Seasonal Shedding Cycles: Why They Happen & How to Help

If you live with a double-coated dog, you already know the story: the seasons change, and suddenly tufts of fur are everywhere—on your couch, your clothes, even floating across the room like tumbleweeds. Shedding is completely natural, but understanding why it happens (and how to manage it) makes life a whole lot easier.

Why Dogs Shed Seasonally
Dogs with double coats—like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Shepherds, and Pyrenees—have two layers of fur:

• Undercoat: A soft, fluffy layer that insulates against heat and cold.
• Guard hairs (outer coat): Longer hairs that repel water and protect the undercoat.

As daylight hours and temperatures shift, dogs “blow coat,” releasing huge amounts of that undercoat all at once. This happens mainly in spring (to shed the winter coat) and fall (to grow in a thicker winter coat).

The Downside of Shedding
Loose undercoat can:

• Form mats, especially in damp fall weather.
• Trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria, leading to hot spots or skin irritation.
• Leave your house covered in fur if not brushed out regularly.
• Often leave a less than desirable doggy smell on your doggo and your couch

How Grooming Helps
Routine grooming makes seasonal shedding manageable—and keeps your pup comfortable. At The Blue Hound, we:

• Blow out coats with high-velocity dryers to loosen trapped fur.
• Brush out thoroughly to remove shedding hair before it mats.
• Offer deshedding treatments that lift excess undercoat and keep the skin healthier.
• Moisturize skin and coat to reduce dryness that makes shedding worse.

What You Can Do at Home

• Brush your dog at least a few times a week during peak shedding seasons.
• Use the right tools—an undercoat rake or slicker brush helps the most.
• Keep up with regular baths (not too frequent, as over-bathing can dry the skin).
• Book regular grooming appointments so buildup never gets overwhelming.

The Bottom Line
Seasonal shedding is part of life with a furry friend—but it doesn’t have to mean constant fur storms in your home. With a little extra care (and a good groomer on your team), your dog’s coat stays healthy, and you stay sane.

Ready to get ahead of shedding season? Our Furfall Package is designed for heavy shedders—deep deshedding, unlimited brushing, and moisture treatments to keep coats healthy and homes fur-free. Book a Furfall Groom Today ➝

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