How Your Dog's Coat Changes With The Season

What Pet Parents Should Know About Shedding, Thickness, and Health

Your dog’s coat is more than just fur—it’s a natural, built-in weather protection system. But if you’ve noticed more hair around your home at certain times of the year, you’re not imagining things. Seasonal changes can have a big impact on your pup’s coat, from thickness and texture to how much they shed.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• Why dogs’ coats change with the seasons

• How daylight and temperature affect shedding

• Differences between single and double coats

• Tips to support your dog’s coat health year-round

• When to seek help for excessive shedding or coat changes

• How Scenthound helps keep your dog’s coat healthy in every season

Why Dogs’ Coats Change with the Seasons

Dogs naturally adapt their coats to the weather, just like you swap your wardrobe with the seasons. The shedding process is a natural process that helps dogs adapt to changing seasons. This process is driven by changes in daylight (photoperiod) more than temperature. As days get shorter or longer, your dog’s body signals the coat to either grow thicker for winter or shed for summer.

Different dog breeds and a dog's breed influence how their coat changes and how much they shed. Dogs shed as part of their body's way to regulate body temperature, with their coats providing insulation to help maintain warmth in winter and coolness in summer. A dog's coat transitions throughout the year to adapt to environmental changes, ensuring they are comfortable as the seasons shift.

The Two Main Seasonal Changes

1. Spring Shedding

   As the weather warms and daylight increases, dogs—especially double-coated breeds—shed their thick winter undercoat to stay cooler. The spring shedding season is marked by heavy shedding as many dogs lose their thick undercoat. This shedding season is triggered by warmer temperatures and longer days. This can mean a lot of hair around your home for a few weeks.

2. Fall Coat Growth

   As days shorten, your dog’s body prepares for colder weather by growing a denser, warmer undercoat. During the winter months, dogs develop a thicker topcoat and winter coat for added insulation. Summer coats are lighter and are shed in preparation for the growth of winter coats. The transition between summer coat and winter coat is a natural part of many dogs' annual cycle. This helps insulate against winter chill.

Single Coat vs. Double Coat Dogs

Single-Coated Dogs:

Breeds like Poodles or Maltese have hair that grows continuously and doesn’t shed heavily with the seasons. They still experience some shedding, but it’s not as dramatic. Some single-coated breeds may shed year round, especially in climates with less distinct seasons, due to changes in temperature and environment.

Double-Coated Dogs:

Breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds, and Retrievers have two layers: a soft undercoat for insulation and a harsher outer coat for protection. The structure of a dog's fur and dog hair in these double coats affects their shedding patterns, often leading to heavier seasonal shedding. However, with climate changes, some double-coated dogs may also shed year round.

Preparing for Coat Changes

As the seasons shift, your dog’s coat transitions to keep them comfortable in changing temperatures. Preparing for these coat changes is key to supporting your pup’s health and happiness. Start by considering your dog’s breed and coat type—double coated breeds like Huskies and Retrievers will need more attention during shedding seasons, while short haired dogs may require less intensive care but still benefit from regular brushing.

Regular brushing is your best tool for managing loose fur and preventing matted fur, especially as dogs typically shed more during seasonal transitions. For double coated breeds, using an undercoat rake can help remove dead hairs from the dense undercoat, while a slicker brush works well for most coat types. Don’t forget to keep your dog hydrated, as proper hydration supports healthy skin and helps prevent dry skin and irritation that can occur with increased shedding. By understanding your dog’s unique coat type and preparing for the seasonal coat changes ahead, you’ll help your furry friend stay comfortable and maintain a healthy coat all year long.

Supporting Your Dog’s Coat Year-Round

Healthy coat changes should be gradual and even.

