Tips to Control Dog Shedding & Moulting

If you live with a dog, chances are you also live with dog hair. It’s on the sofa, on your clothes, in corners of the house you swear you just cleaned. Some days, you can hoover the floors just to see a tumbleweed of fur drifting past you within minutes. We’ve been there, and we get it.

Pretty much all dogs shed to some degree. Some breeds shed a little hair year-round while others seem to shed constantly. As a dog owner, your role in managing shedding is key by establishing regular grooming routines and using the right tools. You might have found that seasons like spring and autumn can be especially dramatic, as well as things like stress, diet, health, coat type and even indoor heating all making some difference too.

Like we said, we understand. We’ve also lint-rolled our way out the door more times than we care to admit and we’ve accepted that black trousers are something we can only wear with risk. And we’ve also asked ourselves, more than once, how to stop dog shedding or whether there’s a how to stop dog shedding home remedy that actually works.

The important thing to know is that dog shedding is normal and often a sign of a healthy coat doing what it’s meant to do. And thankfully, there are ways to reduce it and control it.

For most dogs, the moulting season tends to happen twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. This is when their coat naturally adjusts to the changing weather and changing temps. In spring, dogs tend to shed their thicker winter coat to make way for a lighter, more breathable summer coat. It’s a little like how we swap our big puffy winter coats for light weight shackets. Then in autumn, the process happens again, just the other way around, as they prepare to grow a denser coat ready for colder temperatures.

That said, shedding isn’t strictly limited to these seasons. Many dogs lose a small amount of hair all year round, especially those that live indoors where heating can confuse their natural coat cycle. Changes in daylight hours, temperature and even humidity all influence how and when your dog sheds.

During the summer months, dogs often shed more as they try to regulate their body temperature and stay cool. Summer can also bring increased shedding as dogs try to regulate their body temperature, while winter changes in daylight can affect hormone levels linked to coat growth. The result is ultimately hair everywhere. And while it’s completely normal, it’s often the point where owners start wondering how to stop dog shedding or at least reduce the constant clean-up.

Shedding and moulting are completely normal for dogs, but the amount your dog sheds can be influenced by several factors working together, such as breed, health, environment, and seasonal changes.

One of the biggest factors is breed and coat type. Double-coated dogs like Labradors, Huskies and German Shepherds have both a dense undercoat and a protective top coat, which means they tend to shed more heavily. Long-haired breeds may appear to shed less, but their hair is more noticeable when it does fall out, while short-haired dogs often shed little and often all year round. Shedding is a natural process that helps remove old, unneeded, or damaged hair as part of the grooming cycle.

Diet also plays a major role in coat health. Dogs need the right balance of nutrients, particularly protein and fatty acids, to support healthy skin and hair growth. A poor-quality diet can lead to dry skin, brittle fur and increased shedding. This is why people often look out for how to stop dog shedding home remedy solutions, since sometimes a simple food upgrade or supplement can make a big difference.

Other factors include stress and anxiety, which can trigger excess hair loss, as well as allergies, fleas, hormonal changes and even dehydration.

While some level of shedding is always normal, there are a few common triggers that cause dogs to shed more than usual. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Seasonal changes: One of the most common reasons dogs shed their coat is due to shifts in seasons as their coat is super clever and changes depending on the temperature
• Breed and coat type: Shedding can vary depending on the breed of dog you have with double-coated and long-haired dogs often shedding more
• Diet quality: Understandably, poor nutrition can lead to dry skin and increased hair loss in dogs
• Dehydration: Just like us humans, our dogs need to be drinking plenty of water. If they don’t, it can affect skin and coat health
• Stress or anxiety: Changes in routine, environment or household dynamics can be stressful for our pups which can also lead to excessive shedding.
• Allergies: It’s also not uncommon for certain food or environmental sensitivities to cause excessive shedding, often due to skin irritation that can make your dog start losing hair.
• Parasites: Parasites that live in their coat like fleas, mites or ticks will irritate the skin, leading to skin irritation and sometimes causing your dog to lose hair excessively.
• Hormonal changes: Sometimes our dogs shed more due to their age, neutering or underlying health conditions
• Lack of grooming: Dog brushes exist for a reason, and when loose hair builds up that hasn’t been properly brushed away, it can shed all at once over your home

Now you’ve got a better understanding of what is causing your dog to shed, the next best step is working out what you can do about it! Thankfully, there are plenty of practical and affordable ways to manage it at home, including at home grooming and home grooming routines that help minimise shedding. Some of these are just simple routine changes, while others are tried-and-tested tips that focus on how to stop dog shedding in a way your pup will actually enjoy.

