Dog Shedding: How to Support Your Dog Correctly [April 2026]

Dust bunnies blowing through the living room like little tumbleweeds, hair on your favorite sweater, and a car seat that looks like it has developed its own fur: if this scenario sounds familiar, you know exactly what season it is. Now, in April 2026, as the days get noticeably longer and the spring sun chases away the last thoughts of winter, our four-legged friends' systems are finally switching to summer mode. Dog shedding is in full swing.

As a dog owner, you know that this phase can be a real test of patience — for both the vacuum cleaner and yourself. But your dog isn't doing it to annoy you. Shedding the dense winter coat is a biological feat that costs your pet a lot of energy. In this magazine article, I will show you from a veterinary and grooming perspective exactly what is happening in your dog's body, how you can actively support them, and when excessive hair loss might actually be a case for the vet.

Why does dog shedding happen exactly now?

Many dog owners believe that rising temperatures in spring are solely responsible for a dog starting to shed. However, that is only half the truth. The main trigger for shedding is light — more precisely, the so-called photoperiod. When the days get longer in spring, receptors in the dog's eyes register the increased daylight. This information is passed to the pineal gland in the brain, which then reduces melatonin production. This hormonal shift gives the signal for hair growth and the loss of the old coat.

In spring, specifically now in April, shedding is usually much more intense than in autumn. The reason is simple: the dense, insulating undercoat that protected your dog from frost and wetness during winter is no longer needed. It must make way for the lighter, airier summer coat that protects the skin from UV radiation without causing heat buildup. A true masterpiece of nature!

How long does spring shedding last?

A typical cycle of dog shedding lasts on average between six and eight weeks. However, how intense and how long this phase lasts exactly depends on various factors:

• Breed and coat type: A Siberian Husky or Golden Retriever, which has a massive undercoat, will lose hair in clumps for weeks. A Poodle, on the other hand, does not go through a classic seasonal shedding in this sense. If you are unsure about the coat structure of your (future) dog, take a look at our comprehensive breed overview.
• Living conditions: Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors react more strongly to natural changes in light and temperature. Indoor dogs, exposed to constant artificial lighting and heating, often tend to shed diffusely throughout the year rather than going through a massive, short shedding period.
• Age and gender: Older dogs often take a bit longer to shed because their metabolism is slower. Unspayed females also often shed due to their hormonal cycle, usually shortly before they go into heat.

Your Checklist: How to make shedding easier for your dog

You can't stop the shedding process, but you can significantly speed it up and make it more comfortable for your dog. Here are the best strategies for April and the coming spring weeks.

1. The right brush is essential

Daily brushing is your most important weapon right now. It not only removes loose hair before it lands on your sofa but also massages your dog's skin. This stimulates blood circulation and promotes the healthy growth of the new coat. However, not all brushes are created equal:

• For short-haired dogs (e.g., Pug, Dalmatian): Grooming mitts with rubber nubs or soft natural bristle brushes are ideal. They easily pick up the fine, often stubborn hairs.
• For dogs with a thick undercoat (e.g., German Shepherd, Newfoundland): An undercoat rake (or de-shedding tool) is worth its weight in gold. It reaches deep into the fur and pulls out the dead undercoat without damaging the healthy topcoat. A slicker brush helps afterwards to bring the loosened hair to the surface.
• Long-haired dogs without undercoat (e.g., Havanese): A wide-toothed metal comb prevents knots from forming.

Pro tip: Always brush in the direction of hair growth and, for thick coats, work systematically from the bottom up (the so-called "line-brushing" technique). This prevents you from only gliding superficially over the topcoat.

2. Nutrition and nutrients as a booster

Producing a new coat consumes an enormous amount of protein and energy. In fact, dog hair consists of nearly 90 percent protein (keratin). If you want to support dog shedding, you have to start with the food bowl.

Essential fatty acids, especially Omega-3 and Omega-6, are particularly important now. A dash of high-quality salmon oil, hemp oil, or linseed oil over the food can work wonders. It makes the skin supple, relieves the itching that often accompanies shedding, and gives the new topcoat a healthy shine. Biotin, zinc, and B vitamins (often administered in the form of brewer's yeast) are also excellent supplements for this time. According to the VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen), a needs-based, high-quality diet is the foundation for a healthy coat and a strong skin barrier.

