That moment is not a sign that something is wrong. It is your dog’s body doing exactly what it was built to do.
Spring shedding is one of the most common concerns dog parents bring up every year, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. The hair coming off your dog is not a problem to be solved. It is a biological process, tightly coordinated by light, hormones, and the structure of your dog’s individual coat. Understanding what drives it, and knowing the signs that separate normal from something worth checking out, can save a lot of worry.
Why Your Dog Sheds More in Spring
Most people assume the warmer weather is what triggers spring shedding. Temperature does play a role, but it is actually a secondary one. The main driver is photoperiod, the scientific term for the amount of daylight in a given day. [1]
As spring arrives and days grow longer, your dog’s body picks up on those light signals and responds at a hormonal level. The hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates many biological rhythms, registers the shift in light exposure and begins coordinating a cascade of hormonal changes. Prolactin levels rise, and alongside other hormonal signals, they tell the hair follicles it is time to release the dense winter undercoat. [1]
This is also why dogs that live primarily indoors, in climate-controlled homes with consistent artificial lighting, still go through a spring shed. Their bodies are responding to the sun coming through the windows, not to the temperature setting on the thermostat. Some indoor dogs, particularly those exposed mostly to artificial light year-round, may shed more evenly across all seasons rather than in two concentrated bursts. But when spring arrives, the hormonal response happens regardless.
The process, when it is intense, is often called “blowing coat.” That name is fairly accurate. For some dogs, the transition from winter coat to summer coat can release what feels like an entire second dog’s worth of fur over the span of a few weeks.
Single Coats vs. Double Coats: Not All Dogs Shed the Same Way
How much your dog sheds in spring depends significantly on coat structure.
Dogs with double coats carry two distinct layers. The outer coat, made up of coarser guard hairs, provides protection from wind, moisture, and debris. Beneath it sits the undercoat, soft, dense, and insulating, which is the layer that thickens in winter and releases in spring. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Australian Shepherds are among the more intense seasonal shedders. When spring arrives, that entire undercoat can seem to release at once, coming away in clumps during brushing and drifting across every surface in your home.
Single-coated dogs, including Poodles, Maltese, and Bichon Frises, have hair that grows continuously rather than cycling through dramatic seasonal transitions. These dogs tend to shed more gradually and evenly throughout the year. Some short-coated single-layer breeds, like Beagles and Boxers, may not produce dramatic fur clouds in spring, but their shorter, stiffer hairs have a particular talent for embedding themselves into furniture and clothing year-round.
Coat structure is not the only variable. Age, general health, and nutrition all influence how a coat looks and behaves during shedding season. A dog whose diet is missing key nutrients, particularly the fats that support skin barrier function, may shed more heavily or produce a coat that looks dull or dry even after the seasonal transition. For some dogs, premium dog supplements designed to support skin and coat health can help fill those gaps.
What Normal Spring Shedding Looks Like
Normal spring shedding involves a coat that gradually thins out, with loose hair releasing easily during brushing or even light petting. The fur that comes away should be free of skin attached to the roots. The remaining coat should appear relatively even in density, with no noticeable bald patches or bare spots.
A healthy coat during the spring transition tends to look cleaner and lighter than the winter coat, which may have had a slightly thicker or flatter appearance. The skin underneath should look clean and smooth, without redness, flaking, or visible irritation. Some dogs seem noticeably more comfortable and energetic once their heavy winter coat has shed out, which makes sense, since carrying a dense insulating layer into warmer weather is not particularly comfortable.
Shedding that runs for several weeks is entirely within the range of normal. The timing and duration vary by breed, individual dog, and geographic region. In areas with more distinct seasonal changes, the spring shed tends to be more concentrated. Dogs in climates with milder winters may have a less dramatic spring transition.
The practical experience of living with a heavy seasonal shedder can feel overwhelming, but that alone is not a signal that anything is wrong.
When to Pay Closer Attention
Most of the time, spring shedding is simply shedding. Certain patterns are worth monitoring, though, because they can indicate something beyond a normal seasonal shift.
A helpful starting point is to look at the skin itself. When shedding is purely seasonal, the skin underneath is typically calm. Redness, persistent scratching, or areas that your dog returns to repeatedly are worth noting, and may point to a separate skin issue that happens to coincide with shedding season.
Changes in coat texture beyond the normal seasonal thinning can also be a signal. A coat that looks dull, dry, or brittle, rather than simply lighter, may reflect a nutritional gap or an underlying health concern. A coat that was previously even but has developed asymmetrical patches of hair loss, bare spots, or areas where regrowth looks sparse warrants a closer look.
