What should I check if my dog's coat looks thin during shedding season?
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Overview
If your dog's coat looks thin during shedding season, the first thing to check is whether it's just the old coat coming out evenly or whether there are signs of skin irritation, patchy loss, or general ill health. In many dogs, seasonal shedding is normal, but a thin coat can also be linked to grooming habits, skin issues, diet, parasites or other ongoing problems.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the thinning is even all over or more obvious in patches, along the back, around the tail, belly, ears or thighs.
2. Look closely for redness, dandruff, scabs, broken skin, greasy areas or any soreness when you part the coat.
3. See whether your dog is scratching, licking, biting, rubbing or rolling more than usual.
4. Check for fleas, flea dirt or other signs of parasites, especially near the tail base and around the neck.
5. Notice whether the coat has changed in texture, with more dryness, oiliness, matting or a dull, brittle feel.
6. Think about whether anything has changed recently, such as diet, washing routine, grooming, stress, weather or time spent outdoors.
7. Check for other changes in your dog overall, such as weight loss, low energy, increased thirst or a reduced appetite.
Common Causes
The most common reason is normal seasonal shedding, especially in double-coated breeds, where the old coat comes out in large amounts for a few weeks.
Other common causes include poor coat grooming, matting, dry skin, irritation from washing products, or parasites such as fleas.
Sometimes a thin coat can be linked to allergies, a skin infection, hormone-related changes or a diet that isn't suiting your dog well.
Less commonly, a general thinning coat can be part of a wider health issue, particularly if there are other symptoms as well.
What To Do
Brush your dog regularly during shedding season so you can remove loose hair and see the skin underneath. Use a grooming routine that suits their coat type, and keep an eye out for any areas that look irritated or patchy.
If the coat is dry or flaky, avoid over-washing and make sure any shampoo you use is suitable for dogs. Keep notes on when you notice the thinning, where it appears and whether it seems to be getting better or worse.
Make sure your dog is on a suitable parasite control plan, and review their diet if the coat has become dull or poor in condition over time. If the coat loss is more than you'd expect from normal shedding, or it doesn't improve after the coat change has passed, speak to your vet for advice.
The thin coat is patchy rather than evenly shed.
Your dog is itchy, sore or has skin changes like redness, scabs or discharge.
You also notice weight loss, low energy, increased thirst, or a change in appetite.
Related Questions
Is it normal for dogs to lose more coat in spring and autumn?
How can I tell the difference between shedding and hair loss?
When should I ask a vet about my dog's coat condition?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.