Although it is the least common shedding season, dogs can shed in the fall. Not all dogs experience shedding during this season, but it’s common among breeds with double coats or dogs that shed year-round.
What’s a Double Coat?
A double coat is a combination of a dense undercoat of stiff hair with longer hair on top. The main difference between this and a single coat is that single coats are even-looking, with no soft undercoat. Single coats can be straight, curly, silky, or wiry. Double-coat dog breeds will shed their shorter, lighter summer coats around this time of year.
What Breeds Have Double Coats?
- Akitas
- Chows
- Collies
- Huskies
- Shelties
What Breeds Can Shed Year-Round?
- Beagles
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Labradors
- Retrievers
- Shepherds
Why Do Dogs Shed?
With several hairs growing from each follicle, dog fur protects the skin and regulates body temperature. Once the hair is old or damaged, dogs begin to shed as seasons change to grow new hair. Shedding can be determined by:
- Genetics
- Breed
- Health
- Allergies
- Parasites
- Nutrition
Indoor Dogs v.s. Outdoor Dogs
Due to regulated indoor temperatures, indoor dogs typically experience more frequent shedding that doesn’t follow a seasonal pattern. On the other hand, outdoor dogs follow the seasons to maintain insulation for the winter & be lighter in the summer months.
Shedding and Grooming
As a pet owner, you know that the shedding seasons increase grooming and vacuuming. Experts recommend brushing your dog several times a week to keep your dog’s fur from getting matted. And as mentioned, indoor dogs tend to shed more frequently than outdoor dogs because of the regulated temperatures, but you may still notice an increase in shedding for your double-coat dog in the fall.
Bathing Your Dog
Frequent baths will also help with shedding, especially if you find a specialized shampoo that targets shedding, although it is best to do your research or talk to your vet before you try one out.
Grooming Tools
When it comes to shedding, grooming brushes and combs will become your best friend. However, not all tools are created equal.
- Wide Toothed Combs: These have widely separated teeth and come in plastic or metal.
- Metal Combs: These are de-shedding tools
- Brushes: These come with rubber tines, synthetic or natural bristles, metal pins, or fine metal tines.
Why Can’t I Shave My Dog’s Double Coat?
Maintaining a double-coated breed is hard work. There may be times you want just to shave your dog, but it’s not recommended. Shaving a dog with a double coat can lead to hair loss and make your dog lose its ability to regulate body temperature. Shaved dogs are also more susceptible to the elements such as insect bites and sunburn.
So What Now?
So when it comes to shedding, we now know that it doesn’t only happen in the spring but also in the fall. Of course, some dogs shed seasonally and other indoor dogs that shed year-round! Make sure you’re prepared to handle all the fur this fall with your newly formed knowledge and proper grooming tools.
