“My dog is shedding like crazy!”
This is something we hear every day! We love our pets, but our vacuum does not share the same sentiment. Let’s break down some causes and some great ways to reduce it.
All Pets Shed
First things first: every pet sheds. Yes—even pets that are considered “non-shedding.”
Humans shed hair too. Think about the last time you cleaned out your hairbrush or noticed loose hairs on your pillow. Pets go through the same natural process.
However, not all pets shed at the same rate. Shedding can vary depending on several factors, including:
Breed
Coat type
Diet and overall health
Grooming routine
Seasonal changes
For example: Poodles are often called “non-shedding” because they shed very little. Golden Retrievers are known as shedding breeds and tend to lose much more hair.
Even breeds that shed very little still lose some hair—it’s just usually less noticeable.
The Shedding Process
Shedding happens as part of your pet’s natural hair growth cycle.
Each hair on your dog’s body grows from a small structure in the skin called a hair follicle. Over time, the hair grows, stops growing, and eventually falls out so new hair can take its place.
Hair grows in three different stages, and each hair follicle is on its own schedule. This means one hair may be growing while the hair next to it is getting ready to fall out.
This is actually a good thing. If all the hairs were on the same schedule, your pet could lose huge amounts of hair at once and become bald. Thankfully, that rarely happens.
A dog’s coat is also designed differently in different parts of the body. For example, a Golden Retriever has short hair on the face and legs but longer, feathered hair on the chest, tail, and body. Your dog’s body naturally grows each type of hair where it’s needed.
Understanding Undercoat and Guard Hairs
Most dogs actually have two types of hair in each follicle:
Guard hairs – the longer outer hairs that protect the coat
Secondary hairs (undercoat) – the soft, fluffy hairs underneath
A single hair follicle can hold one guard hair and several undercoat hairs. These soft undercoat hairs are the ones you often see collecting on your floors, furniture, or clothing.
When these hairs reach the end of their growth cycle, they fall out to make room for new ones. This is why shedding is both natural and healthy.
Sometimes shedding feels excessive—and sometimes it actually is.
Why is My Dog Shedding So Much?
Diet and Nutrition
Your dog’s diet plays an important role in skin and coat health. Pets that eat a well-balanced, high-quality diet often have, healthier skin, stronger hair follicles, shinier coats, and less excessive shedding.
When pets receive the nutrients they need internally, it often shows in the condition of their coat.
Grooming Routine
In many cases, excess shedding is related to grooming habits.
When loose hair and undercoat aren’t removed regularly, they can build up in the coat. Eventually, those hairs start falling out all at once around your home.
Regular grooming helps remove dead hair before it ends up on your floors.
That’s why we recommend keeping pets on a consistent grooming schedule with professional groomers.
Medical Conditions That Can Cause Hair Loss
While shedding is normal, excessive hair loss or bald patches may be a sign of a health issue.
Certain medical conditions can affect the skin and coat, including:
Thyroid disease
Cushing’s disease
Addison’s disease
Diabetes
Types of alopecia (hair loss disorders)
At Smoochie Pooch, our groomers evaluate each pet’s skin and coat at the beginning of every appointment. Regular grooming visits can help spot potential issues early so you can follow up with your veterinarian if needed.
What Is a Deshed Treatment?
For pets that shed heavily, professional grooming can make a big difference.
At Smoochie Pooch, we offer a specialized Deshed Treatment for dogs (and cats at participating locations).
This service includes:
A specialized bathing process designed to loosen packed undercoat
A thorough drying routine that helps remove loose hair
Extra brushing to safely remove dead coat
While it’s impossible to stop shedding completely, these treatments can reduce shedding by more than 50% in many pets.
Be cautious of any product that promises to completely eliminate shedding. Because shedding is a natural biological process, it should never stop entirely.
Ways You Can Reduce Shedding at Home
While shedding can’t be eliminated, there are several things you can do to help manage it.
1. Add a Skin and Coat Supplement
Skin and coat supplements can help support healthy fur and reduce excessive shedding. Nutrients to look out for are:
Sardine oil
Anchovy oil
Hempseed oil
Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids
These nutrients may help support skin health while also assisting with issues such as dry skin, hot spots, allergic reactions, and joint discomfort.
2. Schedule Regular Grooming
Routine grooming helps remove dead hair before it ends up around your home.
We typically recommend scheduling professional grooming every 4–6 weeks depending on your pet’s coat type.
3. Consider a Professional Deshed Treatment
Deshed treatments are designed specifically for heavy-shedding pets and can dramatically reduce loose hair.
These services work by removing packed undercoat safely and thoroughly. Ask your groomer about our deshed package at your next appointment.
4. Be Careful With Deshedding Tools
Some deshedding tools advertised online may actually cut the hair instead of removing loose fur naturally.
Tools like deshedding blades can act like razors, which may damage your pet’s coat over time. If you’re unsure which tools are safe to use, ask a professional groomer for recommendations.
5. Bathe Before Brushing
Brushing works best on clean coats. Dirty hair tends to clump together and can make brushing more difficult.
Bathing your pet before brushing can help loosen dead hair and make grooming much easier.
6. Talk to Your Veterinarian if Shedding Seems Unusual
If your pet suddenly starts shedding much more than usual, develops bald patches, or shows signs of irritated skin, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
These symptoms could indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention.
Still Have Questions About Shedding?
Shedding is a natural part of pet ownership, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. With the right grooming routine and professional care, you can keep your pet’s coat healthy while minimizing loose hair.
If you have questions about shedding, grooming tools, or your pet’s coat type, talk to one of the professional groomers at Smoochie Pooch. Our team is always happy to help keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best.