Dog Shedding: Essential Care and Grooming Tips [April 2026]

April 2026 is showing its most beautiful side: the first warm spring days are drawing us and our four-legged friends outdoors, nature is awakening, and the days are finally becoming noticeably longer. However, for us dog owners, this wonderful season also has a small catch that is making itself felt right now on carpets, sofas, and our clothing: dog shedding season is in full swing.

If you feel like you could easily knit a second dog from the hair you’ve brushed out, you're not alone. Twice a year — in spring and autumn — our dogs go through this hairy phase. The transition from a thick winter coat to a light summer coat in the spring is particularly intense. As an experienced dog owner and editor, I know how nerve-wracking the constant flood of dog hair can be. But with the right knowledge and a well-thought-out grooming routine, this time will be much more relaxed for both you and your dog.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about shedding, how to optimally support your dog, and when excessive hair loss might actually be a case for the vet.

Why Shedding Reaches its Peak in April

Dog shedding is a fascinating biological process. Many dog owners mistakenly believe that rising spring temperatures are solely responsible. However, nature is cleverer: the main trigger for the coat change is the change in daylight. The longer duration of sunshine in April signals the pineal gland in the dog's brain to adjust its hormone balance. This hormonal change gives the starting signal to the hair follicles: the old hair dies, falls out, and makes room for the new summer coat.

The summer coat is significantly finer and less dense. In particular, the warming undercoat that protected your dog from frost during the cold winter months is now shed in large quantities. The thick guard hairs also fall out and are replaced by lighter counterparts that protect the skin from UV radiation while simultaneously allowing for better air circulation.

Not Every Dog Sheds the Same

How much a dog sheds depends significantly on its breed and coat structure. Breeds with a lot of undercoat, such as Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or the popular Labrador, shed extremely heavily in the spring. This is often referred to as a "double coat." Here, brushing once is often not enough to handle the sheer volume of hair.

In contrast, there are dogs with continuously growing hair, such as Poodles, Havanese, or certain types of Terriers. These dogs do not go through a classic, massive shedding season, but rather lose their hair continuously — much like humans. If you are generally interested in which coat types exist and which breed best fits your lifestyle, I recommend taking a look at our comprehensive breed overview. There, you can specifically search for dogs classified on our characteristics page as particularly easy to care for.

The Right Grooming: How to Support Your Dog Now

Shedding is hard work for your dog's organism. The production of thousands of new hairs consumes a lot of energy and nutrients. Additionally, loose undercoat that doesn't fall out on its own can become a real problem. It blocks air supply to the skin, which can lead to itching, dandruff, and, in the worst cases, skin inflammation (hot spots). Your support is therefore required!

Daily Brushing is Essential

Especially now in April 2026, it’s best not to put the brush away at all. Daily brushing is the most effective method for removing loose hair before it spreads throughout the house. But brushing has other important benefits as well:

• Promoting Blood Circulation: The gentle massage of the brush stimulates blood flow to the skin, which in turn supports the healthy growth of the new coat.
• Distributing Sebum: The mechanical movement distributes the natural skin oils (sebum) throughout the coat, providing a beautiful shine and making the hair resilient.
• Strengthening the Bond: Use grooming time as quality time. Calm, relaxed brushing during evening cuddles strengthens the trust between you and your dog.

Make sure to always brush your dog in the direction of hair growth and never press too hard to avoid scratching the sensitive skin. The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) recommends getting dogs used to the brush playfully from puppyhood so that grooming remains stress-free in adulthood.

Which Brush for Which Coat?

The selection of dog brushes in pet stores is seemingly endless. But not every tool is suitable for every coat type. Here is a brief overview of what you really need for shedding season:

• For Short-Haired Dogs (e.g., Dalmatians, Pugs): Rubber nub brushes or curry combs are excellent here. They attract loose hairs like a magnet and massage the skin. Natural bristle brushes also give short coats a great shine.
• For Dogs with Undercoat (e.g., Australian Shepherds, Bernese Mountain Dogs): An undercoat rake (often known as a Furminator or Coat King) is the tool of choice. These special brushes reach deep into the coat and pull out the loose undercoat without damaging the healthy guard hair. Note: Use such sharp tools a maximum of once or twice a week to avoid thinning out the coat too much.
• For Long-Haired Dogs (e.g., Afghan Hounds, Collies): Slicker brushes with fine, bent metal pins and a wide-toothed metal comb are ideal for loosening knots and preventing matting.

