- Dr. Holly Dutton
- Nov 28
- 9 min read
Is your canine companion leaving a furry trail everywhere they go? Excessive shedding in dogs can be a puzzling and sometimes distressing problem for pet owners - and it may be a sign of something more serious than you think. While most shedding is perfectly normal, significant changes in your dog’s coat and skin health should always be taken seriously.
If the fur in your home is piling up suddenly, it may indicate that your pup is suffering from an underlying health issue.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
What normal shedding looks like
What unhealthy shedding looks like
When it’s time to seek emergency vet care
UNDERSTANDING THE DOG FUR SHEDDING PROCESS
Here’s a hairy situation—you have a dog who you love like mad, but you’re picking up furry clumps of dog hair on the daily. Ahh, shedding… it’s a natural part of a dog's life cycle. But when does dog hair shedding become excessive?
How the seasons affect fur shedding
Dogs shed because their fur grows, rests, and eventually falls out in a repeating cycle that’s normally triggered by the change of season. Most dogs will undergo a significant shedding process twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. This process of shedding their winter coat for a lighter summer coat is known as “blowing their coat.” It helps dogs adjust to the changing temperatures—lighter coats for the warmer months and thicker ones for the cold.
For example, in spring, dogs usually lose a lot of their thick winter coat, and in fall they shed some of their summer coat to make room for a warmer one. Light shedding throughout the rest of the year is normal, too - it’s just the body constantly replacing old hairs with new, healthy ones.
If the shedding seems excessive or is accompanied by skin irritation or bald spots, consult with a veterinarian at VEG, ER for pets.
Breed-specific shedding patterns
Factors like breed can also influence the amount of shedding - for instance, breeds with double coats, such as Huskies, typically shed more. They're beautiful dogs, but sheesh—can they shed!
Understanding these breed-specific patterns can help you determine if your dog's shedding is within a normal range or a sign of a deeper issue.
Each dog breed has its own unique shedding pattern. Dogs with a double coat, or “undercoat”, tend to shed more than those with a single coat, and require more maintenance and regular grooming, especially with the change of seasons.
High-shedding dog breeds
Labradors
German Shepherds
Beagles
Bulldogs
Huskies
Low-shedding dog breeds
Dachshunds
Poodles
Scottish Terriers
Schnauzers
Bichon Frises
It’s not always something new dog owners consider, but knowing your dog's breed-specific shedding pattern can provide insights into how much hair/fur loss to expect and when to seek help.
If you’re worried that your pup’s shedding seems excessive, is coming out in clumps, or is accompanied by skin irritation, bald spots, or constant itching - it may be time to consult your veterinarian.
MILD CAUSES OF FUR SHEDDING YOU CAN MANAGE AT HOME
While breed and season are natural factors influencing shedding, be aware that health issues can also lead to excessive hair/fur loss. It’s important to know when you can try to reduce shedding at home, and when to seek help.
Here are some common, non-emergency reasons your pup may be shedding more than usual:
Seasonal coat changes. As previously mentioned, the fall and spring months are peak shedding time for most dogs.
Poor nutrition or dehydration. Make sure your pup is drinking lots of water and eating high-quality dog food that meets the requirements for protein, minerals, and fatty acids.
Stress and anxiety. Excessive shedding is often a dog’s stress response to a sudden disruption in their life - fireworks, thunderstorms, welcoming a new family member, or even a trip to the vet.
Environmental allergies. Pollen, grass, and dander are common allergens leading to excessive hair/fur loss, and can sometimes be helped by providing your pup with an allergy-friendly dog food.
None of us like to see our furry loved ones going through something like excessive hair/fur loss. Luckily, the causes above are generally mild and can usually be solved without outside intervention. However, when excessive shedding is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be an indicator of something more serious that may require emergency veterinary care.
MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY CAUSES OF EXCESSIVE FUR SHEDDING
If your dog’s shedding is leading to other health issues like skin irritation or bald spots, it may be time to seek outside help. Here are some more serious, medical causes of shedding which could necessitate a trip to the vet:
Allergic reactions. If your dog is experiencing sudden, intense itching or hives, the cause could be an allergy - most commonly to food. Dogs can develop an allergy at any point in their life, so something she’s used to eating could become suddenly problematic. Your vet may suggest an elimination diet or medication to reduce symptoms.
Parasites. Extreme shedding and itching can be caused by bites from fleas, ticks, or mange mites. These parasites can cause symptoms like bald patches and open sores, and can lead to serious health issues like inflammation and skin infections. Seek immediate emergency care if your dog is bleeding or uncomfortable - and make sure he’s on year-round parasite preventatives.
Skin infections. These can be pretty common with dogs, especially hot spots - red, irritated, sometimes raised areas of skin irritation that pups often make worse by licking or chewing. Bacterial or fungal infections like pyoderma or ringworm can also be the culprit, causing not only hair/fur loss but also an itchy bumpy rash and inflamed skin. These infections can be painful and extremely contagious, so urgent veterinary care is your best bet if your dog is displaying these symptoms.
Hormonal imbalances. Many dogs shed excessively after giving birth, or after a hormone-altering surgery like spaying/neutering. Thinning hair on a dog can also sometimes be a sign of a hormone-related condition like thyroid disease (under-production of hormones) or Cushing’s Disease (over-production of hormones). In both cases the hair can become dry, brittle, and won’t grow back, leaving a thin/balding appearance. Leaving these conditions untreated can have a serious impact on your dog’s quality of life, so seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect a hormonal disorder.
