How to Deal with Dog Shedding Season

Twice a year — spring and fall — many dogs go through a heavy shedding period called "coat blow" where they shed their entire undercoat over 2–4 weeks. If you have a double-coated breed, you know exactly what this looks like. Here's how to survive it.

What Is Shedding Season?

Shedding season is triggered by changes in daylight hours (not temperature). In spring, dogs shed their heavy winter undercoat to prepare for warmer months. In fall, they shed the lighter summer coat to make room for the winter undercoat. Double-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs, Corgis) experience this most dramatically.

How Long Does Shedding Season Last?

Typically 2–4 weeks per season. Indoor dogs may shed more continuously year-round due to artificial lighting disrupting the seasonal cycle.

Your Shedding Season Toolkit

Undercoat rake: Maxpower Planet Double-Sided Grooming Rake — your most important tool during coat blow; removes massive amounts of dead undercoat
Deshedding tool: DakPets Deshedding Tool — use after the rake for additional undercoat removal
Grooming vacuum: oneisall Grooming Vacuum with 7 Tools — absolutely essential during shedding season; captures fur as you groom instead of letting it spread through your home
De-shedding shampoo: Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo — loosens dead undercoat during bath time
Dog dryer: Jellyfish Handheld Dog Dryer — blow-drying after bathing removes enormous additional amounts of loose fur

Shedding Season Grooming Routine

Daily During Peak Shedding

Use the undercoat rake through the entire coat — expect to fill a bag with fur
Follow with the deshedding tool for additional removal
Use the grooming vacuum throughout to capture fur

Every 2 Weeks During Shedding Season

Bathe with de-shedding shampoo
Blow dry while brushing — this removes a surprising amount of additional loose fur
Final brush with slicker brush

Managing Fur in Your Home

Vacuum daily during peak shedding — not weekly
Use washable furniture covers during shedding season
Keep a lint roller at every door
Wash dog bedding weekly during shedding season
The grooming vacuum dramatically reduces how much fur reaches your furniture in the first place

When Shedding Is Abnormal

Shedding season is heavy but should be uniform across the coat. See your vet if you notice bald patches, skin irritation, excessive scratching, or shedding outside of the normal seasonal pattern — these can indicate allergies, hormonal issues, or parasites.

Final Thoughts

Shedding season is unavoidable — but with daily grooming and the right tools, it's very manageable. The grooming vacuum is the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade for owners of heavy shedders during coat blow season.

Back to blog