A Survival Guide to Shedding Season for Dogs and Cats

Spring arrives, the days get longer, and suddenly your sofa looks like it's been upholstered in dog hair. Sound familiar? If you share your home with a dog or cat, shedding season is one of those things you brace yourself for every year, right alongside fleas and muddy pawprints.

The good news: it's completely normal. The better news: there's plenty you can do about it. Here's everything you need to know about why pets shed, which ones shed the most, and how to reduce shedding without losing your mind (or your lint roller).

Why do cats and dogs shed?

Your pet's coat goes through a hair growth cycle, moving from active growth to a resting phase before the old hair falls out to make room for new growth. It’s a natural process, and it’s always going on, but as the seasons change, they focus on growing a thicker or thinner coat to account for the weather. That’s why come spring, a whole coats’ worth of fur seems to be falling out at once; they’re clearing out their thick winter coat ahead of warmer weather.

If you have an indoor pet, their shedding is more likely to be consistent year-round, as the artificial lighting and central heating blur those natural seasonal cues. So if you see the same amount of pet hair regardless of the calendar, mystery solved (not that it makes the hoovering any less relentless).

Which dogs and cats malt the most?

Double-coated breeds shed the most, and if you've ever owned a Husky, you’ve experienced that first-hand.

Heavy shedders to watch out for

●        Dogs: German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, Chow Chows, and Akitas are all prolific shedders. Dense double coats are wonderful insulation, less wonderful for your black trousers.

●        Cats: Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Russian Blues, and Persians shed heavily due to their long, thick coats.

…And the least troublesome ones

●        Dogs: Poodles, Shih Tzus, Bichon Frises, and Maltese.

●        Cats: Sphynx and Devon Rex.

Even the lightest shedders will have their moments though, so no one gets off completely scot-free.

 

When is shedding season?

The biggest shedding seasons are spring (around March to May) and autumn (October and November). Spring is naturally the heavier of the two, which pet owners everywhere will be collectively sighing about right now.

The trigger isn't actually temperature; it’s changing light levels. Longer days in spring and shorter days in autumn are what signal the coat change, which is why shedding can feel unpredictable when the weather doesn't play along. An intense shed typically lasts two to four weeks.

What you can do to reduce your dog or cat’s shedding

You can't stop shedding altogether, but you can absolutely reduce the amount of loose fur that ends up on your clothes, furniture, and morning tea (somehow).

Brush regularly, and with the right tools

Regular grooming removes loose hair before it has the chance to take over your home, and it helps distribute your pet's natural oils, giving them a healthier, glossier coat. If you’ve got a heavy shedder on your hands, daily brushing is recommended in peak shedding season. Otherwise, twice a week should suffice, but using the right kind of brush will make your job easier:

●        Slicker brushes work well for most coat types.

●        Deshedding tools (like the Furminator) are best for dogs and cats with dense double coats.

●        Rubber grooming mitts are great for short-haired breeds (and cats who have… strong feelings about being brushed).

 

Bath time

A good bath can loosen a lot of stuck undercoat in one go, which makes everyone’s lives easier. For most dogs, every six weeks is about right. More than that and you risk stripping the coat of its natural oils, which can actually increase shedding.

Always brush before bathing to clear as much loose fur as possible first, and use a natural, gentle shampoo formulated for pets.

Support their coat from the inside

A healthy coat really does start from within. Pets that aren't getting the right nutrients will shed more, and their coat can look dull or become brittle. The key nutrients to look for are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin health, reduce inflammation, and help with healthy hair growth.

You might take fish oil as a supplement yourself, but it’s fantastic for your pet’s coat too! It's rich in those essential fatty acids that the body can't produce on its own, and it supports skin hydration, reduces the amount of hair they shed, and gives their coat a noticeably healthier sheen.

That's exactly what our Super Salmon Oil delivers, 100% cold-pressed Scottish salmon oil, and nothing else. One honest ingredient, full stop, because sometimes less is better. Packing 18% omega-3, it’s suitable for all furry friends, just stir it into their daily meal. Simple, effective, no faff.

Fish-based treats are another cracking addition to your pet’s diet. Our Bag of Tiddlers (dogs here, and cats here!) are 100% pure fish with nothing added, rich in omega-3 and omega-6, proteins, and natural oils.

Getting enough high-quality protein is important too, since hair is primarily made of it. If your dog's diet is heavy on cheap fillers, their coat will tell you about it, so make sure their main meals are natural, sourced from high-quality protein, and have a transparent ingredients list. You’ll really notice the difference.

And if you're after something that supports skin health while also keeping your dog occupied for longer than thirty seconds, our Brilliant Beef Collagen Chews support skin structure and elasticity, which feeds through to a healthier coat over time.

Keep the house under control

Even with the most dedicated grooming routine, some hair will make it onto your floors and furniture. That's just the deal. But you can make it more manageable:

●        Vacuum at least once a week during shedding season.

●        Keep lint rollers by the front door, in the car, and near the sofas.

●        Microfibre cloths and mops attract loose fur off hard floors much better than brooms, which just move it around.

●        Washable throws or slipcovers on sofas and chairs mean you can deal with the fur in one laundry load instead of picking it off your cushions for yonks.

When is shedding concerning?

Shedding is a normal part of life with a dog or cat, and a little extra during the season is absolutely to be expected. But if something looks or feels off beyond that, get it checked. Keep an eye out for:

●        Bald patches or areas where the fur is noticeably thinning

●        Fur coming out in clumps

●        Skin that looks red, flaky, irritated, or is smelly

●        Changes in coat texture alongside other symptoms like lethargy or a shift in appetite

These can point to allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalances, or skin conditions that need a vet's attention.

To wrap up…

Brush regularly with the right tools, support your pet's coat with a nutrient-rich diet and plenty of omega-3s, and keep on top of the house. You won't stop shedding season in its tracks, but you can definitely reduce the drama.

For dogs and cats alike, Salmon oil is the best way to support their coat from the inside, which will reduce their shedding too. For other bits and bobs with health benefits, browse our full range of natural treats and supplements for dogs and cats. And if your pet is already a fan, tag us on Facebook or Instagram.

Stay wild, and we’ll see you next month with another blog.