You vacuum, and less than an hour later, there are already tufts of hair on the floor again. Especially towards the end of summer, many owners notice that their dog suddenly sheds more. This can be part of a normal coat change, but not every dog sheds at the same time or to the same extent. Breed, coat type, age, and living environment all play a role.
In this blog, you'll read why a dog may lose more hair in late summer, how to brush the coat carefully, and what signs indicate it's wise to consult a vet or professional groomer.
Why does a dog shed in late summer?
A dog's hairs grow, rest, and eventually fall out. For many dogs with a double coat, this process is partly seasonal. In spring, a thicker winter coat makes way for a lighter summer coat. Towards autumn, the summer coat can then gradually be replaced by a better insulating winter coat.
The exact timing varies. The amount of daylight, temperature, breed, and the time a dog spends indoors can influence the pattern. Dogs that live mostly in a heated home, for example, may have less distinct shedding periods and shed some hair throughout the year.
A sudden increase in loose hair at the end of summer doesn't necessarily have to be a cause for concern. Always look at the whole picture: is the skin calm, are there no bald spots, and is your dog behaving as usual?
Not every dog sheds the same way
How much coat care is needed primarily depends on the coat type. Just looking at the length of the hair is not enough.
- Short, smooth coat: loose hairs are often clearly visible on clothing and furniture, even if the dog's coat hardly seems to change.
- Double coat: underneath the guard hairs is a softer undercoat. During shedding, this undercoat can come loose in large quantities.
- Long or woolly coat: loose hairs get caught more easily in the coat. This can lead to matting, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, groin, and around the hindquarters.
- Curly or continuously growing coat: these coats often do not experience classic shedding like many double-coated dogs. However, loose hairs can remain in the coat, making regular combing and professional grooming important.
Are you unsure about your dog's coat type? Ask a groomer or breeder for an explanation. The wrong brush or technique can unnecessarily pull on healthy hairs and irritate the skin.
Which brush suits your dog's coat?
The right brush removes loose hairs without harshly scraping over the skin. A slicker brush can be practical for gently loosening loose hairs and nascent mats in many medium-length and longer coats. For a dog with a clear, dense undercoat, a special undercoat brush can help remove loose undercoat layer by layer.
For both options, check out our dog brushes and grooming products. On the product page, you can choose between, among others, the slicker brush and the double-sided undercoat brush. Always choose based on the coat type and not just on how much hair you find in your home.
For a very short, sensitive, or specialized coat, a different tool may be more suitable. When in doubt, seek professional advice first, especially if the dog already has mats, skin irritation, or pain.
How to carefully brush the coat
- Choose a quiet moment. Let your dog first smell the brush and start with a short session. Especially with puppies, a gradual buildup is important.
- Check the skin and coat. Look for redness, wounds, scabs, parasites, and mats before you start.
- Work in small sections. Brush gently with the hair growth and use short, light strokes. For a dense coat, you can work layer by layer without pressing hard.
- Hold the skin if necessary. Support the skin around a nascent mat so you pull less on the skin.
- Pay attention to sensitive areas. The belly, armpits, groin, ears, and tail are often more sensitive. Use extra light pressure here.
- Stop if uncomfortable. Turning away, licking lips, stiffening, panting, or snapping at the brush can be signs that the treatment is becoming unpleasant.
- End positively. It's better to stop after a few calm minutes than only when your dog becomes impatient.
A brushing session doesn't have to remove all the loose undercoat at once. Several short, comfortable sessions are often more pleasant than one long and intensive treatment.
How often should you brush a dog during shedding?
There is no universal schedule for this. The LICG states that short-haired dogs can sometimes be brushed daily during the shedding period, while long and woolly coats require regular maintenance throughout the year. At the same time, too frequent or too vigorous brushing can unnecessarily pull out hairs in certain coats.
Therefore, check your dog's skin and behavior after each treatment. Does the skin turn red, does the dog seem sensitive, or do stubborn mats remain despite careful brushing? Then stop and ask a professional groomer for advice. More independent background information about careful coat management can be found at the National Information Center for Companion Animals (LICG).
Common mistakes when brushing
- Pressing too hard: the brush should go through the coat, not scrape over the skin.
- Only brushing the top: for a long or double coat, mats and loose undercoat can remain deeper in the coat.
- Forcefully pulling out a mat: this causes pain and can damage the skin. Severe matting should be handled by an expert groomer.
- Continuing because hair keeps coming out: a lot of hair can come loose during shedding, but more brushing isn't automatically better.
- Shaving a double coat yourself: shaving is not a standard solution for shedding and can affect the natural coat structure. Always seek advice on this.
- Leaving loose hairs outside: the LICG warns that hairs from animals treated for fleas or ticks may contain residues of products. Therefore, dispose of brushed-out hairs with residual waste.
When is excessive hair loss not normal?
Normal shedding is usually evenly distributed and does not leave bald skin. Contact a veterinarian if hair loss suddenly deviates sharply from what you are used to with your dog or is accompanied by one or more of these signs:
- bald or noticeably thinning patches of hair;
- persistent itching, excessive scratching, biting, or licking;
- redness, flakes, scabs, wounds, or a noticeable odor;
- pain or clear sensitivity to touch;
- changes in appetite, weight, energy, or behavior;
- hair loss that continues to increase for a long time outside the usual pattern.
These signs can have various causes. Do not try to diagnose yourself or use supplements and grooming products on a whim. A veterinarian can assess whether further investigation is needed.
Practical tips for dog hair in the house
Brushing doesn't catch every loose hair, but it does help to remove some of the loose coat in a controlled manner. Place a towel or easy-to-clean mat under your dog during brushing. Clean fabric surfaces regularly and always wash covers according to the washing instructions. A slightly damp rubber glove can collect loose hairs from some fabrics, but test this first on an inconspicuous spot.
Check the coat immediately after walks. Twigs, seeds, and sand can accumulate between longer hairs and worsen nascent mats. Pay extra attention to the paws, armpits, belly, and ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prevent my dog from shedding?
No, shedding is a natural part of the hair cycle. You can, however, regularly and carefully remove loose hairs and continue to check the skin and coat well.
Do I need to brush my dog every day?
Not automatically. The correct frequency depends on the breed, coat type, shedding period, and the skin's reaction. When in doubt, a professional groomer can advise on a suitable maintenance schedule.
Is an undercoat brush suitable for every dog?
No. An undercoat brush is intended for coats with a clear undercoat. For other coat types, a slicker brush, comb, or another tool may be more appropriate.
Can I shave my dog for heat or shedding?
Not without expert advice. Especially for a double coat, shaving is not a general solution. First, have it assessed what is responsible for your dog and its coat.
Calm, regular, and suited to the coat
Increased shedding in late summer can be part of the natural coat change. The best approach is not to brush as much as possible, but to work carefully with a tool that suits the coat type. Keep sessions short, check the skin, and timely consult a groomer or veterinarian if something deviates. This way, coat care remains comfortable for your dog and manageable for you.