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Dog Shedding Season: Why Your Dog Is Moulting and How to Reduce It
Every dog owner knows the feeling: you've just tidied the house, and somehow there's already a fresh layer of fur on the sofa. In this guide, we'll help you understand why dog moulting happens, what's normal for your breed, and how a few simple changes to your grooming routine can make a real difference to how much hair ends up everywhere but on your dog. We'll also cover the signs that heavy shedding might be worth a vet visit, so you know exactly what to look out for. Dog moulting vs normal shedding: what’s actually going on? If you've ever pulled a jumper from the wash only to find it's somehow gained a full fur lining, you already know what dog moulting season feels like. But what's actually happening when your dog sheds, and why does it sometimes seem like they're losing half their coat overnight? Shedding is completely normal for most dogs. Old or damaged hairs fall out year-round and get replaced by new growth — steady, manageable, and easy enough to keep on top of with a regular brushing routine. Dog moulting is a different beast. It's the heavier, more dramatic coat change that happens twice a year, typically in spring and autumn, as your dog's body responds to shifting daylight hours and temperatures. During a moult, they're not just dropping the odd hair. They're actively cycling out a significant portion of their coat to prepare for the season ahead. Quick note if you've been searching for "dog malting" and landed here: you're not alone. It's one of the most common misspellings going, and it means exactly the same thing. Your dog is moulting, not malting. Unless they've developed a taste for craft beer, in which case that's a separate issue. How much your dog sheds depends on breed, age, health, and coat type. A Husky blowing their spring coat is a world away from life with a Poodle, which barely sheds at all. Double-coated breeds tend to have the most dramatic seasonal changes, while single-coated and low-shedding breeds stay relatively calm year-round. Knowing what's normal for your dog specifically is the best place to start. If the autumn moult has caught you off guard, our guide to managing the autumn coat change covers exactly what to expect and how to stay ahead of it. Why dogs shed more in autumn and spring If you've noticed your dog leaving more fur on the sofa than usual this autumn, you're not imagining it. Dog moulting is primarily triggered by changes in daylight hours rather than temperature alone. As the days shorten heading into autumn, your dog's body gets the signal to swap out its lighter summer coat for something warmer. Spring works the same way in reverse — longer days prompt that heavier winter coat to go before the warmer months arrive. Several factors influence just how heavily a dog sheds during these seasonal shifts: Daylight hours shortening — reduced light triggers hormonal changes that kickstart coat transition Indoor central heating — warm, dry air can confuse your dog's natural moulting cycle, often prolonging shedding well beyond what you'd expect Coat type — double-coated breeds shed far more intensely than single-coated ones (more on that below) Age and hormonal status — younger dogs, older dogs, and those who are intact or recently spayed or neutered may shed more heavily or unpredictably Coat density — some dogs simply have more coat to lose, which makes the seasonal shift more dramatic What is "coat blowing"? Double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds don't shed gradually — they drop their entire undercoat in one concentrated burst, often across just a few weeks. It's completely normal, but if you've lived through it, you'll know it can feel almost theatrical. Think: tumbleweeds of fur in every corner and a lint roller that gives up halfway through the week. If your dog lives mostly indoors, artificial lighting and central heating can blur those seasonal cues, leading to prolonged or near year-round shedding rather than two clean bursts. It can feel relentless. But once you understand what's driving it, managing excessive dog shedding becomes a whole lot more straightforward. How to reduce dog shedding at home, by coat type Managing dog moulting at home starts with one practical step: match your grooming routine to your dog’s coat type. It sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference. The right brush, used regularly, will catch loose hair before it ends up on the sofa, in the car, or all over your black leggings. Short-haired dogs (Beagles, Boxers, Dalmatians) Brush once or twice a week with a rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush to lift loose hair from the surface of the coat. A warm bath every four to six weeks can help loosen dead hair, especially if your dog is in the middle of dog shedding season. Skip wire slicker brushes for short coats. They can feel harsh on the skin and usually do very little for this coat type. Double-coated dogs (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Spaniels) These coats need more attention during peak dog moulting. Aim for brushing three to four times a week, and daily if your dog is really blowing coat. Use an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to reach the soft underlayer where most of the loose hair sits. Never shave a double coat. It can interfere with the coat’s natural insulation and often creates more coat problems later on. If you’re unsure which tool to use, our guide to choosing the right brush for your dog’s coat type will help. Tip: Regular brushing during dog shedding season can make a noticeable difference to how much loose hair builds up around the house. Long-haired dogs (Afghan Hounds, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers) Brush daily if you can. Long coats tend to hold onto shed hair, which quickly turns into tangles and knots. Start with a wide-toothed comb to ease through any snags, then follow with a pin brush. Little maintenance trims around the paws, ears, and tail can keep things much more manageable between full grooms. Curly or low-shedding