When Should I Call the Vet for Heavy Shedding in My Dog? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
Heavy shedding is often normal in dogs, especially during seasonal coat changes. But if the amount of hair seems unusual for your dog, or it comes with itching, bald patches, skin changes or behaviour changes, it’s sensible to look a bit closer and speak to your vet if needed.
There can be several possible causes, from coat change and grooming routine to skin irritation, parasites, diet issues or an underlying health problem. You usually can’t tell the exact cause just by looking at the fur, so the best approach is to check for other signs first.
Things To Check
1. Notice whether the shedding is seasonal or seems different from your dog’s usual pattern.
2. Check for itching, scratching, licking, rubbing or biting at the coat.
3. Look for bald patches, thinning areas, dandruff, redness, scabs or sore skin.
4. Run your hands through the coat to see if you can feel knots, loose undercoat or uneven hair loss.
5. Check for fleas, flea dirt or other signs of parasites, especially around the base of the tail and belly.
6. Think about whether anything has changed recently, such as diet, shampoo, grooming frequency, bedding or home environment.
7. Watch for other changes too, such as tiredness, weight loss, poor appetite or increased drinking.
Common Causes
Seasonal coat shedding is one of the most common reasons, particularly in spring and autumn. Some dogs simply lose a lot of hair when their coat is changing.
Loose undercoat and infrequent grooming can also make shedding look worse than it is, especially in double-coated breeds.
Skin irritation from fleas, allergies, sensitive skin or other parasites may lead to extra shedding, usually alongside scratching or redness.
Less commonly, hormone problems, poor nutrition, stress or other health conditions can affect the coat and cause more hair loss than expected.
What To Do
Start by grooming your dog regularly to remove loose hair and check the skin underneath. A gentle, consistent routine is often the most useful first step.
Make sure your dog’s bedding, sleeping areas and usual environment are clean and comfortable, and keep an eye out for fleas or skin irritation.
If the shedding is new, severe or not improving, keep a simple note of when it happens, where the coat seems worst and whether you notice any other symptoms. That information can be helpful if you do need veterinary advice.
If your dog seems otherwise well, a short period of monitoring is often reasonable. But if the shedding is paired with skin soreness, patchy hair loss or changes in appetite, it’s better to get professional advice sooner rather than later.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the shedding is sudden, very heavy or happening with bald patches, red or sore skin, constant itching, scabs, odour, or signs of fleas or other parasites. It’s also worth calling if your dog seems unwell, is losing weight, has a reduced appetite, or the coat change has gone on for longer than you’d expect.
Products That May Help
If your dog is shedding heavily, regular grooming and gentle coat care can help you stay on top of loose hair and notice any skin changes early.
Related Questions
Why is my dog shedding so much all of a sudden?
How can I tell if my dog’s shedding is normal?
Should I brush my dog every day during shedding season?
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.