Quick answer: Moulting is how dogs swap old or damaged hair for new growth. Most dogs shed a little all year, with heavier moults in spring and autumn as daylight changes. Regular brushing, a good diet and a sensible bathing routine are the best ways to manage it. Patchy bald spots, sore skin or sudden heavy hair loss are not normal moulting and are worth a vet visit.
Why do dogs moult?
Every hair goes through a cycle: it grows, rests, then falls out to make way for a new one. Moulting is simply lots of hairs reaching the end of that cycle together. It keeps the coat in good condition and helps your dog adjust to the seasons, with a thicker coat for winter and a lighter one for summer.
When is moulting season in the UK?
Most dogs have two heavier moults a year:
- Spring (around March to May): the thick winter undercoat comes out as days get longer and warmer.
- Autumn (around September to November): the lighter summer coat makes way for winter growth.
Dogs who spend most of their time indoors with central heating and artificial light often shed more evenly through the year instead of in two big bursts.
Which dogs moult the most?
Double-coated breeds, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies and Border Collies, have a soft undercoat beneath their outer coat and tend to shed heavily, especially when they "blow" their coat in spring. Breeds with continuously growing hair, such as Poodles and Bichons, shed much less but need regular grooming and clipping instead.
How to manage moulting at home
1. Brush little and often
A few minutes of brushing most days removes loose hair before it lands on your floor. Match the tool to the coat: an undercoat rake or de-shedding comb for double coats, a slicker brush for medium or wavy coats, and a rubber mitt for short, smooth coats. Brush in the direction the hair grows and go gently near the belly, legs and ears.
2. Bath with care
A bath with a dog shampoo during a heavy moult can loosen dead undercoat, especially if you brush thoroughly once they're dry. Don't overdo it, though. Bathing too often strips natural oils and can leave skin dry and flaky. Never use human shampoo, as it isn't balanced for dog skin.
3. Feed for a healthy coat
Hair is mostly protein, so a complete, balanced diet matters. Fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 play a role in skin and coat condition too. If you're considering a supplement, choose one made for dogs, follow the feeding guide, and keep giving their usual complete food.
4. Keep them comfortable
Fresh water, regular exercise and a parasite-prevention routine all help. Fleas and mites can cause itching and hair loss that is easy to mistake for normal shedding.
When moulting isn't normal
Speak to your vet if you notice any of these:
- Bald patches or thinning in one area
- Red, sore, scabby or smelly skin
- Constant scratching, licking or chewing
- Sudden, heavy hair loss outside the usual seasons
- Changes in appetite, thirst, weight or energy alongside the hair loss
These can point to allergies, parasites, infections or hormonal conditions that need proper treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does dog moulting last?
A seasonal moult usually lasts a few weeks. Double-coated breeds can shed heavily for two to four weeks, with lighter shedding before and after.
Can I stop my dog moulting?
No, and you wouldn't want to. Shedding is a healthy, natural process. You can manage it with brushing, good nutrition and a sensible bathing routine.
Should I shave my double-coated dog to reduce shedding?
Generally, no. A double coat helps protect against both cold and sun, and shaving can affect how it grows back. Ask a professional groomer for advice on your breed.
Why is my dog shedding in winter?
Central heating and indoor lighting can confuse a dog's natural coat cycle, so many indoor dogs shed a little all year, including in winter. Dry indoor air can also leave skin flaky. See our guide to dry, itchy skin.
Part of their daily routine
Our Skin & Coat Chews are a tasty daily soft chew made to support a glossy coat and healthy skin, in Chicken, Duck or Beef. They're a complementary feed for adult dogs, so give them alongside your dog's usual food, and they're not a substitute for veterinary advice. Browse all our skin and coat supplements.