners are worried because their dog's shedding is suddenly heavier than in previous years. From my years working at the small animal clinic in Cologne, I know that such fluctuations are often related to age, living conditions, or hormonal status and are not necessarily indicative of illness. Looking at the dog's overall condition, especially its appetite, activity level, and skin health, helps me to distinguish shedding from a more serious underlying problem.

A normal shedding period in dogs lasts about four to six weeks and is characterized by consistent hair loss without any irritation, redness, or itching of the underlying skin. The dog behaves completely normally, eats as usual, and shows no changes in behavior. This overall lack of noticeable symptoms is the most important distinguishing feature between a harmless shedding period and a skin problem requiring treatment. Owners who regularly brush their dogs and keep an eye on their skin usually recognize any abnormalities early on and can accurately assess the progress of the process.

The shedding of a dog's coat in spring ensures that the dense winter undercoat is shed, making room for a lighter summer coat. In autumn, the shedding process prepares the dog for the cold season by producing a new, denser undercoat. Both phases are physiologically necessary and should not be suppressed, for example by frequent shearing, as this can impair the coat's natural insulating function.

Age also influences a dog's shedding: puppies go through a pronounced shedding period when their soft puppy coat is replaced by their denser adult coat, while older dogs often shed less frequently but over a longer period. These age-related differences are normal and should not worry owners.

Warning signs that require investigation

As soon as a dog's normal shedding process is marred by bald patches, symmetrical hair loss, severe itching, dandruff, or an unusual odor, it is no longer a purely seasonal occurrence. Such symptoms can indicate hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, but can also be caused by parasites, fungal infections, or food allergies. Since these causes often coincide with the dog's seasonal shedding, owners frequently don't recognize the change until it's too late. A remote diagnosis based on photos or descriptions is not reliable in such situations and does not replace a veterinary examination.

As a general guideline, a dog's shedding period that lasts longer than six to eight weeks or is accompanied by skin changes should be examined by a veterinarian. Increased scratching, a change in activity level, or weight changes are also reasons to take the dog to the vet. This clear guideline helps owners distinguish between normal waiting and necessary action, without every instance of increased hair loss immediately causing concern.

From my work in the Laser Medicine Working Group of the DGK-DVG (German Society for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine), I am also familiar with situations where a dog's unusual shedding was initially mistaken for a purely skin problem. Only careful observation over several weeks revealed that the actual shedding could be clearly distinguished from the accompanying skin condition. Such experiences continually reaffirm for me how important careful differentiation is.

Diagnostics and classification in practice

In practice, the evaluation of unusual shedding in dogs always begins with a thorough medical history and a clinical examination of the skin. Depending on the findings, this may be followed by skin scrapings, trichograms, fungal cultures, or blood tests including thyroid function tests. Only this combination of medical history, clinical presentation, and targeted laboratory diagnostics allows for a reliable differentiation between normal shedding and an underlying medical condition. My professional foundation for this stems from my studies in Leipzig, my Master of Small Animal Science in Berlin, and ongoing continuing education, which also covers dermatological and endocrinological issues.

My experience as medical director of the doc4pets group has repeatedly shown that dog owners who carefully observe their dog's shedding over several years are particularly reliable at noticing deviations and therefore seeking veterinary care early on. This experience significantly facilitates diagnosis, as valuable preliminary information about the process is available.

In practical terms, this means that not every instance of increased hair loss is cause for concern, but any deviation from the usual pattern deserves attention. A dog's normal shedding process can be easily managed at home, while atypical shedding patterns require professional evaluation. This distinction protects both dogs from unnecessary distress and owners from unfounded worry.

Additionally, I recommend supporting your dog's shedding process with regular brushing and a balanced, needs-based diet, as good nutrition promotes healthy skin and coat. However, any change in diet or supplementation should not be done without consulting a veterinarian, as unnecessary supplements can be costly without proven benefits for your dog's shedding.

Even with questions about a dog's shedding that are brought to us by phone or email, I, as a veterinarian, cannot make a reliable diagnosis remotely. Only a personal examination allows for a safe assessment of whether the shedding is normal or requires treatment.

In summary, shedding in dogs is a natural, usually uncomplicated process controlled by light and hormones, typically lasting a few weeks. It's crucial for owners to understand the difference between normal and unusual shedding and not to wait too long if warning signs appear. If bald patches, itching, dandruff, or changes in behavior occur during shedding, the dog should be seen at the veterinary clinic so the exact cause can be determined. For most dogs, shedding remains a straightforward, seasonal event, but anyone who still has concerns is welcome to visit our practice.