Signs that go beyond normal shedding and are worth discussing with your vet include:
- Patchy or uneven hair loss with visible bare skin
- Redness, scaling, or inflammation at the skin surface
- Persistent scratching, licking, or chewing at specific areas
- Hair loss accompanied by changes in energy, appetite, or thirst
- A coat that looks thin or dull year-round, not only during spring
Several conditions can produce hair loss that resembles seasonal shedding on the surface but has a different cause. Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and produce diffuse thinning. [5] Skin infections, mite infestations, and fungal conditions like ringworm can all cause localized hair loss with visible skin changes. Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, often surface or worsen in spring and may produce itching and coat changes that look similar to heavy shedding from the outside.
When in doubt, a vet visit is the clearest way to distinguish normal seasonal variation from something that needs attention.
Nutrition, the Gut, and Coat Quality
Diet can play a meaningful role in how a dog’s fur looks and behaves, because the gut is closely connected to the systems that support skin and coat health. Every time a dog eats, the body has to break down and absorb nutrients through the intestinal wall. If the gut is not functioning well, whether from imbalanced gut bacteria, reduced absorption capacity, or low-grade inflammation, the effects tend to show up in the fur and skin before other signs appear.
The outer layer of the skin, called the epidermal barrier, depends on a steady supply of fatty acids to stay intact. When that barrier is working well, it retains moisture, resists irritants, and supports a coat that looks and feels healthy. When it is compromised, the skin can become dry and more reactive, and the coat may appear dull or shed more than expected for the season.
Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from marine sources, are incorporated into the cell membranes of skin cells throughout the body, where they compete with pro-inflammatory counterparts and help regulate the body’s inflammatory response. A diet that is relatively low in omega-3s compared to omega-6s can shift that balance toward a more inflammatory state, which may contribute to dryness, skin reactivity, and a coat that does not hold up well during seasonal transitions. [2]
Research on omega-3 fatty acids and skin and coat health in dogs suggests that adequate EPA and DHA intake may support skin hydration, coat texture, and the body’s barrier resilience. [3][4] Dog parents who have added an omega-3 supplement to their dog’s routine often report visible changes in coat texture and shininess after consistent daily use, though the timeline and degree of improvement will vary depending on the individual dog, their current diet, and baseline health.
How Bernie’s OMG! Omegas Fits In
Bernie’s OMG! Omegas is Bernie’s Best’s dedicated omega-3 formula, developed to deliver a concentrated, bioavailable source of EPA and DHA. The soft chew formula uses algal oil and anchovy oil as its primary omega-3 sources, both sustainably harvested and molecularly distilled to remove contaminants.
What distinguishes OMG! Omegas from standard fish oil supplements is the absorption support built into the formula. Vitamin E and green tea extract-based plant polyphenols are included to support omega-3 bioactivity and bioavailability, meaning more of the EPA and DHA may actually reach the cells where it does its work. For dogs whose skin and coat show signs of seasonal stress, or whose diet may not be providing adequate omega-3s from food alone, this kind of support can be a practical daily addition.
The chews come in two flavors, natural pork and salmon, and are sized by weight, with daily serving guidance ranging from one chew for dogs up to 25 pounds to five chews for dogs over 100 pounds. They are designed to be served as a treat, with or without a meal.
If your dog’s spring shedding has historically been heavy, or their coat tends to look dull coming out of winter, adding omega-3 support for skin and coat before and through shedding season may help support the skin barrier and a healthier-looking seasonal transition.
Practical Steps for Shedding Season
Nutrition supports the coat from the inside, but what happens on the outside matters too. Grooming during peak shedding season is one of the most effective ways to help the process along, manage the volume of loose hair at home, and keep a close eye on your dog’s skin.
Regular brushing removes loose hair before it drifts onto furniture and floors. It also helps distribute the skin’s natural oils through the coat, which supports both appearance and skin health. The right brush depends on coat type. Dogs with dense undercoats benefit from a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake that can reach past the guard hairs. Short-coated dogs do well with a rubber curry brush or grooming glove. During peak shedding weeks, daily brushing is reasonable for heavy shedders.
Bathing can also help move the process along. A thorough bath loosens dead hair and makes it easier to remove during brushing afterwards. An extra bath timed to the height of spring shedding can reduce the volume of loose fur that ends up around your home.
One thing worth noting: shaving a double-coated dog is not a reliable approach to managing seasonal shedding. The undercoat provides insulation in both directions. It retains warmth in cold months and buffers against heat in summer, and shaving removes that protective function. It can also affect the coat’s ability to protect against sun exposure and may alter the texture of regrowth. Brushing and deshedding treatments accomplish the same goal of clearing loose fur without disrupting the coat’s protective structure.
For dog parents who prefer to leave the intensive work to a professional, a grooming session timed to the height of shedding season can make a real difference. Groomers who work regularly with double-coated breeds have tools and techniques for clearing loose undercoat efficiently and safely.
