Seasonal Shedding: A Care Guide for the Shedding Season

Why does seasonal shedding happen?

The real trigger for shedding isn't temperature — it's the length of daylight. As days lengthen and shorten, the hair follicles beneath the skin get a signal to 'change gear': the winter coat is shed in late spring, and the summer coat gives way in autumn to a denser winter coat. That's why the most noticeable shedding waves come with the spring and autumn transitions.

In pets living indoors the picture blurs: artificial light and a steady indoor temperature muddle the natural cycle, so many cats and dogs shed a little all year round. In other words, a heavy wave at the change of seasons is normal — and so is light, continuous shedding for most household pets.

Normal shed or a problem? How to tell

The key question is this: is the hair shedding while the skin underneath stays healthy, or is the coat coming out in a way it shouldn't? In healthy seasonal shedding the coat thins diffusely and evenly, leaving smooth, itch-free skin below. The following signs point to something beyond a simple shed and warrant an exam:

• Clearly bald patches, symmetrical hair loss, or patchy shedding
• Itching, licking-scratching bouts, redness, scabs, or flaky skin
• Dandruff, greasy or dull coat, bad odour
• Red bumps, pimple-like lesions, or sores on the skin
• Shedding alongside weight change, lethargy, or increased thirst

The hidden causes behind excessive shedding

Shedding that is heavier than expected or out of season is often a message from the whole body, not just the skin. External parasites (fleas, mange), fungal infections, food or environmental allergies, thyroid and other hormonal imbalances, an unbalanced diet, and stress can all degrade coat quality and increase shedding.

That's why when you come in complaining of 'too much shedding,' we look at the whole picture rather than the coat alone: skin condition, parasite control, dietary history, and blood work when needed. The 'let's just give some vitamins' approach usually wastes time before the real cause is found — for a firm distinction, it's best to consult your vet.

Care that eases the shedding season

You can't stop seasonal shedding — but capturing the dead hair on a brush before it lands on your clothes and carpet makes the shed both cleaner and quicker. Simple habits that help during shedding season:

• Regular brushing: daily for long-haired pets, several times a week for short-haired ones — with a breed-appropriate brush
• The right tool: undercoat rakes and de-shedding combs help most during the season; don't press hard enough to irritate the skin
• A balanced, quality diet: a healthy coat starts in the bowl — a life-stage-appropriate food rich in omega-3s
• Plenty of fresh water: dry skin sheds more
• Bathing without overdoing it: washing too often strips the skin's natural oils; keep it appropriate to the breed and skin health, with a suitable shampoo
• Never skip parasite prevention — fleas and mange are common causes of shedding and itching

Managing the fur around the house

Some hair will inevitably spread through the home; the goal is to keep it manageable. Brush outdoors or on an easy-to-clean surface when you can; vacuum more often during the season, and regularly wash your pet's favourite bed and blanket.

There's an extra point with cats: a cat grooming itself swallows a lot of hair, and during shedding season this can worsen hairball problems. Regular brushing markedly reduces the hair a cat ingests, lowering both the vomiting and the risk of blockage.

When should you call the clinic?

A heavy but healthy shed at the change of seasons is expected; what really matters is when the shedding 'leaves bald spots' or comes with general symptoms. Don't delay a check-up in these situations:

• Distinct bald areas, symmetrical hair loss, or rapidly enlarging patches
• Intense itching, constant licking, sores and scabs on the skin
• Bad odour, dandruff, a greasy and dull coat
• Shedding accompanied by weight loss, lethargy, or excessive drinking
• Sudden, out-of-season shedding that keeps increasing

Frequently asked questions