What Is Normal Shedding on a Dog?

Despite what you may hear, all dogs shed. The truth is that some just shed more than others. For most breeds, the most noticeable shedding occurs during spring and summer. During this time, the thick downy undercoat that kept your dog warm in the winter will often come off in tufts in preparation for the warm weather. Other factors like age, and how much time the dog spends in the sunlight can contribute to how much it sheds.

  1. Puppies

    • Nearly every breed sheds their puppy coat before their two-layer adult coat grows in. Around six to 12 months of age, it's normal for the soft, fuzzy fur you fell in love with to fall out and be replaced with a layer of long "guard hairs".

    Females

    • Female dogs often have thinner coats than than their male counterparts, and therefore tend to shed less. In addition to seasonal shedding, female dogs also shed during their heat cycle. This is referred to by some breeders as "blowing their coat".

    Breed

    • The amount of shedding varies widely from breed to breed. For example, in some breeds, like the German Shepherd, shedding is a year-round experience. Cold-weather breeds like Samoyeds and malamutes that have extremely thick fur. Seasonal shedding in these dogs can be an epic event in which the undercoats falls off in thick clumps. And on the opposite end of the spectrum lies the poodle, which sheds so little it is barely noticeable.

    Abnormal Amounts

    • When it comes to judging whether or not your dog is shedding an abnormal amount: trust your instincts. If it seems like too much, then you're probably right. Dull, dry fur and bald spots are tell-tale signs that something is amiss.

    Causes of Excessive Shedding

    • Abnormal amounts of shedding can be caused by a number of factors. These include skin allergies, stress, parasites and insufficient fat in the dog's diet. If you suspect either one of these are to blame, your dog should see a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent further damage.