Course 14 · Shedding and Undercoat · Lesson 1 of 12

What is shedding, and what is blowing coat?

Published 29 October 2026 · Updated 29 October 2026 · About 6 minutes · General information only. This lesson does not diagnose or treat any condition.

Shedding is the normal, continuous loss of old hair and growth of new hair, present to some degree in most dogs all year. Blowing coat is a heavier, seasonal event in double coated dogs, when large amounts of loose undercoat are released over a few weeks, often in clumps, as the coat changes for a new season. Both are normal coat renewal, but blowing coat needs more grooming, more home cleaning, and closer skin checks, because the volume of loose hair is far greater and it can pack into mats if it is not removed.

How does normal shedding work?

Hair grows in cycles: growth, rest, and shedding. Individual hairs are at different stages at any time, so normal shedding is usually gradual and spread out, with hair found on furniture, clothing and bedding in small amounts. The amount varies by breed, coat type, age, health, season, indoor heating, and daylight. Short coated dogs may shed small, prickly hairs continuously, while long coated dogs may shed longer hairs that collect in the coat and need combing out. Indoor dogs, exposed to artificial light and heating, may shed more evenly through the year, with less distinct seasonal peaks. Shedding is not a sign of ill health on its own, and it is not caused by poor grooming alone, although grooming affects how much loose hair reaches the home. Regular brushing removes shed hair before it falls, which reduces hair in the home and lets the owner see skin and coat condition. A dog that sheds normally will have healthy skin, a coat that looks full and even, and no bald patches, sores or behaviour change.

What is blowing coat, and how is it different?

Blowing coat is the seasonal release of undercoat in double coated breeds, such as retrievers, shepherds, huskies and spitz types, covered in detail in the double coats course. It usually happens in spring, when the thick winter undercoat is shed, and again in autumn, when summer coat is replaced, although indoor dogs may blow coat more than twice a year or almost continuously. During blowing, loose undercoat comes out in large amounts, often in soft clumps or tufts that can be pulled gently from the coat, and the coat may look patchy, dull or uneven for a few weeks. The dog may look thinner, and the undercoat may appear as pale, fluffy hair distinct from the longer guard hairs. Blowing coat is not the same as hair loss from disease: the skin underneath should look healthy, the dog should be comfortable, and new coat should be growing in. If skin is red, sore, flaky, or bald patches appear that do not regrow, that is not blowing coat, and veterinary advice is needed, as covered in lesson 2. Owners should expect blowing coat to last two to four weeks, sometimes longer, and should plan grooming and home cleaning accordingly.

Why do some dogs shed more than others?

Genetics is the main factor: breed and coat type determine hair density, undercoat presence, and shedding pattern. Double coated dogs shed undercoat heavily, single coated dogs shed less undercoat, and some curly coated dogs trap shed hair in the coat, so they appear to shed less into the home but need more combing to remove trapped hair. Hormones, age, and health also affect shedding: puppies shed puppy coat, older dogs may shed differently, and unneutered females may shed after seasons. Nutrition, stress, illness, and skin disease can change shedding, but those changes are usually accompanied by other signs, such as skin changes, appetite change, or behaviour change, and they need veterinary assessment if present. Environment matters too: central heating, artificial light, and indoor living can blur seasonal patterns, while outdoor dogs in cold climates may have more distinct seasonal blows. Owners should learn what is normal for their dog over a full year, noting seasonal peaks, so a change from that pattern is recognisable.

How should owners respond to shedding and blowing coat?

Respond with regular grooming, skin checks, and home management, not with products or treatments that promise to stop shedding. No shampoo, supplement, or tool can stop normal shedding, and claims that they can should be treated sceptically. Brush and deshed according to coat type, as in lessons 4 and 5, remove loose undercoat in sections, check skin while grooming, and manage hair in the home as in lesson 7. Keep the dog’s diet and general care consistent, and do not change food or add supplements to try to reduce shedding without veterinary advice. If shedding increases suddenly, if bald patches appear, if skin changes, or if the dog seems unwell, contact a vet, as in lesson 12. During blowing coat, increase grooming frequency, work in short sessions, and expect hair in the home despite good grooming. That expectation prevents frustration and helps owners plan cleaning, rather than seeking a quick fix that does not exist.

When should you stop and get help?

Contact a vet if shedding is sudden and heavy, if bald patches, redness, flaking, sores, or a bad smell appear, if the dog scratches, licks, or shows pain, if appetite or behaviour changes, or if coat does not regrow. These signs are not normal shedding or blowing coat, and they need assessment. Do not attempt to diagnose a coat problem by grooming alone, and do not use medicated shampoos, supplements, or treatments without veterinary advice. Normal shedding and blowing coat are predictable, seasonal, and accompanied by healthy skin and a comfortable dog. Anything outside that pattern deserves a vet conversation, with notes on timing, pattern, and skin appearance.

Shedding is daily renewal, blowing coat is seasonal undercoat release, and both are managed with regular grooming, skin checks and realistic home cleaning, not with products that promise to stop hair loss.

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