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Do you notice your dog sheds more in the summer?
You might see more loose fur flying around the house, clinging to your couch or clothes, or rolling around in clumps during warmer climates.
Does this happen more in summer, or is it a year-long thing you'll have to deal with?
Find out here!
RELATED: How to Prepare Your Dog for Summer
Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer?
Shedding is natural.
Some dogs shed more, others shed less, and others shed constantly.
All animals have things on their bodies that they naturally shed regularly. Some shed fur, others shed antlers, feathers, or even skin!
When a dog is growing hair, it goes through a cycle. The phases of pet hair growth are:
- Anagen (Growth) phase: New hair grows
- Catagen (Transition) phase: Hair reaches its full length and stops growing.
- Telogen (Resting) phase: Hair is neither growing nor being shed.
- Exogen (Shedding) phase: Hair starts to shed.
The truth is: Shedding is common at the start of any season, whether it is summer, spring, or winter.
When Summer is approaching, shedding is the dog's body's natural response to heat.
During warm weather, dogs will shed their winter coats to give way to a much lighter summer coat.
However, keep in mind that not all dogs have the same coats.
Some dog breeds shed more during seasonal changes. Then, when it's time for winter, they will transition to thicker, denser, and warmer coats.
RELATED: Double-Coated Dogs and How to Groom Them
Factors That Affect Dog Shedding
Shedding is a crucial part of a dog's skin and coat health.
Dogs must remove old, fragile, or damaged hair to stay comfortable and healthy.
There are a lot of factors that affect a dog's shedding.
Some of them are:
- dog breed
- age
- hormones
- health
- diet
- climate
- type of coat (single-coated or double-coated)
The volume of shedded fur will also depend on what coat your dog is wearing.
Single vs. Double Coat
One of the main factors that affects summer shedding is the type of hair your dog has.
Coat type can be grouped into two main categories: single and double.
Single-coated dogs have only one layer of fur. Some examples of dog breeds with single coats are the Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Yorkshire Terriers.
On the other hand, double-coated pups have two layers, a top coat and an undercoat.
Examples of dogs with double coats are the Labrador, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd.
However, other categories still take part in these two coat types.
For instance, a dog's fur can be long, short, smooth, curly, smooth, curly, and more.
Dogs that have a heavy double coat will, of course, shed more heavily than others.
Their heavy shedding will last about 2-4 weeks during the spring and early summer.
On the other hand, dogs that have single-layer coats will shed less when the seasons change.
Even though summer shedding is normal and common for dogs, pet owners should still monitor their pets for excessive shedding, which can be linked to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.
RELATED: 5 of My Favorite Dog Shedding Home Remedies
Tips for Dealing With Your Dog’s Summer Shedding
Regular Brushing
Regular brushing is key to managing shedding in dogs and can help control matting.
Brushing is essential to dogs, especially heavy shedders.
If you don't brush your pup, excess fur can get trapped in the undercoat, forming knots and mats.
A lack of grooming can also lead to hair lumps that create friction on the skin, which can cause infections or hot spots.
Even though every dog is unique, they require frequent brushing to keep their fur healthy and beautiful.
Moreover, brushing can help maintain cleanliness around the house.
Brushing can also be a bonding time with dogs. I promise you that Fido will enjoy the attention.
Choose the right kind of brush
You'll need to find the right grooming tools to groom your pup effectively.
Choosing the right dog brush will help make the grooming experience more enjoyable for both of you.
Using the wrong brush for your dog's coat type will only cause problems such as shedding and matting.
How do you know which one is the best for your dog? Here's a quick guide to help you out.
- De-shedder Brush: The de-shedder brush reduces shedding and removes old or damaged fur. It's best to use it daily during shedding season.
- Slicker Brush: This brush is for short-haired, long-haired, double-coated, hypoallergenic, wire-haired, and curly coats. It is best for removing mats, dirt, and debris. It can also prevent knots and tangles and can even be used for massaging.
- Bristle Brush: This brush is best for removing dirt and debris from the coats of short-haired, long-haired, hypoallergenic, and curly dogs.
- Tick and Flea Brush: For all types of dog coats to remove ticks, fleas, and their eggs. It can also help remove these parasites in their larval stage or when they are not easily visible to the naked eye.
- Pin Brush: Best for daily brushing, removing tiny knots and mats, freeing tangles, and massaging.
- Double-sided Brush: This brush is for short, long, double-coated, hypoallergenic, wire-haired, and curly coats. It is great for removing mats, dirt, and debris, and can prevent knots and tangles.
RELATED: Best Brushes for Shih Tzus: Shih Tzu Grooming Tools 101
Use a Pet-Friendly Vacuum Cleaner
Fortunately, vacuum cleaners are now specifically designed for homes with pets.
For instance, you can check out the Shark Navigator Professional Dog Hair Vacuum.
This vacuum features an innovative anti-allergen technology that can suck up almost all dirt and allergens.
If you have a family member who is allergic or sensitive to fur and other allergens, this vacuum is the best.
You can also check out our other top picks that could be more affordable in the article below!
RELATED: 35 Best Vacuums for Dog Hair
Proper Diet
As a new pet owner, you should know that the dog's diet can also affect its coat.
That's why it's important to know the right diet and provide high-quality dog foods for their health and their coat's health.
If you feed them the wrong diet and low-quality foods, their coat will be dull and broken, and you'll see plenty of dead hair and matting.
Protein is a must to maintain A dog's coat's health.
You might also consider giving them Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which can help protect their skin.
Fatty acids, such as fish oils, can help their coat maintain health and shine by moisturizing and preventing dry skin.
Fatty acids can also work as an anti-inflammatory supplement, which is a win-win for dogs suffering from inflamed skin and joints.
However, if you want to introduce a new diet to your dog, it's best advised to consult with a vet first.
RELATED: TOP #71: How Diet Affects Your Dog's Skin and Coat
Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer: FAQs
Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?
Pet owners must carefully determine whether their dog is experiencing seasonal or excessive shedding.
Low-quality dog food, the wrong shampoo, parasites, stress, and other underlying health issues can cause excessive shedding.
How often should I brush my dog?
Short-haired dogs should be brushed at least once a week.
On the other hand, daily brushing is recommended for medium, long-haired, and double-coated dogs.
How long does dog shedding last?
Expect your dog to shed heavily for about 2-4 weeks each season. However, it also depends on the breed or your dog's coat type.
If you notice that your dog is shedding excessive fur, look for skin irritations or behavior changes, and consult your vet immediately.
Do Dogs Shed More in the Summer? Before You Go…
During summer shedding, dogs lose their weak and old hair to transition to a much lighter coat.
This is their body's response to the hot weather!
So before summer officially starts, it's better to start your daily or weekly brushing session with your pup to prevent or lessen the shedded fur flying around the house!
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