Noticed your dog shedding more hair recently? That could be down to the time of year and seasonal shedding. Dogs tend to shed some hair all year round, but this peaks in spring and autumn as they prepare for the next season.

Specific dog breeds are known to shed more than others, and some hypoallergenic dogs barely shed at all!

In 2025, approximately 1 in 5 claims from Vetsure customers were for skin issues.

As this is a common issue seen in pets, it’s important that you get to know your dog’s individual shedding cycle so you can spot if anything is unusual in their pattern, which can signal skin or health issues.

What is seasonal shedding?

Seasonal shedding is when dogs shed their fur to prepare for a change in weather conditions.

The change in daylight hours when seasons are transitioning triggers their natural hormone shift and prepares their body for the change in temperature.

Why do dogs shed in autumn?

Seasonal shedding typically happens twice a year, in spring and autumn.

When springtime blossoms, dogs shed their heavy winter coat to prepare for the warmer months. When the leaves start to fall and autumn arrives, they shed their lighter summer coat to build their thicker coat, ready for the cold winter.

Why is my dog suddenly shedding so much?

The shift in the amount of hair your dog sheds day to day can feel excessive if not properly managed. However, there can be other causes of hair loss in dogs, so it’s important to know the difference so you can spot if something more is going on with your pup.

Changes to look out for that may indicate abnormal hair loss:

  • Bald patches
  • Thinning hair or continued hair loss following shedding season
  • Inflamed, red, or flaky skin
  • Constant scratching or licking
  • Bad smells coming from their skin or fur

These symptoms may point towards a skin condition, allergies, or hormonal imbalances in your dog and may require veterinary treatment.

Does pet insurance cover skin issues?

Yes, lifetime pet insurance typically covers skin issues or ongoing skin conditions. However, this will depend on your individual policy type and chosen cover.

In 2025, approximately 1 in 5 claims from Vetsure customers were for skin issues. This highlights just how common this kind of issue can be in dogs, and why pet insurance is so valuable to ensure you can comfortably cover the costs of ongoing treatment and manage any discomfort your pet may experience.

Unlike most competitors, we’ll only charge you your excess once per condition, not per year. So, you don’t have to worry about paying your excess repeatedly for the treatment of the same condition.

How to manage dog shedding: grooming & diet tips

To help your dog (and your carpets!) adjust to this change, regular grooming is essential.

Regular brushing

Regular brushing means you can remove a higher quantity of loose hair in one go, preventing it from falling out gradually throughout the day. This will help your dog to feel more comfortable and reduce the frequency you need to hoover!

It’s important to use the right brush for your dog’s hair and be as gentle as possible so you don’t irritate their skin.

Nutritious diet

A dog’s diet is often reflected in their coat. Feed them plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 to ensure they’re getting the essential fatty acids to give them a shiny, healthy coat. These nutrients can be found in foods like oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds), meat, eggs, and coconut oil.

Hydration

Adequate hydration keeps the skin soft and healthy to avoid dry or flaky skin that can cause irritation. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water and consider wet food and treats for an extra hydration boost.

Frequent baths (but don’t overdo it!)

Bathing your dog with pet-safe products can soothe the skin and help remove any excess hair. However, doing this too often can dry out the skin so be careful not to over-bathe them and stick to around once a month.

What are the best ways to reduce dog shedding?

Dog shedding is a natural process that needs to happen so they can adjust to changing temperatures and keep their skin healthy. Whilst grooming and nutrition can help manage shedding and keep it under control, there is no way to completely stop or reduce the amount they lose.

Which dog breeds shed the most?

Dog breeds that shed the most typically have thick coats or double coats. A double coat is when a dog has two layers of fur, an undercoat and a topcoat, to protect their skin and help control their body temperature.

Dog breeds that shed the most include:

  • Labrador Retriever
  • Golden Retriever
  • German Shepherd
  • Siberian Husky
  • Chow Chow
  • Welsh Corgi

Regular grooming is required especially for these breeds all-year round, but you will see a peak in shedding in spring and autumn.

Are there specific breeds that shed less?

Yes, there are some dog breeds that shed less, typically known as hypoallergenic. However, there is no dog breed that doesn’t shed at all.

Popular hypoallergenic or low-shedding dog breeds include;

  • Poodle
  • Mixes like Cavapoo and Cockapoo
  • Miniature Schnauzer
  • Airedale Terrier
  • Whippet
  • Bichon Frise
  • Maltese
  • Lhasa Apso

These are typically dog breeds with curly or wiry coats, or with fur that continuously grows. Many of these breeds are known as hypoallergenic as they lose significantly less fur and therefore are much less likely to trigger allergies in humans.

Do cats shed as much as dogs?

Although cats typically shed less than dogs, they also experience a similar cycle of shedding. Regular grooming and good nutrition can also help manage this transition for your cat and ensure their coat stays smooth and healthy.

Autumn shedding is a natural part of your dog’s seasonal cycle and typically lasts from September to November. Regular grooming, a nutritious diet, and plenty of fresh water can help keep their coat healthy and make the extra hair more manageable. Keep an eye on what’s normal for your dog, and contact your vet if you notice bald patches, irritated skin, persistent scratching, or hair loss that continues beyond shedding season.