To help your dog through seasonal transitions:

• Maintain a balanced diet
  Protein, omega-3s, and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for a shiny, healthy coat. Make sure your dog's food provides all essential nutrients and includes unsaturated fatty acids to support coat and skin health. If your dog needs help getting more vitamins or you would just like to improve their coat, here are a few products we think you’d like. link

• Brush regularly
  This helps remove loose fur, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils. Regular brushing also stimulates blood circulation, which benefits your dog's skin. Adjust brushing frequency during the shedding process, especially in spring and fall, to better manage dog shedding and support skin health.

• Schedule professional hygiene care
  For dogs with heavy shedding or special hygiene needs, professionals, like Scenthound, can help manage seasonal coat changes and keep your dog's coat in top condition.

• Bathe as needed
  Regular bathing helps remove dead hair and keeps skin clean, but avoid overbathing, which can strip natural oils. Keeping your dog clean is important for maintaining both coat and skin health.

• Care for paw pads
  Include paw pad care in your hygiene care routine, as healthy paw pads protect your dog's feet and contribute to overall comfort.

• Watch for signs of trouble
  Patchy shedding, bald spots, or itchy, irritated skin could signal allergies, parasites, or other health issues.

• Support your dog's comfort and health
  Regular care supports your dog's health and helps keep your dog comfortable and your pup comfortable during seasonal changes.

• Seasonal tips
  For winter, moisturize your dog's skin, protect paw pads from salt and cold, and adjust bathing frequency to prevent dryness. For summer, manage shedding, protect paws from hot surfaces, and prevent sunburn to keep your dog comfortable.

A comprehensive routine, proper nutrition, and attention to your dog's skin and coat will help maintain your dog's health and comfort year-round. For additional tips visit our dog wellness page!

Common Coat Change Challenges

Seasonal coat changes can bring a few common challenges for pet parents, but with the right approach, you can keep your dog’s coat healthy and comfortable. One of the biggest issues is excessive shedding, which can leave your home covered in loose fur. Regular brushing, especially with a slicker brush or undercoat rake, helps manage shedding and removes dead hair before it ends up on your furniture.

Matting is another concern, particularly for dogs with longer or double coats. Mats can form quickly when dead hairs get trapped, so consistent brushing is essential to prevent tangles and keep the coat smooth. Skin irritation may also arise during seasonal transitions, as dry air or excess fur can lead to itchy, uncomfortable skin. Using natural oils and ensuring your dog gets proper nutrition with essential fatty acids can support healthy skin and coat. By staying on top of seasonal coat care and addressing these challenges early, you’ll help your dog transition smoothly through every coat change.

When to Be Concerned

Some seasonal shedding is normal, but you should contact your vet if you notice:

• Sudden, extreme hair loss

• Bald patches or hot spots

• Excessive scratching or licking

• Flaky, red, or inflamed skin

Sudden changes in the shedding process or dog shedding patterns can be a sign of underlying health issues. It's important to monitor your dog's skin and overall dog's health during seasonal coat changes.

These can be signs of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.

How Scenthound Helps Maintain a Healthy Coat in Every Season

At Scenthound, we understand that a healthy coat is a reflection of your dog’s overall health. That’s why we provide regular skin and coat care as part of our essential hygiene services, along with attention to ears, nails, and teeth. Our approach supports seasonal coat changes by keeping your dog’s skin clean, hydrated, and comfortable all year long.

We help dog parents stay on top of their pup’s needs—so you can spend less time worrying about shedding and more time enjoying your dog.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding and managing your dog’s coat changes is essential for their comfort and health throughout the year. By preparing for seasonal transitions, addressing common challenges, and providing regular brushing and hygiene care, you can help your furry friend maintain a healthy coat and skin. Don’t forget the importance of a healthy diet, proper hydration, and the use of natural oils to support overall coat health. Whether your dog has a short, sleek coat or a thick double coat, year-round attention to their needs will keep them looking and feeling their best. With a little extra care and awareness, you’ll ensure your dog’s coat stays in top condition—no matter what the season brings. Find a Scenthound near you to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.