Care & Everyday Life

Shedding in Dogs: Causes, Duration & Grooming Tips

Shedding (molting) is the physiological process by which dogs systematically shed their old coat and grow a new one. In most dog breeds, it occurs twice a year—spring (winter coat is replaced by a lighter summer coat) and autumn (summer coat is replaced by a dense winter coat). The primary trigger is daylight length (photoperiod)—not temperature.

Coat shedding in dogs: causes, duration & care tips

What is coat shedding in dogs?

Coat shedding (molting) is the physiological process in which dogs systematically shed their old coat and grow a new one. In most dog breeds, it happens twice a year — in spring (the winter coat is replaced by a lighter summer coat) and in autumn (the summer coat is replaced by a dense winter coat). The main trigger is day length (photoperiod) — not temperature.

The intensity varies greatly depending on the breed: double-coated breeds (Husky, Samoyed, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador) shed heavily; short-haired single-coated breeds (Boxer, Doberman) shed very little. Indoor dogs exposed to artificial light often shed moderately year-round instead of heavily on a seasonal basis.

Background + scientific classification

Miller et al. (2013, Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, Elsevier) described hair growth phases in dogs: the canine hair cycle consists of anagen (growth), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Unlike humans — whose hairs are in all phases at the same time in a mosaic pattern — dogs show synchronized cycles across larger coat areas. This explains periodic heavy shedding. Signaling occurs via prolactin, melatonin, and thyroid hormones.

Credille and Slater (2001, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, PubMed 11394408) examined the influence of thyroid hormones on canine hair: hypothyroidism leads to slowed hair growth, a brittle coat, symmetrical alopecia, and a prolonged telogen phase — recognizable by a dull, brittle coat that sheds easily without normal regrowth. Excessive hair loss outside the shedding season therefore requires thyroid screening.

Watson (1998, Journal of Nutrition, PubMed 9772148) described links between nutrition and skin/coat quality: fatty acid deficiency (especially omega-3 and omega-6) leads to a dull, brittle coat and increased dandruff. Zinc deficiency impairs keratinization. A balanced diet that meets fatty acid requirements is the basis for good coat quality — not biotin supplements without a diagnosis.

Vitomalia Position

Coat change is biologically normal — not treatable, but manageable. Daily brushing during coat change is not a luxury, but animal care: trapped dead hair reduces skin ventilation, promotes fungal infections, and causes discomfort. If you notice severe hair loss outside the coat change period, a medical cause should be ruled out.

When does coat change in dogs become relevant?

  • Twice a year in double-coated breeds: intensify grooming
  • With increased year-round shedding: have thyroid, Cushing’s, and nutrition checked
  • With alopecia (patchy hair loss): different from normal coat change — have it checked
  • With biotin supplementation: useful only with confirmed deficiency
  • With fatty acid supplementation: omega-3/6 has been proven to improve coat quality

Practical application

Grooming routine during coat change:

Phase Action Frequency
Normal daily life Brush according to breed 1–3× per week
Start of coat change Intensive brushing, undercoat removal Daily
Peak phase Furminator/undercoat brush, dog groomer if needed Daily to 2× daily
Tapering phase Continue normal routine 2–3× per week

Tools: - Undercoat brush (Furminator, dematting comb): for double-coated breeds - Rubber brush: for short-haired breeds with a single coat - High-pressure shower: loosens dead hair and supports new growth - No clipping for double-coated breeds: the undercoat protects against overheating and sunburn

Common mistakes & myths

  • “Clipping shortens the coat change.” Clipping the topcoat in double-coated breeds permanently changes the coat structure and impairs thermoregulation. No cosmetic cuts for Samoyeds, Huskies, or Collies.
  • “Lots of biotin makes the coat change happen faster.” Biotin improves coat quality only in cases of an actual biotin deficiency — in dogs with an adequate supply, it has no proven effect on coat change.
  • “My dog sheds all year round — that’s an illness.” Year-round moderate shedding in indoor dogs is normal (altered light rhythm). Pathological hair loss appears as alopecia, skin changes, or brittle coat.

Scientific status 2026

Photoperiod as the primary trigger for coat shedding is well documented; melatonin as a signaling molecule is established in veterinary dermatology. Genetic differences in the hair growth cycle of different breeds continue to be researched. Omega-3 supplementation to improve coat quality and reduce flaking has solid evidence.

Frequently asked questions

How long does coat shedding last in dogs?

In most breeds, 2–4 weeks per season. In double-coat breeds (Husky, Samoyed), it can extend over 4–6 weeks. Indoor dogs often shed moderately over several months rather than in one clear seasonal phase.

What should I do if my dog sheds heavily outside the shedding season?

Veterinary visit: rule out thyroid disease (hypothyroidism), Cushing's syndrome, nutritional deficiencies (fatty acids, zinc), and skin parasites as causes. stress can also increase hair loss (elevated cortisol). Normal coat shedding outside the season is possible in indoor dogs, but persistent heavy hair loss should be checked.

Is it advisable to clip a dog during coat shedding?

For short-haired and single-coat breeds: trimming may be possible if needed. For double-coat breeds (Husky, Samoyed, Collie, Golden), it is explicitly not recommended: clipping damages the coat structure, affects thermoregulation, and can lead to permanent coat changes.

Related terms

Sources & further reading

  1. Miller, W. H., Griffin, C. E., & Campbell, K. L. (2013). Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology (7th ed.). Elsevier Saunders. ISBN 9781416000082.

  2. Credille, K. M., & Slater, M. R. (2001). The effects of thyroid hormones on the skin of Beagle dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(6), 539–546. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11394408/

  3. Watson, T. D. G. (1998). Diet and skin disease in dogs and cats. Journal of Nutrition, 128(12), 2783S–2789S. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9772148/

Wissenschaftliche Einordnung

Miller et al. (2013, Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology, Elsevier) described hair growth phases in dogs: The canine hair cycle consists of anagen (growth), catagen (transitional phase), and telogen (resting phase). Unlike humans – where hair is in all phases simultaneously in a mosaic pattern – dogs exhibit synchronized cycles over larger coat areas. This explains periodic mass shedding. Signaling occurs via prolactin, melatonin, and thyroid hormones.

Credille and Slater (2001, Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, PubMed 11394408) investigated the influence of thyroid hormones on canine hair: Hypothyroidism leads to slowed hair growth, brittle coat, symmetrical alopecia, and a prolonged telogen phase – noticeable by dull, brittle, easily shedding hair without normal regrowth. Excessive hair loss outside of seasonal shedding therefore requires thyroid screening.

Watson (1998, Journal of Nutrition, PubMed 9772148) described the connection between nutrition and skin/coat quality: Fatty acid deficiency (especially omega-3 and omega-6) leads to dull, brittle fur and increased dander. Zinc deficiency impairs keratinization. A balanced diet with adequate fatty acid intake is the basis of good coat quality – not biotin supplements without a diagnosis.