Now you’ve got a better understanding of what is causing your dog to shed, the next best step is working out what you can do about it! Thankfully, there are plenty of practical and affordable ways to manage it at home, including at home grooming and home grooming routines that help minimize shedding. Some of these are just simple routine changes, while others are tried-and-tested tips that focus on how to stop dog shedding in a way your pup will actually enjoy.

A shedding tool for dogs is designed to go one step further than a regular brush by targeting loose undercoat hair that's ready to come out. This is especially helpful for double-coated and heavy-shedding breeds because when used correctly, it'll remove all that excess fur hiding deep within before it inevitably ends up on your sofa and clothes.

If you’re looking at how to stop dog shedding home remedy options, food is another one of the best places to start. Providing your dog with proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy coat and controlling shedding. Avoid diets filled with fillers, artificial colours and low-quality proteins as these can impact skin health and thus coat health. 

Instead, look for high-quality protein sources and foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil, as these ingredients naturally support a healthier coat and reduced shedding. Some dogs benefit from a dietary supplement of Omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy hair growth, in addition to supporting joint, heart, and immune health.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are something you might have already seen on the ingredient list of your pup's favourite treats, but without you even knowing, they're actually essential for a healthy skin and coat. If your dog's diet is lacking a little, adding a fatty acid supplement or a food topper rich in omega oils can make a noticeable difference. These nutrients will help to strengthen hair follicles, reduce dryness and inflammation and even cut down on excessive shedding over time.

Hydration has a bigger impact on shedding than many people realise. A little like how our skin dries up when we don't drink enough water, our dogs can also get dry and flaky skin when they become dehydrated which often leads to increased hair loss. If your dog doesn't naturally drink much water, try adding moisture to their meals with hydration supplements or dog-safe broths like from Furr Boost.

Regular bathing can also help loosen and remove dead hair before it ends up all over your home. Bathing your dog with specialised shampoos every 1 to 3 months can help manage shedding and maintain a healthy dog's coat. Always use a moisturizing de-shedding shampoo with ingredients like oatmeal or aloe to help release dead hair and hydrate your dog's skin - shedding-control shampoos are especially effective for this. 

Never use human shampoo on your dog, as it can harm your dog's skin and coat. After bathing, use a blow dryer on the lowest heat setting to help remove loose hair from the dog's coat, and for double-coated breeds, regular use of a high-velocity dryer during grooming can remove dead hair even more effectively. 

It’s essential to make sure you’re using the right shampoo for your dog’s coat and skin type too, as that can make a huge difference to their coat health. For example, oatmeal shampoos are brilliant for dogs with dry or sensitive skin.

All dogs need to be given worming and flea treatment regularly, not just for their overall health but also to maintain a beautiful coat too. You should also work with your vet to identify any potential allergens, whether environmental or food related, to again reduce any unnecessary shedding.

If your dog's shedding feels excessive or unusual, we suggest a quick visit to your vet. It may be something simple like hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, but either way, they'll be able to advise you on the next best steps.

And finally, where possible, reducing exposure to allergens is a helpful how to stop dog shedding home remedy for many households. This might mean wiping paws after walks, washing bedding regularly, switching to hypoallergenic cleaning products or adjusting your dog's diet.

If you’re wondering what you can actually give your dog to help reduce shedding, it often starts from the inside out. There are also products and strategies available that can help reduce dog shedding, such as special grooming tools, shed control shampoos, and regular brushing routines.

Diet plays a huge role in coat health, so adding omega-3 rich supplements, fish oils or food toppers designed to support skin and fur can make a noticeable difference over time.

Hydration is just as important, too. If your dog isn’t a big drinker, adding moisture through wet food, broths or hydration drinks can help keep skin healthy and less prone to dryness and excessive shedding.

Most dogs moult for a few weeks at a time, typically during seasonal changes in spring and autumn. This is when they shed an old coat to make room for a new one, which can make it feel like the hair is never-ending.

Some breeds, particularly those with a double coat, may moult more heavily and for longer, while other dogs, such as single coated breeds, tend to shed lightly but continuously all year round. Double-coated breeds experience more noticeable seasonal shedding compared to single coated breeds, which require different grooming routines. 

