Seasonal Shedding Explained: What Pet Owners Can Do Year-Round

If you’ve noticed your pet leaving behind more fur than usual, you’re not alone. Seasonal shedding is a natural cycle for both dogs and cats - one that helps regulate their body temperature as the seasons change. Still, excess shedding can create challenges for pet owners and may sometimes signal underlying health needs. Understanding why shedding happens and how to manage it can keep your home cleaner and your pet healthier.

 

Understanding Why Pets Shed

Shedding is your pet’s way of making room for new, healthy hair to grow. Factors such as breed, coat type, and even indoor environments can affect how and when your pet sheds.

Common Reasons for Seasonal Shedding:

•          Temperature Changes: Pets naturally grow thicker coats in winter and shed them during warmer months.

•          Breed Genetics: Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or Shepherds) tend to shed more heavily.

•          Indoor Living: Artificial lighting and regulated indoor temperatures may cause pets to shed lightly year-round.

•          Hormonal Shifts: Changes related to age, reproduction, or medical conditions can influence shedding cycles.

 

Season-by-Season Shedding Guide

As temperatures start to rise, pets naturally begin shedding their thick winter coats. This seasonal transition often results in noticeable fur buildup around the home. During this period, more frequent brushing is essential to remove loose hair and keep your pet’s coat healthy, comfortable, and tangle-free.

In the summer months, shedding typically becomes lighter but remains steady due to the warmer weather. Pets rely on a healthy coat and skin to stay cool, so maintaining proper hydration and implementing a consistent skin-care routine can help reduce shedding and support overall comfort during hot days.

As fall approaches, pets start shedding their lighter summer coat to prepare for cooler temperatures. This seasonal shedding makes room for a denser, warmer winter coat. Regular brushing during this transition helps manage loose fur and ensures the new coat grows in smoothly.

During winter, shedding typically slows down as pets retain their fuller coats for warmth. However, even in colder months, pets will still shed old or damaged hair. Maintaining a regular grooming routine throughout winter helps keep their coat healthy and prevents matting or buildup.

 

What Pet Owners Can Do Year-Round

Keeping shedding under control requires consistent care. Here’s how to support your pet throughout every season:

•          Brush Regularly: Brushing removes loose fur before it ends up around your home. Choose tools suited to your pet’s coat - such as deshedding brushes or slicker brushes.

•          Maintain a Healthy Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality proteins help strengthen your pet’s coat from the inside out. A healthy diet reduces breakage and excess shedding.

•          Hydrate: Proper hydration improves your pet’s skin elasticity and coat texture. Provide fresh water daily.

•          Watch for Skin or Health Issues: If shedding becomes excessive, patchy, or accompanied by itching, consult your veterinarian. Allergies, parasites, and hormonal conditions can all contribute to abnormal hair loss.

 

Schedule Professional Grooming

For deeper coat care, tangent removal, deshedding treatments, and overall skin health, professional grooming is invaluable. Regular appointments can significantly minimize shedding while keeping your pet clean and comfortable. Community Pet Outreach proudly offers professional pet grooming in Lewisville, TX to help pet owners manage shedding effectively and support their pets’ year-round well-being.

 

Give Your Pet the Year-Round Coat Care They Deserve

Seasonal shedding is a natural part of your pet’s life, but it doesn’t have to overwhelm your home or your routine. With year-round coat care, proper nutrition, and support from trusted grooming professionals, you can keep shedding manageable while ensuring your dog or cat stays healthy and comfortable in every season.

Schedule professional pet grooming at Community Pet Outreach and keep your pet’s coat looking its best every season. Visit our office in Lewisville, Texas, or call (972) 848-8930 to book an appointment today.