Seasonal coat change in dogs

Seasonal coat change in dogs – what’s important now

As soon as the days start getting longer and temperatures rise, many dog owners enter a hairy phase: the coat change. Suddenly, dog hair appears on upholstery, clothing, in the car, or on the carpet. Even though this time can be a nuisance in everyday life, it is a completely natural and necessary process in a dog’s life. But how long does this phase last? Can it be supported or shortened? And what role do changing climatic conditions play in hair loss?

Twice a year in a state of exception

Dogs usually shed their coats twice a year – typically in the spring and fall. The main factors influencing this are the length of the day and the outside temperature. A dog’s body is highly sensitive to these environmental cues. The process is usually complete after about six to eight weeks.

However, there are individual differences:

• The shedding process in older dogs is usually slower than in young dogs.
• Neutered dogs often experience a change in coat structure (increased growth of the undercoat), which intensifies the shedding process
• In female dogs, shedding can also occur in connection with heat.
• Breeds with a dense undercoat usually undergo a particularly intense shedding process.

However, there are exceptions: Certain breeds – such as the Poodle – do not undergo a typical seasonal coat change. Their fur continues to grow continuously and must be regularly clipped or trimmed

When spring arrives, the winter coat sheds

As the cold season comes to an end and daylight hours increase, dogs begin to shed their thick winter coats. This coat consists of a particularly high proportion of soft, insulating undercoat, which lies beneath the protective outer coat. It reliably protects your four-legged friend from the cold and moisture.

The seasonal shedding is usually most intense in the spring. The thick, insulating undercoat has to give way to make room for the lighter summer coat. That’s why many dogs shed significantly more hair during this time than in the fall.

Even though this heavy shedding phase requires patience, the coat change is a sign that your dog’s body is adapting perfectly to the season. With the right care, you can help your four-legged friend through this time.

Climate change and its impact on the shedding cycle

In the past, the start of the shedding season could be predicted quite reliably for many dogs. Today, this predictability has increasingly disappeared. Milder winters, temperatures above 10 degrees even during the cold season, and a general shift in the seasons are throwing natural cycles out of balance. As a result, many dogs no longer exhibit a clearly defined coat change in spring and fall – instead, they shed hair over long stretches of the year.

An additional, often underestimated factor is the indoor environment: Dogs today mostly live in heated and artificially lit rooms at a constant 20-22 degrees. These constant conditions mean that the body no longer receives clear seasonal cues. The natural transition between winter and summer coats is disrupted as a result – the body is, in a sense, “confused.” This further exacerbates the effect of year-round hair loss.

This development is not without consequences: The body must constantly adapt to new conditions. This places a significant strain on both the metabolism and the immune system.

When the coat change isn’t completed properly

Significant temperature fluctuations create yet another problem. The natural cycle of shedding can be disrupted because external stimuli like cold or heat are no longer clear signals. As a result, the process is interrupted or not fully completed.

The result: Some dogs still have remnants of their thick winter coat even in summer because their bodies were unable to complete the shedding process. The interplay between environmental stimuli and biological regulation becomes disrupted.

Here’s how to provide targeted support for your dog

For many dogs, this phase is particularly taxing. You can take specific steps to support the regrowth of their coat. The foundation is a balanced, nutrient-rich diet. High-quality oils or specially formulated supplements can also be beneficial. Equally important is regular and thorough grooming, as it removes loose hair and promotes healthy regrowth of the coat.

In light of increasing climate change, this support is becoming increasingly important. It helps relieve your dog’s body and keep the coat strong and resilient even under changing environmental conditions.

During the shedding season, consistent grooming is essential

When your dog is shedding, intensive grooming is especially important. Dead hair should be removed regularly to relieve pressure on the skin and coat and prevent matting. Thorough brushing loosens loose hair and dense undercoat, while also stimulating blood circulation in the skin and supporting the activity of the sebaceous glands. This keeps the coat supple and resilient.

Grooming for short- and smooth-coated dogs
For short-haired dogs, brushing the coat two to three times a week is sufficient. Soft natural bristle brushes or a grooming glove are ideal for this, as they gently remove loose hair while adding shine.

Grooming for rough- and wire-haired dogs
Rough- or wire-haired dogs require special attention during the shedding season in addition to regular trimming. Thoroughly combing their coat three to four times a week with a metal comb or a special terrier brush optimally supports the shedding process.

Be alert to unusual hair loss

If your dog is losing large clumps of hair while being brushed, or if bald spots become visible, there may be more to it than just a normal coat change. In such cases, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Early action pays off
Once the coat change begins, regular grooming is especially helpful. Early brushing removes loose hair and undercoat, allowing the new coat to grow unimpeded.

Nutrient-rich feed as the basis for a healthy Coat

During the shedding season, it’s especially important to ensure a balanced, high-quality diet. A nutrient-dense dog food provides the body with the essential building blocks needed to grow new fur. This allows the coat to regrow thick, strong, and shiny without placing excessive strain on the body.

In addition, selected supplements can be useful to specifically meet the increased need for vitamins, minerals, and trace elements during this time.

Targeted support with biotin and micronutrients

During the shedding season, an adjusted nutrient supply can be beneficial to support skin and coat health. Biotin plays a role in keratin formation and contributes to a healthy coat structure. Equally important are other micronutrients such as zinc, copper, and essential fatty acids, which influence skin metabolism and coat quality. When combined, these nutrients can help provide the skin and coat with the nutrients they need during this phase.

Natural helpers for skin and coat

High-quality oils and selected herbs can also have a positive effect on the shedding process. They provide essential fatty acids and phytochemicals that support the skin and coat from the inside out. This helps create the ideal conditions for your dog to grow a healthy, shiny new coat.

Support for skin and coat problems

If your dog is experiencing increased hair breakage, excessive shedding, dandruff, or if the coat appears dry and dull overall, a targeted nutritional supplement may be beneficial. Special supplements for skin and coat often contain a combination of herbs, vitamins, yeast, trace elements, and other micronutrients.

Formulas like CANIPUR multibiotin can help address nutritional deficiencies and lay the foundation for a thick, shiny coat and healthy skin.

A brief overview – Seasonal change of coat

• Natural & necessary: Coat change is a normal process of adapting to the seasons
• Frequency: Usually twice a year (spring & fall)
• Duration: Typically 6-8 weeks
• Triggers: Primarily daylight and temperature
• Spring: Heavy shedding – thick winter coat is shed
• Fall: Building up a warm winter coat
• Differences depending on the dog
  • Older dogs often shed for longer
  • Neutered dogs usually shed more heavily
  • Female dogs may shed additionally due to heat
  • Breeds with an undercoat shed particularly heavily
  • Some breeds (e.g., Poodles) do not undergo a classic coat change
• Climate change effect:
  • Coat change is often irregular or occurs year-round
  • Strain on metabolism & immune system
  • Coat change may be incomplete
• Important support:
  • Regular brushing (removes loose hair, promotes skin circulation)
  • Adapt grooming to coat type (short, long, coarse)
  • A balanced diet as a foundation
  • Supplements: oils, vitamins, biotin
• Caution:
  • Bald spots, clumps of hair, or a dull coat → Tonsult a veterinarian
• Tip: Start grooming early, as soon as the first loose hairs become visible