A dog’s coat changes based on the season. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, many breeds grow thicker, insulating winter coats. This process helps protect them from the cold while ensuring they don’t get too warm in the summer. But when do dogs grow their winter coat exactly?
Giulia D'Ignazio, professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming explains that the exact time a dog grows their winter coat is really dependent on when the temperature around them starts to drop and the days start to get shorter. Naturally, this will be different for each dog based on where they are living.
Not all dogs will grow a winter coat though, as other factors affect this process. Let’s jump into why some dogs turn into fluff balls and why some stay the same in the colder months!
Understanding the Seasonal Shedding Cycle ❄️
Dogs shed differently depending on the season. These changes are triggered by environmental factors, like shorter days. As dogs prepare for winter, they shed their lighter summer coat to grow thicker, insulating winter coats.
Why Do Dogs Grow a Winter Coat?
The growth of a winter coat is both biological and evolutionary. Dogs' coats are their primary defense against the elements, helping them maintain a stable body temperature in colder weather.
The weather and shorter days prompt the winter coat growth, notes Giulia, “shorter days trigger the dog’s fur to grow some undercoat hair as well as a thicker top coat hair.”
This undercoat acts like thermal insulation, while the outer coat provides additional protection against harsher weather.
For double-coated breeds, this advantage is particularly prevalent. As Giulia explains, "Double-coated dogs don’t only grow thicker hair follicles but grow an undercoat as well to keep them warm." This adaptation makes double-coated dogs better suited for colder climates.
Timing of Winter Coat Growth
Not all dogs will grow their winter coat at the same time, and it isn’t an on/off process. Dogs will grow their winter coat slowly. The timeline can also depend on their breed, location, and lifestyle. Dogs that live in colder regions with more hours of darkness may grow their winter coat sooner.
A winter coat may also be the reason why your dog is shedding so much more. When your dog has a thicker, longer coat, they simply have more hair to shed as part of their coat maintenance.
3 Factors That Influence Winter Coat Growth in Dogs
Many factors influence when dogs grow their winter coat. Some dogs might not grow a winter coat at all! Here are some factors that influence a dog’s winter coat growth.
1. Breed and Coat Type
A dog’s breed and coat type significantly impact the timing and extent of their winter coat growth. Double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds grow both a dense undercoat and a thicker topcoat for insulation.
Single-coated or short-haired breeds experience less dramatic changes. Their topcoat may thicken slightly, but they don’t have the same undercoat that a double-coated breed has.
2. Climate and Daylight Exposure ☃️
Changes in daylight hours and temperature play an important role in triggering winter coat growth. This biological response, called photoperiodism, helps the dog prepare for the colder days ahead.
The shorter days lead to an increase in the hormone melatonin, which is thought to be what triggers the coat growth. This is the same response that prompts birds to fly to warmer climates and bears to hibernate in the winter.
Dogs in colder climates typically grow denser coats earlier than those in milder regions. But, even in warmer areas, seasonal changes in daylight can still prompt coat growth, though it may be less dramatic.
3. Indoor vs. "Outdoor" Dogs
How the dog lives also impacts their winter coat growth. Dogs who remain mostly indoors, and are exposed to artificial lighting and stable indoor temperatures, often have less pronounced seasonal coat changes. Their coats may not grow as thick as they don't experience the same environmental cues.
Whereas dogs who spend most of their time outdoors are more directly influenced by natural light and temperature. As a result, they tend to grow thicker winter coats to protect against the elements.
The more time a dog spends outside, the more pronounced their winter coat will likely be.
Regardless of whether your dog is more of an indoors or an outdoors pup, regular grooming during the winter months is still important. Giulia notes, "regular brushing between full grooming appointments can go a long way for owners, groomers, and pets."
Managing Seasonal Shedding and Winter Coat Care
A dog’s winter coat requires extra care to ensure it stays healthy and comfortable. Giulia notes grooming in the winter is particularly important. “If not properly maintained, mats are formed and there is no opportunity for your dog to regulate their body temperature and therefore stays cold all winter.”
1. Brushing and Grooming Routine
Regular brushing is essential during the winter months to prevent matting. Giulia highlights, "With their winter jackets & boots, being wet from the snow, this causes a lot of friction on the dog’s fur and consequently creates matting."
Daily or weekly brushing, depending on your dog’s breed, can help manage your dog’s tangles and prevent mats. Once your dog develops mats, it can be very challenging to remove them, so preventing this is much more time-efficient and easier!
Earth Rated’s grooming products are excellent for seasonal coat care. The Double Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo helps manage shedding and prevent tangles. Earth Rated’s grooming wipes can also keep your dog clean between grooming sessions, especially during the colder months when bathing a larger dog outside can be…challenging! 🥶
2. Bathing and Hydration Tips for a Healthy Coat
While frequent bathing can strip natural oils from your dog’s coat, an occasional bath with a dog-safe shampoo is necessary to remove the buildup of dirt and grime. Use a hydrating shampoo, from Earth Rated's collection, to nourish the skin and coat without harsh chemicals.
Even for short-haired dogs, bathing them with a hydrating shampoo that moisturizes their skin can help prevent dry skin, which can cause excess shedding and irritation.
Winter air can dry out a dog’s skin, so using moisturizing foams that hydrate the skin and coat can also work wonders for your dog’s overall coat health during the colder months.
3. Nutritional Support for Optimal Coat Health
Diet plays a crucial role in coat health. While the natural shedding cycle remains constant, Giulia explains, "Proper nutrition, supplements, and oils can create a beautiful coat." Incorporating fish oil, omega-6s, spirulina, and olive oil into your dog’s diet supports healthy fur growth and skin conditions.
All of these ingredients include essential fatty acids, which are vital for skin balance.
Key Takeaways
Caring for your dog’s winter coat is very important to keep your dog comfortable and healthy during colder months. Regular grooming, proper hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet all play a key role in supporting their seasonal coat changes.
Shop our line of hydrating shampoos to keep your pup comfortable this winter!
FAQs
What triggers dogs to grow winter coats?
Dogs grow winter coats in response to changes in daylight and temperature. As days shorten in the fall, their bodies produce more melatonin, signaling them to grow thicker fur to stay warm.
What months do dogs shed the most?
Dogs typically shed the most during the spring and fall months, when their coats are in “transition.” In spring, they lose their heavy winter coats, while in fall, they shed their lighter summer coats to make way for thicker fur.
How do dogs know when to shed their winter coat?
Dogs shed their winter coats based on increased daylight in spring and warmer temperatures. These environmental cues lead to hormonal changes, prompting the shedding process