A Note on Seasonal Allergies and Shedding
Spring is also allergy season for many dogs, and the two conditions can look similar on the surface. A dog dealing with seasonal environmental allergies may scratch, lick, and chew at their coat, which can produce patchy hair loss that resembles abnormal shedding. The distinction matters because the two have different underlying causes.
Normal seasonal shedding does not involve significant itching. If scratching is a prominent feature alongside hair loss, that points toward an allergic response rather than a straightforward coat transition. Dogs who develop itching, redness around the paws and face, or recurring ear issues in spring alongside their coat changes may be dealing with pollen or environmental allergens on top of seasonal shedding. A vet visit can help sort out what is driving what.
The nutrition support that helps the coat also supports the skin barrier’s resilience against environmental triggers. A skin barrier that is well-supported with adequate omega-3s is better positioned to resist irritation from the allergens that peak in spring.
Supporting Your Dog Through the Season
Spring shedding is a healthy, predictable part of your dog’s year. The biology behind it is well understood, and for most dogs, the main task for their dog parents is staying ahead of it with consistent grooming and good nutrition.
That said, it is worth taking a fresh look at your dog’s coat each spring, not just to manage the mess, but to use it as a check-in on their skin and coat health. A coat that looks vibrant and transitions smoothly is a good sign. One that looks dull, sheds unevenly, or seems to be accompanied by significant scratching is worth investigating further.
If your dog’s coat could use some additional support heading into shedding season, Bernie’s OMG! Omegas delivers concentrated EPA and DHA in a soft chew dogs actually want to eat. Every bag is backed by the Growl-Free Guarantee. Try it risk-free and see what consistent daily omega-3 support can do for your dog’s coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog shedding so much in spring?
Spring shedding is driven primarily by changes in daylight, not temperature. As days grow longer, your dog’s hormonal system responds by triggering the release of the winter coat. For dogs with dense undercoats, this can be intense and concentrated over several weeks. It is a normal, healthy biological process.
How long does spring shedding last in dogs?
The timeline varies by breed, coat type, and geographic region. For many double-coated breeds, the peak of spring shedding runs roughly four to six weeks, though some dogs may shed more gradually over a longer period. Dogs in climates with less distinct seasonal changes may experience a less concentrated shed.
What does abnormal shedding look like in dogs?
Normal spring shedding involves a coat that thins evenly, with loose hair releasing easily and healthy skin underneath. Abnormal shedding may involve patchy bare spots, redness or inflammation at the skin surface, persistent scratching or licking, or a coat that looks dull and brittle rather than simply lighter. These signs are worth discussing with your vet.
Can diet affect how much a dog sheds?
Nutrition plays a real role in coat quality. Omega-3 fatty acids from marine sources, particularly EPA and DHA, support the skin’s barrier function and help regulate the inflammatory response in skin cells. Dogs whose diets are low in omega-3s relative to omega-6s may shed more heavily or produce a coat that looks dull, dry, or less resilient during seasonal transitions.
Should I shave my dog to reduce spring shedding?
Shaving is not recommended for double-coated breeds. The undercoat serves an insulating function in both warm and cold weather, and removing it can affect your dog’s ability to regulate temperature and protect their skin from sun exposure. Regular brushing and professional deshedding treatments are more effective and safer alternatives for managing seasonal shedding volume.
Citations
[1] Corrada Y, Castex G, Sosa Y, Gobello C. “Secretory patterns of prolactin in dogs: circannual and ultradian rhythms.” Reproduction in Domestic Animals. 2003;38(3):219-223. DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0531.2003.00432.x. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12753557/
[2] Marchegiani A, Fruganti A, Spaterna A, Dalle Vedove E, Bachetti B, Massimini M, Di Pierro F, Gavazza A, Cerquetella M. “Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Canine Dermatological Disorders.” Veterinary Sciences. 2020;7(2):38. DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7020038. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32260299/
[3] Magalhães TR, Lourenço AL, Gregório H, Queiroga FL. “Therapeutic Effect of EPA/DHA Supplementation in Neoplastic and Non-neoplastic Companion Animal Diseases: A Systematic Review.” In Vivo. 2021;35(3):1419-1436. DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12394. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33910819/
[4] Combarros D, Castilla-Castaño E, Lecru LA, Pressanti C, Amalric N, Cadiergues MC. “A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of the Effects of an n-3 Essential Fatty Acids Supplement on Clinical Signs, and Fatty Acid Concentrations in the Erythrocyte Membrane, Hair Shafts and Skin Surface of Dogs with Poor Quality Coats.” Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids. 2020;159:102140. DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102140. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0952327820300983
[5] Credille KM, Slater MR, Moriello KA, Nachreiner RF, Tucker A, Dunstan RW. “The effects of thyroid hormones on the skin of beagle dogs.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 2001;15(6):539-546. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11817058/