Systemic illness or stress response. Excessive shedding can be related to fever or pain that’s being caused by an overall illness. Most viral diseases can cause not only hair loss, but also lethargy, diarrhea, and sometimes even seizures. If your dog is feverish and losing weight along with losing more hair than usual, do not hesitate to seek emergency veterinary care. It could save your pup’s life.
WHEN TO VISIT THE EMERGENCY VET
If you are monitoring your dog and observe the symptoms below, it’s time to call the vet. Remember that VEG’s emergency veterinarians are available 24/7 to ease your mind and provide quality care for your precious pup, especially if symptoms worsen quickly or overnight - and early intervention is the best way to prevent your dog’s condition from deteriorating.
Sudden or severe hair loss. Rapid hair loss has so many varying causes, ranging from mild to super serious, that it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Intense scratching or bleeding skin. It’s never a good sign when your pup is bleeding. Avoid infection and seek care immediately.
Open wounds or signs of infection. Only a doctor can treat a serious infection, and time is of the essence.
Hair loss accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These symptoms could indicate a very serious illness and require immediate veterinary attention.
HOW VETS DIAGNOSE AND TREAT EXCESSIVE SHEDDING
You played it safe and brought your best furry friend to the vet - a great decision considering that getting help as soon as possible is the best way to prevent symptoms from worsening. Now what can you and your dog expect from the emergency exam?
Testing at the vet
The vet will perform several tests to try and pinpoint the cause of the shedding and its accompanying symptoms.
Skin scrape
One of these tests is a skin scrape, which sounds a lot scarier than it actually is! The vet will simply use a dull scalpel blade to scrape the top layer of your dog’s skin - this allows the doctor to collect skin cell samples and see any parasites that might have taken up residence on your dog’s body.
Fecal test for parasites
Along with this external parasite check, the vet will also collect a stool sample and do a fecal test to make sure there are no internal parasites like hookworms or giardia living inside your dog.
Allergy testing for dogs
The next step is allergy testing - similar to human allergy tests, the doctor will inject small amounts of allergens into your dog’s skin and then observe the injection site for hives or redness. Lastly, a blood test will be performed to determine any food allergies, thyroid issues, and hormone levels.
Once the results are back and you are closer to understanding the source of the excessive shedding, you and your vet can come up with a treatment plan that provides the best outcome for your pup. This may involve medication, hormone treatment, or allergy shots and oral steroids.
If the problem is mostly skin-related, you may find yourself using medicated shampoo or other topical treatments like sprays or anti-fungal ointment. No matter what the diagnosis may be, you’re that much closer to having a healthy, happy, normally-shedding pup.
PREVENTIVE TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT
While you should avoid in-home medical treatments without professional guidance, there are several ways to be proactive about your dog’s fur maintenance and manage shedding at home:
Regular grooming with the right tools. Getting your dog groomed on a regular basis is essential for effectively managing shedding. Check with your GP vet for guidance on how often you should brush your dog; different dog coats have varying needs. If grooming at home, professional groomers or your veterinarian can provide recommendations on the best grooming tools for your dog's specific needs.
Quality diet and supplements. The condition of your dog's coat is a reflection of their overall health, and diet plays a significant role in this. Feeding your dog high-quality food rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can promote healthier skin and a healthier coat, which can reduce excessive shedding. Supplements like fish oil can also be beneficial, but it's important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog's diet.
Bathing and coat care products. It’s okay to treat your doggie like a diva! Bathing your dog regularly with a dog-specific shampoo can help reduce shedding. There are specialized shampoos and conditioners formulated to help reduce shedding by nourishing the skin and coat. It's important not to over-bathe, as this can strip natural oils from the skin and lead to dryness and irritation. Depending on your dog's breed and skin type, a monthly bath is often sufficient.
Year-round parasite prevention. Taking steps to protect your dog from parasites is imperative to keeping them healthy, especially if they are outside a lot. Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are active all through the year, even in the winter! Preventive medication protects your pup AND you from a range of diseases and infestations that could have a huge impact on your life and home.
Keeping a stress-free environment. Does your pup seem stressed? Stress can impact your dog's health, including their skin and coat condition. Keeping a normal, predictable routine and providing your dog with a comfy, quiet, stress-free environment can help minimize shedding caused by anxiety.
Playtime and regular exercise. An active pup is a healthy pup! Making sure your dog is getting regular time to run around and play fetch is one of the most effective ways you can prevent health issues down the road.
Schedule regular vet visits. Vet check-ups play a crucial role in maintaining your dog's overall health and detecting issues early on. These visits allow your vet to monitor changes in your dog's coat and skin health. Keeping up with regular veterinary appointments is a proactive way to manage your dog's shedding and overall well-being.
FINAL THOUGHTS: DON’T IGNORE SUDDEN SHEDDING CHANGES!
Every pet owner knows that shedding is just part of the package - living with a dog means embracing the fluff, and honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way. But sudden, excessive, or patchy fur loss means that something is wrong - and the longer you wait, the greater the chance your dog’s condition could worsen.
If you’re on the fence, it’s always safest to have your vet take a look. At VEG ER for Pets, our emergency vets are here 24/7, ready and waiting to answer your questions and examine any sudden and or concerning skin and coat changes. Walk in anytime - your pet’s comfort and safety are too important to wait.
