Autumn shedding: how to manage it

September arrives and, suddenly, your sofa, your clothes and even your coffee have dog hair on them. Breathe: it's completely normal. Autumn shedding is neither an illness nor a sign of neglect; it's a physiological process that prepares your dog for the cold.

In this article I'll explain why it happens, how to manage it without going crazy, and when that hair loss stops being normal.

The canine hair cycle, explained

Dogs' hair doesn't grow continuously and forever: it grows in cycles. Each follicle goes through several phases that follow one another naturally:

• 🌱 Anagen (growth): the hair actively grows from the follicle.
• ⏸️ Catagen (transition): growth stops and the follicle prepares to release the hair.
• 💤 Telogen (rest): the hair stops growing and remains at rest.
• 🍂 Shedding (exogen): the old hair falls out to make room for the new.

This cycle is the reason why the growth of new hair always goes hand in hand with the shedding of old hair (Merck Veterinary Manual). It is, literally, the natural renewal of the coat.

Why do they shed in autumn?

The key lies in temperature and light. As the days get shorter and it gets cooler, your dog's body prepares for winter:

• In autumn, it loses the light summer coat to let a denser, warmer winter layer grow in (VCA Animal Hospitals).
• In spring the opposite happens: it sheds the winter coat to keep a lighter one.

That's why dogs with a double coat (Labrador, German Shepherd, Husky, Golden Retriever, Border Collie) shed much more noticeably: they have a woolly undercoat that renews twice a year in large amounts.

Brushing: your best ally

The most effective tool against hair at home isn't the vacuum cleaner: it's the brush. Brushing regularly:

• Removes dead hair before it falls on the floor.
• Spreads the coat's natural oils, leaving it shinier.
• Lets you check the skin and detect cuts, lumps or parasites in time.

Tools by coat type

• 🪥 Bristle brush or grooming mitt: ideal for short-haired breeds and for adding shine to the topcoat.
• 🧹 Comb or carding brush: useful for long hair and for gently working out loose knots.
• 🛠️ Deshedding tool (coat rake): designed for the undercoat of double-coated breeds. Use it gently to remove dead hair without damaging the skin.

AKC tip: during periods of heavy shedding, brush in several directions until less hair comes out, and use a deshedding tool for the undercoat. Frequency varies by coat: from once a month for short hair to daily during heavy shedding in double-coated breeds.

Nutrition for healthy skin and coat

A beautiful coat starts from within. What your dog eats directly influences the health of its skin and coat:

• 🍗 Quality protein: hair is largely protein (keratin). A balanced, complete diet is the foundation.
• 🐟 Fatty acids: studies indicate that diets with more total fat tend to produce a shinier coat, and that omega-3 fatty acids may provide a mild benefit in dogs with itching (Tufts Petfoodology).
• 💧 Hydration: plenty of fresh water also contributes to healthy skin.

⚠️ Important: don't supplement with oils, vitamins or "coat pills" on your own. Excess fat adds calories and isn't suitable for every dog. Always consult your veterinarian before changing the diet or adding supplements.

When is shedding NOT normal?

Seasonal shedding is generalized and doesn't leave bald patches. You should consult your veterinarian if you notice:

• 🩹 Bald patches or hairless areas that are clearly defined.
• 🔴 Redness, flaking, scabs or bad smell on the skin.
• 🤚 Intense itching (constant scratching, licking or biting).
• 🐜 Parasites: fleas, mites (mange) or lice cause localized hair loss and irritation.
• ⚖️ Hair loss associated with other symptoms: weight changes, lethargy, appetite changes or hormonal problems (such as hypothyroidism).
• 🍽️ Food or environmental allergies: they are a frequent cause of excessive shedding (PetMD).

The Merck Veterinary Manual makes it clear: shedding is abnormal when it produces an obvious loss of coat or bald patches. When in doubt, a visit to the veterinarian is always the right decision.

Conclusion

Autumn shedding is a reminder that your dog is a healthy animal in harmony with the seasons. With regular brushing, good nutrition and a watchful eye for warning signs, you'll manage it stress-free (and with less hair on the sofa).

If you want more coat-care tips based on your dog's breed, visit dogstar.club. 🐾

📎 Sources:

• Merck Veterinary Manual — Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/hair-loss-alopecia-in-dogs
• Merck Veterinary Manual — Shedding: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/shedding
• VCA Animal Hospitals — Dogs and cats shed less in the fall (True or False): https://vcahospitals.com/resources/conditions-dog/skin-coat/true-or-false-dogs-and-cats-shed-less-in-the-fall
• American Kennel Club — Dog Shedding: When Dogs Shed Most and How to Manage It: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-shedding-what-to-expect-and-how-to-manage-it/
• American Kennel Club — Dog Brushes: How to Choose the Right Dog Brush: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/types-dog-brushes-shedding/
• PetMD — Excessive Shedding in Dogs: https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/skin/excessive-shedding-in-dogs
• Tufts Petfoodology — Can I change my pet's diet to improve skin and coat health?: https://sites.tufts.edu/petfoodology/2019/09/17/can-i-change-my-pets-diet-to-improve-skin-and-coat-health/