As soon as the days get shorter, they are back everywhere: dog hair on the sofa, in the car and on your favourite trousers. The autumn coat change is completely normal for dogs, but a challenge for the household. With the right care you can support your dog through this time, reduce loose hair around the home and prevent matting. Here is what matters.
Why your dog is losing so much fur right now
Twice a year, a dog's body adjusts its coat for the coming season. In autumn, the light summer coat is shed so that the dense winter coat with its warming undercoat can grow in. This process is triggered mainly by the shorter days and falling temperatures. Depending on breed, age and living conditions, the coat change takes around four to eight weeks. Dogs with a dense undercoat lose noticeably more hair than short-haired breeds, and dogs kept indoors often shed less dramatically because of artificial lighting and heated air, but instead shed a little almost all year round.
By the way: whether the fresh winter coat is enough when it counts, or whether your dog needs extra protection in the cold, is covered in our article Is my dog cold? How to spot the signs and what really helps.
Regular brushing: the most important care during shedding season
Nothing helps as reliably during the coat change as a brush. Regular brushing removes loose hair and dead undercoat before it spreads around the home or knots up in the coat. At the same time, you massage the skin, stimulate circulation and distribute the natural oils that give the new coat its shine. During shedding season a short daily session is fine; otherwise two to three rounds a week are enough for most dogs.
A double-sided brush like our FurGone brush (from CHF 14.95) is a practical choice: the side with the fine bristle pins loosens small knots and picks up loose undercoat, while the soft side smooths the top coat to finish. It comes in two sizes, so every dog from a small dachshund to a large breed gets brushed with the right tool. Important with any brush: work with gentle pressure in the direction of hair growth and treat sensitive areas such as the belly and armpits with particular care.
For sensitive dogs: the grooming glove
Not every dog enjoys being brushed. Young or sensitive dogs in particular often find a brush unfamiliar at first. This is where the grooming glove has proven its worth: you simply stroke your dog, and the soft silicone nubs collect the loose hair as you go. For the dog it feels like a massage, and many visibly enjoy it. Our FurCare glove (CHF 19.95) is available in several colours and for the left and right hand. Even our Vico, otherwise no fan of long grooming sessions, holds still patiently for the glove. As a side benefit, the nubs also pick up hair from the sofa, blankets and car seats.
You will find more helpers for daily care, from nail clippers to toothbrushes, in our Pet care collection.
Do not forget skin and diet
The new winter coat is quite literally built from nutrients. A balanced, high-quality diet with enough protein therefore gives your dog particular support at this time. Also make sure your dog drinks enough. During the coat change, bathe only when it is really necessary: frequent shampooing dries out the skin. If it has to be done, use a mild dog shampoo and dry your dog off well afterwards.
When to involve the vet
Heavy hair loss in autumn is normal; bald patches are not. Pay attention if your dog scratches noticeably often, the skin is red or flaky, the coat looks dull or the hair loss does not ease off long after the coat change. Parasites, allergies or hormonal causes may be behind it. In these cases your dog belongs at the veterinary practice, because grooming alone will not solve such problems.
Frequently asked questions
How long does shedding season last in dogs?
Usually four to eight weeks. Duration and intensity depend on breed, age, hormones and living conditions. Dogs kept indoors often lose a little hair all year round, but their seasonal coat change is milder.
How often should I brush my dog during shedding season?
Ideally a short session of a few minutes every day. That way the loose hair ends up in the brush instead of on the sofa, and you spot changes to skin and coat early. Outside shedding season, two to three sessions a week are usually enough.
Does bathing help against hair loss?
Only to a limited extent. A lukewarm bath can loosen dead hair, but frequent washing dries out the skin and can even make the hair loss worse. Brushing or a grooming glove are the better choice. If you do bathe your dog, use a mild dog shampoo.
