My dog is shedding a lot all of a sudden – is this normal? 2026 autumn shedding guide

Fur everywhere, and one brush session fills half a bin – your dog isn't sick. They're getting ready for winter.

If you've noticed fur taking over your sofa, carpets, and clothes lately – don't worry. Your dog is going through autumn shedding. Most breeds shed twice a year – in spring and autumn. From September onwards, they lose their summer coat and grow a thicker winter one. It's a completely natural seasonal process.

In the UK's damp climate, wet walks combined with indoor heating can make autumn shedding feel even more intense – loose fur sticks to sofas, carpets, and clothes far more stubbornly than it does in drier weather.

Why do dogs shed so much in autumn?

Shedding is completely natural. It's your dog's body automatically adjusting their "coat" thickness based on changes in daylight and temperature.

The logic behind autumn shedding: losing the thin summer coat and growing a thicker, denser winter undercoat. Shorter daylight hours trigger the release of melatonin, signalling hair follicles to grow a heavier winter coat while old hairs are pushed out.

Which dogs shed the most?

1、Double-coated breeds (Labradors, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Border Collies): have a dense undercoat and shed the most in autumn

2、Long-haired dogs: prone to tangles and mats during the autumn shed

3、Short-haired dogs: shed less, but still go through a seasonal moult

If your dog spends most of their time indoors, artificial lighting and central heating can disrupt the natural shedding rhythm, leading to a prolonged shedding period – or even year-round shedding.

Normal shedding vs signs to watch for

Vets advise that it's important to tell the difference between normal shedding and a potential health issue.

Normal shedding looks like: seasonal increase in fur loss, new coat growth is shiny and soft, no scratching or skin irritation, shedding is all-over and evenly distributed, follows a predictable spring/autumn pattern.

When to see the vet:

1、Bald patches or localised hair loss – not even shedding, but patches of fur missing

2、Red, inflamed skin or dandruff

3、Excessive scratching or frequent licking of a specific area

4、Shedding that is unusually heavy and not seasonal

5、Coat is dull, dry, or breaks easily

Autumn shedding care plan

1、 Brush daily

The most important thing you can do during shedding season is brush every day – it's the single most effective way to manage the fur.

1、Long-haired/double-coated dogs: brush once daily using a deshedding tool or undercoat rake to reach deep into the undercoat

2、Short-haired dogs: 2-3 times a week is enough, using a rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush

2、 Bath strategically

 

A bath helps loosen dead fur and speeds up the shedding process. Use a pet-specific mild shampoo – human products can irritate your dog's skin. Dry thoroughly after the bath to prevent moisture getting trapped in thick fur and causing skin issues. Aim for one bath every 4-6 weeks – over-bathing strips natural oils from the skin.

3、Support with nutrition

Diet directly affects skin and coat health:

1、Quality protein: fur is mostly protein – make sure your dog's food has enough animal protein

2、Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat – fish oil supplements can help

3、Stay hydrated: good water intake supports skin health and the shedding process

4、 Manage the mess at home

Fur will accumulate – that's unavoidable:

1、Vacuum regularly, especially in areas where your dog spends most of their time

2、Put washable blankets on sofas and dog beds

3、Keep a lint roller handy for clothes and upholstery

Final thoughts

Autumn shedding is a natural process – it's not an illness, and it doesn't need to be "cured." All you need to do is: spend 5 minutes brushing daily, keep their diet balanced, and accept that there will be a bit more fur around the house for a while.

If you have a double-coated breed, the shedding will be more noticeable than with other dogs. As long as the fur loss is all-over, even, and not accompanied by skin issues – relax. They're just getting ready for winter. The shedding period usually lasts from September through November, settling down after about 6-8 weeks.

                                                                                                                                                 

References

1、YuMOVE. Dog moulting: Why and when do dogs moult? 2025.

2、Companion Life. Expert vet tips to help dogs through shedding season. 2025.

3、Ferplast. The autumn shedding of the canine coat. 2017.

4、Roundwood Vets. Managing Seasonal Shedding in Dogs. 2024.

5、Old Railway Line Garden Centre. Why Dogs Shed More in Autumn & How to Help Them. 2025.

6、Groomica. Seasonal Coat Care: How to Groom Dogs for Autumn and Winter. 2025.