Dog Shedding 2025: What’s Normal, What’s Not & How to Manage It 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Finding fur on your couch, clothes, and coffee mug? Shedding is a normal part of dog ownership—but excessive or patchy shedding might mean something else is going on.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Here’s how to know if your dog’s shedding is normal, how to reduce it, and when it’s time to see a vet.

🐾 Why Dogs Shed

• To get rid of dead or damaged hair and make room for new growth
• Triggered by seasonal changes (especially spring and fall)
• Some breeds shed constantly, while others shed minimally

🐕 Breeds That Shed Heavily

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• Huskies
• German Shepherds
• Border Collies

🧼 What’s Considered Normal Shedding?

• Light to moderate fur around the house year-round
• Increased shedding during seasonal changes (spring/fall)
• Uniform coat without bald spots or red skin

🚩 Abnormal Shedding or Hair Loss

• Bald patches or thinning coat
• Red, flaky, or itchy skin
• Excessive scratching or licking
• Sudden shedding outside of seasonal patterns

🔍 Causes of Abnormal Shedding

• Allergies (environmental or food)
• Fleas or parasites
• Hormonal disorders (hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease)
• Poor nutrition or sudden diet change
• Infections or autoimmune conditions
• Stress or anxiety (including post-surgery or boarding)

🪮 How to Manage Normal Shedding

1. Brushing

• Use an undercoat rake, slicker brush, or de-shedding tool
• Brush daily during shedding season to remove loose fur

2. Baths

• Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo (avoid harsh chemicals)
• Deshedding shampoos can help loosen dead fur

3. Diet

• Feed high-quality food with omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
• Add supplements like salmon oil (ask your vet first)

4. Hydration

• Make sure your dog has constant access to fresh water

👨⚕️ When to See a Vet

• Bald spots, red skin, or excessive licking/scratching
• Sudden changes in coat quality
• Excessive hair loss not tied to seasonal changes

🔗 Helpful Tools from Ask A Vet

• Explorer Harness – Won’t tug on sensitive skin or coat
• Snuffle Ball – Great for reducing stress-related overgrooming
• Ask A Vet – Upload photos of skin or coat changes, get diet and supplement advice

📋 Summary Excerpt

Shedding is normal—but not all shedding is healthy. A vet explains how to manage the fur, when to worry, and what causes sudden or excessive hair loss in dogs.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How much shedding is too much?
  A: If your dog is losing clumps of fur, has bald spots, or you notice skin changes, it’s worth a vet check.
• Q: What supplements help with shedding?
  A: Omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil) can improve coat health—but talk to your vet first.
• Q: Can stress cause my dog to shed?
  A: Yes. Anxiety, major life changes, or post-surgery stress can increase shedding temporarily.