Dog moulting: Why and when do dogs moult?

If you live with a dog, you’ll know that moulting is part of the deal. Fur on your clothes, your sofa – sometimes even in places your dog hasn’t been! But is dog moulting inevitable? What’s actually happening when dogs shed their coats? And how can you stop a dog moulting, or at least manage it? Let’s take a closer look.

What is dog moulting?

Dog moulting is a natural part of life, especially for dogs with thicker coats. But why do dogs moult? In the wild, seasonal shedding helps animals stay comfortable – losing an insulating undercoat in warmer months and growing it back when temperatures drop.

When is dog moulting season?

For many dogs, moulting season happens twice a year:

• Spring – A lighter coat replaces the thick winter fur
• Autumn – A thicker coat grows in to prepare for colder weather

However, shedding isn’t always limited to these seasons. Many dogs shed all year round, just in smaller amounts.

Why is my dog moulting all year round?

In the wild, shedding is triggered by changes in daylight and temperature. But for domesticated dogs living in centrally heated homes with artificial lighting, those signals can get a little mixed up.

Indoors, warmth and light encourage their body to shed, while the cold outside tells them to grow more coat. The result? A moulting cycle that doesn’t always follow the seasons.

How does dog hair grow?

Dog hair grows in a natural cycle, with each hair moving through different phases of growth, transition, rest and shedding. Once an old hair is shed, the follicle can begin the cycle again and new hair grows in its place.

Because individual hairs can be at different stages of this cycle at the same time, dogs may shed hair throughout the year, even outside their main moulting seasons.

What else affects a dog’s moulting cycle?

Beyond seasonal changes, several factors can play a role in dog moulting:

• Hormones – Pregnancy or heat cycles can affect coat shedding
• Diet – Key nutrients, like Omega-3 & 6, help support skin and coat health
• Stress and environment – Moving home, changes in routine or new pets can have an impact
• Breed – Some dog breeds don’t moult much, while others shed regularly

While no breed is completely shed-free, some dogs shed far less than others. Coat type and hair growth cycles can both influence how much a dog moults. Poodles, Bichon Frises and Schnauzers are good examples of breeds that tend to shed less.

By contrast, double-coated breeds – such as Labradors, Border Collies and German Shepherds – tend to shed more due to their thick undercoat, which helps insulate them year-round.

What’s ‘normal’ and what’s unusual dog moulting?

Moulting varies between dogs. Some shed lightly all year, while others have heavier seasonal moults. If you notice bald patches, irritated skin, excessive licking or changes from the ordinary, it’s best to check with your vet to rule out any underlying concerns.

Nutrition and dog moulting

Your dog’s skin and coat condition can be linked to their diet – and specifically the levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 oils they’re getting. These essential fatty acids help keep skin soft, supple and healthy, which is important as each hair follicle, and the hair it produces, is part of the skin.

If your dog is prone to shedding or you simply want to support their coat condition, a targeted dog coat supplement can be a helpful addition to their routine. Even with a balanced diet, dogs may benefit from extra support in the form of high-quality oils or dog vitamins.

YuMOVE Skin & Coat Support Moulting for Dogs is a daily supplement specially formulated to help support healthy skin and reduce excess moulting. Its blend of premium cold-pressed Golden Flaxseed and Borage Oils provides Omega-3 and Omega-6 to nourish skin from within and support a healthy coat.

Dog moulting and bald patches

If your dog develops bald patches or their coat suddenly looks thinner, it’s best to speak to your vet to rule out an underlying cause.

Alongside any advice from your vet, you may also want to support their skin and coat through their nutrition. YuMOVE Skin & Coat Support Boost is a daily supplement specially formulated to support healthy skin, coat condition and strong nails. It contains Zinc and Vitamins C & E to nourish the skin, plus Biotin to help keep nails strong and healthy.

How do I stop my dog moulting?

You can’t stop dog moulting, but you can manage it:

• Brush regularly – Removes loose hair before it ends up everywhere
• Use grooming tools – De-shedding combs and rubber brushes can help
• Support skin and coat health – Omega-3 & 6 oils can help maintain coat condition
• Vacuum wisely – A pet-specific vacuum or grooming attachment can help manage shedding

While shedding is natural, good coat care can help keep it under control – and your home a little less furry.

Final thoughts on dog moulting

Moulting is a normal part of life for most dogs, and how much hair they shed will vary with their breed, coat and the time of year. Regular grooming and good nutrition can help support healthy skin and coat condition – and your floors a little less hairy.

The main thing is to know what’s normal for your dog. If their moulting suddenly changes, or you notice bald patches, irritated skin, excessive licking or anything else that concerns you, speak to your vet.