coats (Poodles, Cockapoos, Bichon Frises) These dogs often shed less visibly, but the loose hair gets trapped in the curl instead of falling out. Brush two to three times a week with a slicker brush, working in small sections right down to the root. Book professional grooming every six to eight weeks to keep the coat healthy and help prevent matting. Whatever coat your dog has, consistency matters more than perfection. A few minutes of brushing little and often is usually the easiest way to stay on top of dog shedding at home. The best dog brush for shedding: which brush suits which coat? Choosing the right brush is honestly one of the simplest things you can do to get on top of dog moulting. The catch? There's no single best tool for every dog. It really does come down to coat type, and getting that match right makes a genuinely noticeable difference. Coat Type Best Brush Why It Works Short and smooth (Beagles, Boxers) Bristle brush Lifts loose hair and adds shine without irritating close-lying coats Long and silky (Spaniels, Setters) Slicker brush Detangles and removes shed hair from flowing coats without pulling Thick and double-coated (Huskies, Labs, Golden Retrievers) Undercoat rake or deshedding tool Reaches the dense underlayer where most of the seasonal shedding actually happens Wiry or curly (Terriers, Poodle crosses) Wide-tooth comb Eases through texture without breaking the curl or damaging the coat Once you know your coat type, a few other things are worth thinking about before you buy: Pin spacing matters. Wider pins suit thicker or longer coats; finer pins work better on short, smooth fur. Handle comfort is easy to overlook. If brushing feels awkward for you, it simply won't happen as often as it should. Look for rounded or gentle tips if your dog has sensitive skin or tends to wriggle at grooming time. For double-coated breeds, check that the tool actually reaches the undercoat. During peak dog shedding season, skimming the surface just won't cut it. A good brush doesn't need to be complicated, it just needs to suit your dog. If you're not sure where to start, the Lords and Labradors dog brushes and combs collection covers all coat types, so finding something that works for your dog's specific coat is a lot more straightforward than it might feel right now. When does shedding mean something more than moulting? Most of the time, dog moulting is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But if you've found yourself Googling "why is my dog moulting so much" while staring at a bald patch or listening to your dog scratch for the tenth time that hour, it's worth knowing what to look for beyond a typical seasonal shed. Keep an eye out for any of the following: Bald patches or thinning in specific areas, especially if they've appeared suddenly Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin Redness, soreness, or visibly inflamed skin beneath the coat Flaky skin or dandruff that's new A coat that looks dull, feels brittle, or has noticeably changed in texture Hair loss that's uneven or asymmetrical across the body When excessive shedding comes alongside any of these signs, something else is usually going on. Common culprits include skin allergies, hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism, parasites such as fleas or mites, stress from a change in routine, or a gap in their nutrition. None of these are cause for panic, but they do need a bit more attention than an extra brush-through. If you spot any of the above, it's worth a conversation with your vet to rule out anything that needs treating. In the meantime, keeping up a gentle grooming routine with the right tools can genuinely support your dog's skin and coat health while you wait for guidance. Our dog grooming and healthcare range has everything you need to keep things comfortable for your dog day to day. People Also Ask: dog shedding season questions we hear all the time Here are the questions we get asked most often about dog moulting, with straightforward answers to each. Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?Seasonal change is usually the culprit. Dogs naturally blow their coats in spring and autumn as their bodies prepare for the temperatures ahead. That said, a new home, a shift in routine, or even a stressful week can trigger a temporary spike too. If the shedding feels extreme and you're also noticing dull fur, flaky skin, or bald patches, it's worth a conversation with your vet. How often should I brush my dog during shedding season?For double-coated and heavy-shedding breeds, daily brushing during peak moult makes a real difference — both to the fur on your floor and your dog's overall comfort. Shorter-coated dogs can usually get away with two or three times a week. Our guide on how often you should brush your dog breaks it down by breed if you want something more specific. What actually helps with dog moulting at home?Consistent brushing is the single biggest thing you can do. A deshedding brush matched to your dog's coat type pulls out loose fur before it ends up on the sofa. Good hydration and a quality diet rich in omega oils also support a healthier coat from the inside out — it's one of those things that quietly makes a big difference over time. Is dog shedding seasonal for all breeds?Not exactly. Double-coated breeds like Labradors and Huskies tend to shed heavily twice a year in distinct bursts. Single-coated breeds shed more lightly and consistently throughout the year, without the dramatic seasonal waves. Frequently Asked Questions What months do dogs moult? Dogs usually moult twice a year, in spring and autumn, rather than in the exact same months for every dog. The timing is mainly driven by changing daylight hours, so some dogs start earlier or later, especially if indoor lighting and central heating blur those seasonal cues. What is the difference between molting and shedding? Shedding is the steady, year-round loss of old or damaged hairs, while molting is the heavier seasonal coat change dogs go through in spring and autumn. During a moult, dogs lose a much larger amount of coat at once as they prepare for the season ahead.
