Fall Shedding Is Here: What’s Happening to Your Dog’s Coat?

If it feels like there is suddenly more dog hair on your clothes, furniture, floors—and somehow floating through the air—you’re probably not imagining it.

As we move into fall here in Northwest Indiana, many dogs begin going through a seasonal coat change. For some dogs, that means a little extra shedding. For others, especially double-coated breeds, it can feel like enough fur is coming out to build an entirely new dog.

So, what exactly is happening?

Why Do Dogs Shed More in the Fall?

A dog’s coat can respond to changes in daylight and temperature throughout the year.

As the days become shorter, many dogs begin transitioning from their lighter summer coat to a coat better suited for cooler weather. During that process, older or damaged hair is released so new growth can come in.

How noticeable the shedding becomes depends on your dog’s:

  • Breed

  • Coat type

  • Age

  • Health

  • Lifestyle

  • Amount of time spent indoors versus outdoors

Dogs who live primarily indoors may shed more consistently throughout the year because artificial lighting and controlled indoor temperatures can affect the natural seasonal cycle.

Double-Coated Dogs May Have a LOT More Hair to Lose

If you have a Husky, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Pomeranian or another double-coated breed, seasonal shedding can be especially noticeable.

These dogs have two layers of coat: a protective outer coat and a softer undercoat that helps regulate body temperature.

When the undercoat begins releasing, simply brushing across the surface may not remove everything that is ready to come out.

That loose undercoat can become packed into the coat and may eventually contribute to tangles, matting and skin irritation if it isn't properly removed.

And one important reminder: more shedding does not automatically mean your double-coated dog needs to be shaved.

A dog's natural coat serves an important purpose. Unless there is a specific medical or grooming reason, shaving many double-coated breeds is generally not the best solution for seasonal shedding.

What Can You Do at Home?

Regular brushing is one of the best things you can do during shedding season.

But the right brush—and the right technique—depends on your dog's coat.

A short-coated dog may need something completely different from a long-haired or double-coated dog. Using the wrong tool can be ineffective and, in some cases, uncomfortable for your pet.

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

Brush regularly.

Don't wait until the loose coat becomes packed together. A consistent brushing routine is usually much easier for both you and your dog.

Work in sections.

For thicker coats, brushing only the top layer won't always reach loose undercoat underneath. Working through smaller sections helps you see what is actually happening throughout the coat.

Be gentle.

More pressure doesn't mean more hair removed. Grooming should never hurt.

Pay attention to problem areas.

Behind the ears, around the collar, under the legs, along the belly and around the tail are common areas for tangles and matting.

Ask before buying another grooming tool.

There are a LOT of brushes, combs and de-shedding tools available. Not every tool is right for every dog.

If you're unsure, ask your groomer what they recommend for your dog's specific coat.

How Professional Grooming Helps During Shedding Season

A professional grooming appointment can do much more than simply make your dog look nice.

During a de-shedding or coat-care appointment, bathing helps loosen dead hair and debris. Proper drying techniques can help separate the coat and release loose undercoat, and thorough brushing afterward removes hair that may have been difficult to reach at home.

For dogs with heavy seasonal coats, this process can make ongoing maintenance much more manageable.

No grooming appointment can completely stop a naturally shedding dog from shedding—and that's okay.

The goal is to help remove the loose coat safely, keep the skin and coat healthy, and make your dog's seasonal transition more comfortable.

Your vacuum cleaner may appreciate it, too.

When Shedding Might Be More Than Seasonal

Some extra hair around the house can be completely normal.

However, there is a difference between normal shedding and unusual hair loss.

Talk with your veterinarian if you notice things like:

  • Bald patches

  • Significant thinning in one area

  • Red or irritated skin

  • Open sores

  • Excessive scratching or licking

  • Sudden dramatic changes in the coat

  • A strong or unusual skin odor

Groomers see and feel a dog's skin and coat closely during appointments, which means we sometimes notice changes pet parents haven't spotted yet. We can't diagnose medical conditions, but we can absolutely let you know when something looks different and may be worth discussing with your veterinarian.

Not Sure What Kind of Coat Your Dog Has?

You don't have to figure it out alone.

One of the things we love about grooming is helping pet parents understand their pets a little better.

If you're wondering what type of coat your dog has, how often you should brush, what grooming tool you should use or whether your dog's shedding seems normal, just ask us.

At Hydrant Pet Center, we're always happy to help you find a grooming routine that works for your pet—and for your home.

Because fall is beautiful in Northwest Indiana.

The dog-hair tumbleweeds across the living room?

Maybe a little less beautiful. 🐾