Bathing as a Secret Weapon Against Loose Undercoat

Even if many dogs prefer to view water from a distance, a bath can work wonders during shedding season. Warm water and a mild, moisturizing dog shampoo gently soften the skin and loosen dead hairs that are difficult to catch with a brush. Using a massaging rubber glove during shampooing helps even more.

However, the real trick follows after the bath: if you have the opportunity to dry your dog with a special high-velocity dog dryer (a "blower"), you will be amazed. The strong airflow literally blows the remaining loose undercoat out of the fur. Always make sure the air is not too hot to avoid drying out the skin.

The Role of Nutrition During the Coat Change

Beauty comes from within — this also applies to our dogs. Hair consists of about 95 percent protein (keratin). When the body produces millions of new hairs during shedding, the need for high-quality nutrients increases enormously. A lack of supply quickly shows through a dull coat, dandruff, or an extremely prolonged shedding period.

Important Nutrients for a Healthy Spring Coat

To optimally support your dog, you can enhance their regular food with certain supplements during this demanding phase:

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These are essential for an intact skin barrier and a shiny coat. High-quality salmon oil, linseed oil, or hemp oil (daily, one teaspoon to a tablespoon depending on the dog's size, added to the food) have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce itching.
• Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin is the ultimate "skin and hair vitamin." It is significantly involved in the synthesis of keratin. You can supplement it as a course of treatment using special powders.
• Zinc: A zinc deficiency often leads to hair loss and poor wound healing. Brewer's yeast is an excellent natural source of zinc and various B vitamins and is enjoyed by most dogs.
• High-Quality Proteins: Ensure that the dog food contains a high proportion of easily digestible animal protein. In April, you can also occasionally mix a raw egg yolk (no egg white!) or some cottage cheese into the food.

When Shedding Doesn't Stop: Abnormal Hair Loss

Normally, intensive dog shedding lasts between four and eight weeks. But what if the dog seems to shed heavily all year round or suddenly develops bald spots? In this case, you should take a closer look.

Permanent shedding can be encouraged by dry heated air in our homes. Dogs are no longer exclusively exposed to the natural temperature fluctuations of nature, which can confuse their internal clocks.

However, if accompanying symptoms occur, a visit to the vet is essential. Watch for the following warning signs:

• Circular bald spots on the body
• Red, inflamed skin areas or bloody scratch marks
• Extreme itching, constant licking of the paws
• A musty, unusual odor from the skin

Such symptoms can indicate parasites (such as mites or fleas), skin fungi, food allergies, or even hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism. As the German Federal Chamber of Veterinarians (BTK) and various veterinary studies emphasize, dermatological problems in dogs require precise diagnostics, often through blood tests or skin scrapings.

Conclusion: Patience and Care Through the Hairy Season

Dog shedding is a natural, healthy process that indicates your four-legged friend's metabolism is functioning well. Even if the vacuum cleaner becomes your best friend in the household during April 2026: with daily brushing, the right tools, and a little nutrient boost from within, you make life much easier for your dog. And take comfort: by early summer at the latest, the ordeal will be over, and the shiny, light summer coat will be in full effect.

If you are still looking for the right dog that might not distribute quite so much undercoat in the house, or if you want to exchange the best grooming tips with other dog owners, you've come to the right place at HonestDog. As a trustworthy platform, we connect reputable breeders and animal welfare organizations with responsible people. Take your time to look at our breed portraits, learn about breed-specific traits, and find the dog that perfectly fits you and your grooming budget. Sign up for HonestDog today and become part of a community where the well-being of the dog always comes first!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Shedding

1. How long does dog shedding last?

The classic coat change usually lasts between four and eight weeks. In spring, when the dense undercoat is shed, it is usually more intensive and often lasts a bit longer than in autumn. For dogs that live mainly in well-heated apartments, the change can drag on as natural temperature stimuli become blurred.

2. Can I shave my dog in spring to stop the shedding?

No, definitely not! Shaving dogs with an undercoat (double coat) severely disrupts natural thermoregulation. The guard hair is cut, and the undercoat overgrows. The coat loses its protective function against UV radiation (risk of sunburn!) and moisture. Shedding is not stopped by this; the hairs merely become shorter. Instead of clippers, you should regularly use an undercoat brush.

3. Why does my dog still have dandruff despite brushing?

Light dandruff is not uncommon during shedding, as the skin is under heavy stress and renewing itself. However, if the dandruff becomes excessive and the dog scratches intensely, it may indicate extremely dry skin, a deficiency of essential fatty acids, or a parasite infestation (e.g., Cheyletiella mites, also known as "walking dandruff"). A teaspoon of high-quality salmon oil in the food often helps with dry skin; for persistent itching, a visit to the vet is advisable.