If your dog seems to shed in waves — manageable most of the year, then suddenly everywhere in spring and fall — you’re not imagining it. Seasonal shedding is real, predictable, and manageable once you understand what’s actually happening underneath that coat.
Why Dogs Shed Seasonally
Many breeds, especially double-coated ones, grow a heavier undercoat for winter and shed it out as the weather warms — then do a lighter version of the same cycle heading into fall. This process is often called “blowing coat,” and it’s driven primarily by changes in daylight length, not temperature alone. That’s why it happens on a fairly predictable calendar each year, regardless of how warm or cold a particular season actually is.
Breeds that tend to shed heavily on a seasonal cycle include:
- Huskies and other northern breeds
- Golden Retrievers and Labradors
- German Shepherds
- Corgis
- Border Collies
- Any breed with a dense double coat (soft undercoat plus a coarser topcoat)
Single-coated breeds (like Poodles or Yorkies) and hairless breeds shed much less noticeably, since they don’t carry the same insulating undercoat layer to begin with.
Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Always Enough
Regular brushing helps, but during a heavy seasonal shed, loose undercoat can build up faster than at-home brushing keeps pace with — especially in areas dogs can’t easily be brushed thoroughly, like the rear haunches, chest, and tail base. Left unmanaged, that trapped undercoat can also contribute to matting, reduced airflow to the skin, and hot spots.
How Professional De-Shedding Helps
A professional de-shedding treatment goes beyond a quick brush — it typically includes a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner to loosen dead undercoat, a thorough tool-based brush-out, and high-velocity drying that helps force out even more loose fur than air-drying or towel-drying ever could. The difference is often dramatic: noticeably less shedding around the house for weeks afterward.
During peak shedding season (typically spring and fall), we recommend:
- A de-shedding treatment every 4–6 weeks for heavy double-coated breeds
- Daily at-home brushing in between, focused on the undercoat, not just the top layer
- Extra attention to areas prone to matting once shedding is heavy — behind the ears, under the legs, around the collar
A Common Myth: Shaving Down Double Coats
It might seem like shaving a heavy shedder down for summer would solve the problem, but double coats actually help regulate body temperature in both hot and cold weather, and insulate skin from sunburn. Shaving can also disrupt the coat’s normal growth cycle and, in some cases, cause it to grow back unevenly. For most double-coated breeds, regular de-shedding is a better long-term approach than a shave-down — worth a conversation with your groomer if you’re considering it.
Managing Shedding Year-Round
Seasonal shedding is heaviest in spring and fall, but most double-coated breeds shed at least a little year-round. A consistent grooming rhythm — Bath & Brush or Full Groom on a regular schedule, with De-Shedding treatments layered in during peak seasons — is the most effective way to keep it under control, rather than tackling it only once it’s already piled up.
Due for a de-shedding treatment? → Book De-Shedding
Not sure which service fits your dog right now? → Bath & Brush vs. Full Groom