Why is my dog shedding so much?

Shedding is one of the most common concerns I hear from dog owners: it affects how your home looks, how comfortable your family members feel, and often hints at your dog’s underlying health. Understanding why a dog sheds and what to do about heavy shedding helps you balance comfort, hygiene, and coat health without overreacting or overlooking a problem that needs attention.

Shedding and your dog’s wellbeing: what every owner should know

For many people a dog is part of daily life, not just a pet. Heavy or unusual shedding changes routines—more vacuuming, lint-rolling, and laundering—and can trigger allergies in family members. Beyond the practical mess, shedding can create anxiety: owners worry their dog is ill when fur piles appear on the couch. I encourage owners to think of shedding for two practical goals: keep the dog comfortable and the household clean, while watching the coat as a window into general health.

There are common owner scenarios where knowing the difference between normal and abnormal shedding makes a real difference. If someone in the home has seasonal allergies, timing and grooming can reduce symptoms. If you plan a grooming schedule or bring your dog to a show or trip, predicting heavy shed periods matters. Emotionally, seeing sudden hair loss is upsetting; understanding likely causes reduces unnecessary worry and helps you take the right steps when veterinary care is needed.

Snapshot: the key points on excessive shedding

Most dogs shed as part of normal coat turnover; what you see daily is usually fine. Seasonal shedding—more fur in spring and autumn as dogs change their winter and summer coats—is common for many breeds. Benign causes include breed and coat type, natural hair growth cycles, and changes in daylight. Excessive shedding becomes a concern when it’s sudden, patchy, accompanied by skin changes, or when your dog’s behavior and energy change.

Look out for red flags that suggest you should contact a veterinarian: large patches of hair loss, open sores, persistent scratching, flaky or oily skin, sudden and dramatic increases in shedding, or general signs like decreased appetite and lethargy. Those signs may suggest parasites, infection, allergies, or endocrine problems that benefit from timely diagnosis.

The biology of shedding — why dogs lose fur

Hair goes through predictable phases: a growth phase, a transition, and then a resting phase after which old hairs are shed. These stages—often called anagen, catagen, and telogen—are how the coat renews itself. Different breeds are set up to keep a particular coat density and cycle length, so what’s normal for a Labrador looks different from what’s normal for a Pomeranian.

A dog’s coat also serves practical purposes such as temperature regulation and protection. Thicker winter undercoats provide insulation; lighter summer coats help shed heat. Genetic and hormonal factors shape how dense a coat is and how often hairs are replaced. For example, hormonal shifts tied to thyroid function or adrenal hormones may change the coat’s texture or density over weeks to months.

Triggers that cause sudden increases in shedding

Seasonal changes are the most obvious trigger: increasing daylight in spring typically brings out the winter undercoat, while shorter days in autumn prompt growth of a thicker coat. Indoor life alters that natural rhythm—heating, air conditioning, and long hours of artificial light may blunt seasonal cues so shedding becomes more spread out but still noticeable.

Other triggers include nutrition, stress, illness, and medications. Poor-quality diets or sudden diet changes may result in dull coats and more loose hair. Stressful events—moves, new pets, boarding—can push more hairs into shedding phases. Certain medications and illnesses are known to affect hair growth; for example, some endocrine disorders or chronic skin infections may increase the amount of loose hair you see.

Red flags: when shedding could indicate a health issue

Increased shedding that is not simply more loose fur on the brush should raise concern when it is patchy or coupled with skin changes. If you see bare patches, scabs, persistent redness, thickened skin, or flaky crusts, those findings may suggest infection, parasite infestation, or an allergic reaction. Severe itching and broken hair are signs the dog is uncomfortable and needs assessment.

Also take note of timing and speed. A slow, seasonal increase in loose hair is usually normal; a sudden heavy loss over days to a few weeks, especially with weight change, low energy, or changes in appetite, is a reason to contact your veterinarian. Parasites like fleas and mites, bacterial or fungal infections, and hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease are among the problems that may present with increased shedding and warrant testing.