It really does depend on coat type, diet, health and even indoor heating as to how long moulting lasts. If you’re wondering how to stop dog shedding entirely, the sad reality is you can’t, because a healthy dog will naturally shed. That said, you can manage it with the right routine and tools.

Yep, anxiety and stress can absolutely contribute to increased shedding in dogs. When a dog feels stressed, whether that's due to changes in routine, loud noises, separation anxiety or an unfamiliar environment, their body releases stress hormones that can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. This can lead to more noticeable hair loss or excessive shedding over time.

You'll probably also notice other signs alongside shedding like pacing, licking, whining or changes in appetite. If you're worried your dog might be stressed about something in their environment, have a chat with your vet and try implementing a calming routine inclusive of a quiet space for them to relax, mental enrichment and plenty of exercise.

We don't want to get them in any trouble, but there are some breeds that are simply more generous with their fur than others. It's completely natural, and we love them all the more for it. These are the some of the dogs well known for heavy or year-round shedding

• Siberian Husky
• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Alaskan Malamute
• German Shepherd
• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Akita
• Corgi
• Chow Chow
• Great Pyrenees

The honest truth is that there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs. However, some breeds are considered lower allergenic because they shed less, produce less dander, or have hair that traps loose fur rather than releasing it into your home. These breeds are often better suited to allergy sufferers when paired with regular grooming.

• Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Schnauzer
• Giant Schnauzer
• Bichon Frise
• Chinese Crested
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Labradoodle

Yes, big time! Regular grooming is one of the most effective answers to how to stop dog shedding. Brushing removes loose hair before it falls onto your floors, furniture and clothes, and it also helps distribute the natural oils of a dog's fur, preventing skin irritation. Regular grooming helps prevent painful matting and allows you to check for ticks and fleas, supporting your dog's overall health.

Grooming your dog regularly, especially with regular brushing, is essential for managing your dog's shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Regular brushing not only helps rid your home of loose fur but also allows you to spot potential skin issues early. Trimming should also be part of your grooming routine, particularly for breeds with longer coats, as it helps control shedding and maintains a neat appearance.

Grooming is particularly important during moulting seasons, when dogs shed their old coat to make way for a new one. For most dogs, brushing a few times a week works well but those that you might consider heavy shedders may benefit from daily brushing, especially during peak shedding periods.

Since they have a little more fur to deal with, double-coated and long-coated dogs need a little extra care when it comes to grooming. Understanding your dog's coat type is essential, as it influences the best grooming techniques and tools to use. It’s all too easy for these coats to trap loose hair deep in the undercoat, which means surface brushing alone often isn’t enough. 

The best thing you can do is use the right tools like slicker brushes and de-shedding dog tools that are designed to reach deeper down into their coat without pulling or damaging it.

Professional groomers have a whole toolkit at their disposal when it comes to managing shedding and it’s likely they don’t rely on just one brush but have many different tools for different stages of the groom. Professional grooming offers your pet access to expert tools and techniques that can be tailored to their individual needs, helping to effectively control shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

They’ll use soft bristle dog brushes to help distribute natural oils and add shine, slicker brushes to work through thicker fur and undercoats and of course, de-shedding tools to remove loose hair. They’ll likely also have detangling combs for tackling those pesky knots behind the ears or around the chest.

Of course, you don’t need all of these dog grooming brushes, but having a small selection of brushes, plus a quality dog shampoo and conditioner, can make a huge difference to your pups coat health in between grooms.

De-shedding is a completely natural process and isn't painful at all. The key is using the right tools for your dog's coat type and avoiding heavy pressure or over-brushing in one area. And when you combine that with a good diet and regular exercise, your dog has every reason to be relaxed and pain-free when the shedding inevitably begins.

Shedding might feel never-ending at times, but the good news is that it's completely natural and totally manageable. While you can't stop shedding altogether, understanding your dog's coat, supporting their health and keeping up with regular grooming can make a huge difference.

If you’ve been searching for how to stop dog shedding, the key is consistency and the right tools. Here at WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to help keep shedding under control, from dog brushes and de-shedding tools to nourishing shampoos, conditioners, coat sprays and omega supplements. 

Shedding is completely normal especially during seasonal changes but the amount can vary depending on breed, coat type, diet and lifestyle. Regular grooming, good nutrition and hydration are the most effective ways to reduce loose hair and keep your dog's coat healthy.

You can't stop shedding entirely, but with the right tools and routines, you can keep it manageable (and hopefully cut down on the hoovering).

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