Which Months Do Dogs Shed The Most?

We love our dogs, regardless of what they look like. However, a healthy and beautiful coat is always a pleasure to see, and of course, pet. Your dog’s coat is also an important part of their body, providing warming and cooling, and protecting their skin from debris.

Understanding your dog’s coat and why and when it sheds is so important when it comes to helping reduce excess shedding and in helping them maintain great levels of health.

Why Do Dogs Have Hair?

Understanding why dogs have hair is a really good idea as it helps us as owners to understand the importance of hair to the dog, and why we need to help them maintain it.

The role of a dog’s hair is to keep his skin healthy and protect it from the sun, the cold, the heat and debris. A dog’s hair is his first line of defense for his skin.

Hair also provides a vital function of helping your dog regulate his temperature.

Do All Dogs Have The Same Hair?

As we all know, dogs have different color and texture of hair. You can see the difference between dogs when you look at them.

However, dogs can have different layers of hair that may not be obvious when we look at first. Some dogs have a thick undercoat beneath the top level of hair providing extra insulation for both warming and cooling.

Which Months Do Dogs Shed The Most Hair?

Just like us, dogs have hair that grows continually through a growing cycle. At the end of its growing cycle, it breaks away to make room for new hair.

How much a dog sheds depends on its breed, one the time of year, or on the dog’s health. You may sometimes notice more of your pooches hair about the house, or on your hand when you stroke him.

When this happens it is likely your pet is experiencing a shedding period.

Seasonally, your dog is likely to release much of his coat from March to June and September to November.

Is Your Dog Shedding, Or Do You Need To Go To The Vet?

There are other reasons aside from shedding that your dog may be suffering from hair loss. It is important to check that they aren’t losing hair for a reason that requires veterinary attention.

Some common issues that can cause hair loss in dogs are:

  •     Parasite infestation
  •     Dermatitis
  •     Ringworm
  •     Immune diseases
  •     Cancer
  •     Hormonal changes
  •     Fungal infections
  •     Allergies
  •     Medication
  •     Household cleaning and chemicals
  •     Stress

If your dog is shedding in patches, more than usual or in addition to other symptoms, it is time to go to the vet.

Keeping Your Dog’s Coat Healthy (And Your Home Hair-Free!)

Your dog will naturally shed hair and groom himself, but you can help them remain comfortable and reduce the amount of hair they shed in your home.

Grooming your dog regularly is a great way to bond with your pet, to check his health and to remove hair before it sheds in your home. Many dogs love to be groomed so this shouldn’t be a task they actively avoid.

A professional groomer can help with thick undercoat maintenance and bathing for dogs that require more assistance with their coat.

You can also provide your dog with a diet that supplements their coat health.

All dogs shed hair, even those with minimal shedding bred into them. The best you can do for them as their owner is to ensure their diet, grooming regime and health are all tip-top to support a healthy, luxurious coat. With the right approach, your dog will have beautiful, strokable fur for life.