3. Bathing and grooming: A spring spa for your dog

While dogs generally shouldn't be bathed too often, a warm bath right now in spring can make shedding much easier. The warm water and a moisturizing shampoo tailored to the dog's pH level help to loosen stubborn dead undercoat.

Massage the shampoo in well and rinse thoroughly. If you have access to a special dog dryer (blower), you can literally "blow" the loose undercoat out of the fur after the bath. This saves you hours of brushing and is often a real relief for the dog from the itchy, old wool.

Warning signs: When is hair loss no longer normal?

Shedding is a completely natural process. But sometimes, what looks like shedding hides a medical problem. Since the immune system is heavily taxed during shedding, ectoparasites like fleas, mites, or ticks (which are highly active again in April) have an easier time.

You should pay attention and consult a vet if you notice the following symptoms in your dog:

• Bald spots: Normal shedding never leads to naked patches of skin. If the fur falls out completely in places, there is a problem (e.g., fungal infection, parasites, or hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism).
• Severe itching: A little scratching because the loose undercoat tickles is normal. However, if the dog scratches until they bleed or bites their paws, it is an alarm signal.
• Redness, dandruff, or crusts: This indicates skin inflammation (dermatitis).
• Dull, brittle coat: If the new coat doesn't shine but looks matte and dry, there is often a lack of essential nutrients or a metabolic disorder.

The Bundestierärztekammer generally recommends having skin and coat changes that go beyond the normal extent of seasonal shedding clarified by a dermatologist in the clinic promptly to avoid chronic skin diseases.

Breed-specific differences: Who sheds how much?

As mentioned, shedding is highly individual. If you are currently thinking about getting a dog and are worried about your black trousers, you should inform yourself thoroughly beforehand. At HonestDog.de, we also categorize dog breeds according to their grooming requirements.

The "Heavy Shedders": Breeds from northern regions or classic working dogs often have an extremely thick double coat. These include German Shepherds, Spitz, Samoyeds, Akita Inus, and Corgis. With them, you might feel like you could knit a second dog out of the brushed-out wool in spring.

The Moderate Shedders: Breeds like the Beagle, Dalmatian, or Jack Russell Terrier may not have a thick undercoat, but they lose small, bristly hairs throughout the year (and a bit more in spring) that stick like needles into upholstery and car seats.

The "Non-Shedders": There are also dogs that, due to their genetics, do not go through seasonal shedding. Their hair grows continuously and must be regularly clipped or trimmed. These include Poodles, Water Dogs, Bichon Frisé, and many wire-haired Terriers. If you are looking for such a companion, take a look at our overview of dogs that shed little.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Shedding (FAQ)

Should I have my dog shaved in spring to stop the shedding?

Absolutely not! Dogs with an undercoat (like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds) must not be shaved. Shaving destroys the natural structure of the coat. The topcoat grows back slower than the undercoat, leading to "Clipper Alopecia." The coat loses its protective function against sun and rain. Instead: Brush consistently and thin out the undercoat (carding).

Does salmon oil really help with shedding?

Yes, absolutely. Studies and experience in veterinary dermatology, supported by institutions like the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover in the context of animal nutrition, show that Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin health. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and provide the necessary building blocks for strong, shiny hair. However, make sure to buy high quality and store the oil in a cool, dark place, as it can go rancid quickly.

Can I speed up my dog's shedding?

You cannot artificially shorten the duration to just a few days, as the hair cycle is biologically determined. However, you can massively support the process by brushing daily, giving the dog lukewarm baths, and supplementing with nutrients like brewer's yeast and high-quality oils. This helps the body shed the old wool faster and form a healthy new coat.

Conclusion: Relaxed through spring together

Dog shedding is a sign of a healthy, functioning organism. Even if the flying hairs in April 2026 test our patience once again: with the right brush in hand, high-quality nutrients in the bowl, and an extra portion of love, you and your four-legged friend will get through this fuzzy time just fine.

Don't view daily brushing as a chore, but as quality time. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog and gives you the opportunity to check them for ticks or small injuries at the same time.

Would you like to dive deeper into the world of dogs, are you looking for breed-specific grooming tips, or are you planning to welcome a new, perhaps less-shedding family member? Then HonestDog is the right place for you. As a trustworthy platform, we connect you with reputable breeders, verified animal welfare organizations, and in-depth knowledge about dogs. Take a look around our community and find all the information you need for a happy life with your canine companion!