03.08.2023 - Jule Pieper

Support your dog's coat change with 4 tips

Changing a dog's coat - hardly the favorite time of year for us dog parents or our four-legged friends. Find out how you can help your dog go through the shedding process stress-free and maintain a shiny and healthy coat.

Content

• Dog hair - a brief explanation
• What is the coat change?
• When does a dog's coat change take place?
• How long does the coat change take?
• Frequent changes in behavior during the change of coat
• Changing your dog's coat - what helps now
• Conclusion - the most important facts at a glance

Dog hair - a brief explanation

In most dog breeds, the entire body is covered with fur. With the exception of the nose and paw pads.

A distinction is made between the top coat and the woolly coat, also known as the undercoat. The top coat determines the color and appearance of the dog. Depending on the season, the undercoat protects your dog from the cold or UV rays.

The number of hairs per square centimeter is between 1000 and 9000 individual hairs, depending on the breed. The individual hairs grow in small tufts from funnels. There are two to three secondary hairs per main hair.

Under the skin, sebaceous glands supply each individual hair with fats and minerals. Another function of the sebum is to protect the dog from heavy moisture.

The different coat types

Dogs are divided into the following coat types:

What is shedding in dogs?

Changing a dog's coat is a natural and healthy process. It is necessary so that your dog can adapt to the conditions of the individual seasons. During shedding, your dog only loses its undercoat. He does not lose the longer top coat. These fall out every few weeks in the usual rhythm.

How much hair is normal?

There is no general answer to the question of how much shedding is normal. How much a dog sheds during the shedding period or in general depends on the individual. This is where you as a dog parent come into play. Look out for the following symptoms in connection with conspicuous hair loss:

• Itching
• Bald spots
• Skin irritation
• Formation of scales
• Dull coat

If these symptoms occur, consult your vet. They can determine whether there is a disease or parasite infestation. A food allergy or intolerance may also be the cause.

Is it normal for my dog to lose more hair during the shedding period?

Yes, but if there is extreme hair loss or bald patches, seek expert advice from your veterinary practice.

When does a dog's coat change take place?

The change of coat usually takes place twice a year. However, there are also breeds, e.g. the poodle, Yorkshire terrier or Bearded Collie, which do not undergo the classic shedding period.

Changing your dog's coat: preparing for winter

In the fall, the days get shorter and, above all, colder. Not only do we humans have to dress warmer now, but your dog also starts to build up his winter coat (Source: Veterinary medicine portal). Your dog needs a lot of energy to do this, as shedding is a lengthy process.

The winter coat has a denser undercoat than the summer coat, which is a soft, thin woolly coat under the top coat. It provides your dog with excellent protection and insulation against the cold and wet.

Changing your dog's coat: preparing for summer

The change of coat in spring is usually heavier than in fall. This is because your dog has to get rid of the thick undercoat for the higher temperatures. Brushing is particularly useful during this time, when the winter coat gives way to the summer coat.

Permanent coat change due to climate change

Temperatures of over 10 degrees in the winter months and shifted seasons - climate change has also left its mark on dogs. The result is that the periodic change of coat twice a year is barely recognizable. Many dogs now shed all year round, which is an enormous feat for their metabolism and immune system.

The fluctuating temperatures upset the organism and disrupt the natural shedding process. As a result, dogs may still be wearing their winter coat in summer.

In which months do dogs shed the most?

As a rule, dogs shed the most in the months of April, May, September and October. However, due to climate change, the shedding period is becoming increasingly longer.

A dog's first coat change - the hormones decide when

The first shedding is associated with the onset of puberty and is therefore different for every dog. The change of coat from the soft, cuddly baby coat takes place in many dogs at the age of 3 - 6 months. At this age, puppies shed their soft, cuddly coat and grow their thicker and stiffer adult coat. This process can take a few weeks or even a few months.

Depending on the breed, this shedding can lead to drastic changes. For example, it is normal for the coat to look shaggier or even change color. With other breeds, especially short-haired dogs, you hardly notice the change of coat. And yet it also takes place in these breeds.

Our tip: Get your dog used to being brushed as a puppy. This will make grooming more pleasant and less stressful in the future. More on the topic Dog grooming.

How long does a dog's coat change take?

The intensity and duration depend on each dog itself. Not only the breed, age and sex play a role here, but also the dog's state of health.

The range extends from three to eight weeks. The shedding period is shortest in dogs with very bristly and robust hair. 

How long does the shedding process normally take in dogs?

The duration of the shedding period is very individual and depends on many factors. As a rule, however, the shedding period lasts around six to eight weeks.

Frequent changes in behavior during the change of coat

Itching and scratching

Many dogs, especially breeds with a very thick undercoat, tend to itch all over their body during the shedding period. The shed hairs get caught in the coat and cause an unpleasant and prickly feeling.

Can the change of coat in dogs lead to skin problems?

Changing your dog's coat can lead to itching. If skin irritation and dandruff also occur, consult your vet to rule out any illnesses. The itching can also be relieved with a skin care spray.

Tiredness and need for sleep

Your dog's metabolism is working at full capacity during the shedding period. This requires a lot of energy. Your dog may therefore have an increased need for sleep during this time.

Changing your dog's coat - what helps now

Dog parents can help their dog to remove loose and dead hair, relieve itching and avoid other causes of hair loss.

Tip 1: Brushing relieves itching

Daily brushing during the shedding period relieves your dog's itching and helps him to get through the shedding process more quickly. Regular brushing also has the positive side effect of stimulating blood circulation in the skin and preventing dry skin and dandruff.

And the best thing is that brushing can also strengthen your relationship with your dog. For grooming and de-matting the coat, the Canosept coat care spray is ideal.

You can also relieve itching in your dog, for example with the help of the Canosept skin care spray for example.

How often should I brush my dog when changing its coat?

During the shedding period, it is important that you remove loose and dead hair from your dog every day. This can relieve itching and shorten the duration of the shedding period.

What type of brush is best suited for changing coats?

Brush out the undercoat to help your dog change its coat. Special undercoat brushes are suitable for this.

Tip 2: The right food promotes health

Your dog needs many nutrients for healthy skin and a shiny coat. In addition to protein and vitamins, these include essential fatty acids, trace elements and minerals. A lack of essential nutrients can affect your dog's health. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as hair loss.

Support your dog with balanced dog food not only during the shedding period. This will not only help you to control shedding and dry skin, but also promote your dog's general health. The visible sign is a smooth and shiny coat.

Tip 3: Oil for a shiny coat

You can also support your dog during the shedding period by adding high-quality oils to their food. Oils with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids and an optimum ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids are suitable for this. A few suggestions:

• Hemp oil
• Linseed oil
• Salmon oil
• Algae oil
• Evening primrose oil

Tip 4: Prevent dehydration by drinking enough fresh water

Dehydration in dogs leads to dry skin. And dry skin in turn is a cause of excessive hair loss. Therefore, always make sure that your dog has enough fresh water available, especially during the shedding period.

Hairy facts - the most important facts about changing a dog's coat at a glance

• As a rule, the coat change takes place once in spring and once in fall
• Duration and intensity are individual
• Daily brushing stimulates the blood circulation of the skin, thus supporting the change of coat and counteracting the itching often associated with the change of coat
• Canosept skin care spray also regenerates and cares for irritated and itchy skin
• With plenty of fresh water, balanced food and high-quality oils, you can help your dog change its coat

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