You’re vacuuming the living room (again) and notice tufts of fur drifting across the floor like tiny, hairy tumbleweeds. But wait, winter’s here, so why does it feel like your pup is shedding enough fur to knit a blanket?
You’re likely wondering, do dogs shed in the winter? The answer is yes! Myriam Doré, an animal health technician, explains, "While shedding may slow down in some dogs during the colder months, it doesn't stop.”
Below, we’ll take a closer look at why shedding occurs during winter and how your dog’s coat works to adapt to the seasons. We’ll also look at how you can manage shedding in the winter. Let’s jump in!
Why Do Dogs Shed in the Winter?
It’s common to think that shedding is a spring and fall event, but this isn’t the case. Dogs shed in the winter too, and it’s all part of maintaining a healthy coat. While it might seem like your pup is determined to redecorate your furniture with fur this winter, shedding serves an important purpose!
The Seasonal Shedding Cycle
Shedding occurs as part of a natural process to regulate your dog’s coat. Though dogs shed more in spring and fall, they still shed in winter to remove dead and loose hair. This allows new, healthy hair growth, maintaining their thick, insulating winter coat.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Dogs
"Artificial heating in the home, especially in winter, can cause dry air, often resulting in dry skin,” explains Myriam. “This can make hair loss more visible or lead to flaking.”
Lack of exposure to natural light can also disrupt a dog’s internal biological rhythm, leading to further hair loss.
Additionally, when kept indoors, certain breeds of dogs may shed more frequently as they try to regulate their body temperature.
Breed and Coat Type
Some breeds are professional shedders. Double-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies, Labradors, and German Shepherds tend to shed all year round. On the other hand, single-coated breeds, like French Bulldogs and Dalmatians, tend to shed much less often.
Other Factors That May Contribute
While winter shedding is normal, other factors like stress, poor nutrition, or underlying health issues can lead to excessive shedding or bald patches.
Female dogs may also shed more during certain parts of their hormonal cycle. If you notice unusual hair loss, dry skin, or signs of discomfort, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.
How to Manage Dog Shedding in Winter
1. Regular Brushing
One of the best ways to manage your dog’s shedding is to brush them regularly. Brushing helps remove the dead hair before it can end up on your furniture! Double-coated breeds may benefit from a deshedding tool, which can help you reach deep into their undercoat to prevent mats. For dogs with shorter fur, a quick brushing session is often plenty!
2. Bathing and Coat Maintenance
A gentle, occasional bath can also help you manage excess shedding. Use a dog-friendly shampoo that’s gentle on your dog’s skin to help keep their coat clean without stripping its natural oils.
Try to avoid bathing your dog too much as this can lead to dry skin and more fur loss. Between baths, try Earth Rated’s grooming wipes to keep your pup smelling fresh.
3. Diet and Nutrition
Your dog’s diet also plays a role in how much they shed. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in most oils, helps support healthy skin and coats, reducing excessive shedding.
Don’t forget about hydration, too. Plenty of fluids can help prevent dry and flaky skin which can lead to hair loss.
4. When to See a Vet
While seasonal shedding is normal, excess shedding or bald patches is not and can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. If your dog’s coat looks dull, they’re losing more hair than usual, or you notice skin irritation, it may be time to consult your vet.
Myriam explains, "Excessive shedding can sometimes point to health problems, especially if it happens suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness, or bald spots.”
Conditions that cause excess shedding include:
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Skin allergies: Myriam points out, "Environmental or food allergies and exposure to certain products could trigger excessive shedding and discomfort.”
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Hormonal imbalances: Myriam also notes that hypothyroidism and Cushing disease in dogs can cause thinning fur or alopecia.
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Parasites: “Fleas or mites can cause excessive itching and hair loss by constant scratching,” notes Myriam. While some parasites can be treated at home, some require veterinary attention.
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Stress: Dogs experiencing stress or anxiety can shed more due to the effects of cortisol (stress hormone) on their bodies.
Common Myths About Winter Shedding
When it comes to dog shedding in winter, there are plenty of misconceptions floating around. Let’s take a moment to bust some of the most common myths and set the record straight:
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Dogs only shed in the summer: Myriam explains, “Many people believe that dogs shed less in winter because their coats are thicker. But, the shedding process has more to do with the dog's natural coat cycle and the amount of daylight than with temperature.”
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Winter shedding is always a sign of illness: Another common misconception about winter shedding is that if your dog is shedding in the winter, it means something is wrong. Shedding in the winter is very normal and you only need to be concerned if your dog’s shedding is excessive.
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Shaving my dog will stop winter shedding: Shaving a dog with a double coat will not stop shedding. Shaving can actually lead to more problems, like uneven fur growth, skin irritation, and an inability to regulate body temperature.
Conclusion
Most double-coated dogs shed in the winter, even if it’s not that much. There are many factors that determine how much your dog will shed, including their breed, coat type, and the environment. Regular brushing and feeding your dog a balanced diet can go a long way to reducing shedding.
Grooming isn’t just about controlling loose hair, though. It can also help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, which can reduce fur loss.
Ready to get started? Explore Earth Rated’s grooming wipes and other must-have grooming products to make shedding easier for you and your pup.