Owner action checklist: immediate and follow-up steps

1. Observe and document. Note when the shedding began, whether it’s continuous or seasonal, where on the body it’s worst, and any concurrent signs—itching, licking, odor, skin lesions, weight change, or behavior changes. Take clear photos over a few days; they’re very helpful for a vet visit.

2. Perform basic home care. Regular brushing appropriate to the coat type, routine flea prevention, and ensuring the dog’s diet is consistent and balanced are first steps. Avoid over-bathing; excessive bathing can dry the skin and worsen shedding unless a medicated wash is recommended by a vet.

3. Prepare for veterinary evaluation. Bring your notes and photos, and be ready to discuss recent diet changes, new household chemicals, medications, and travel or boarding history. Your vet may suggest skin scrapings, cytology, or blood tests to look for parasites, infection, or hormonal causes.

Home strategies to control loose hair and reduce allergens

Grooming routines should match coat type and lifestyle. Short-coated dogs often do well with weekly brushing and occasional baths; double-coated or long-haired breeds typically benefit from more frequent brushing—several times per week or daily during peak-shed seasons—to remove loose undercoat before it accumulates in the house. I recommend gentle, patient grooming sessions so the dog associates brushing with calm positive interaction rather than stress.

Household measures reduce visible hair and allergen load: use washable bedding and launder it weekly during heavy-shedding periods; keep pet-only zones on furniture if needed; choose hard floors or short-pile rugs where possible to avoid trapping fur; and rotate and launder throw blankets that pick up hair. Regular vacuuming with a pet-capable machine helps, and a routine that includes wiping your dog’s coat with a damp microfiber cloth can cut down on loose hairs carried indoors.

Stress reduction helps coat quality. Stable daily routines for feeding, exercise, and sleep reduce chronic stress that may worsen shedding. Enrichment—short play sessions, chews, and consistent training—supports general wellbeing and may reduce stress-related hair loss in sensitive dogs.

Grooming essentials and smart gear that actually help

• Deshedding tools and undercoat rakes: For double-coated breeds, tools designed to reach and remove loose undercoat can prevent clumping on furniture. Use gently and follow tool instructions to avoid damaging guard hairs.

• Slicker brushes and rubber curry brushes: Slicker brushes help detangle long or medium coats; rubber brushes are good for short-coated dogs to lift loose hair during bathing and grooming.

• High-efficiency vacuums and lint removers: A vacuum with good suction and a brush roll designed for pet hair is worth the investment. Lint rollers and reusable rubber brooms are quick solutions for furniture and clothing.

• Washable bedding and grooming mats: Machine-washable covers and mats that trap hair make cleanup easier. A grooming mat you can brush outdoors or over a trash receptacle cuts down on indoor hair.

• Air purifiers with HEPA filters: These can reduce airborne dander and may help allergy sufferers, though they won’t eliminate the need for grooming and cleaning.

Who to contact: vets, groomers, and specialists

Your primary veterinarian is the best first contact for increased or abnormal shedding: they will perform a physical exam, look for parasites, and order initial tests such as skin cytology or bloodwork. If the problem is persistent, complex, or clearly skin-related, a veterinary dermatologist may provide advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies. For breed-specific grooming needs—especially for show dogs or complex trims—a certified professional groomer can teach techniques and schedules that reduce matting and shedding problems.

If you suspect the dog’s diet is part of the problem, a veterinary nutritionist can assess for deficiencies or recommend a change that supports skin and coat health. In some cases involving hormone-related hair loss, ongoing management with your vet and possibly a specialist may be required to maintain coat quality over time.

Sources and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: “Alopecia and Hair Loss in Dogs” — Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023 edition
• Scott, D.W., Miller, W.H., and Griffin, C.E., Veterinary Dermatology: “Principles and Practice”, Wiley-Blackwell, clinical chapters on canine coat disorders
• American College of Veterinary Dermatology (ACVD) clinical guidelines on diagnosis and management of canine skin disease
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: “Canine Skin and Coat” client handouts and clinical resources
• VCA Hospitals: “Why Is My Dog Losing Hair?” — VCA Veterinary Partner educational articles