Why is my dog's coat coming out in clumps?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog’s coat is coming out in clumps, the cause is often normal shedding, but it can also happen with coat changes, rubbing, scratching, washing too often, or skin irritation. A healthy coat should usually shed gradually, so clumps are worth checking, especially if you’re also seeing bald patches, redness, dandruff or itching.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the clumping is happening all over the body or in one area only.

2. Look closely for redness, scabs, dandruff, broken skin, swelling or a bad smell.

3. Feel whether the coat is greasy, very dry, matted or unusually brittle.

4. Notice if your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or biting at the coat more than usual.

5. Think about any recent changes such as a new shampoo, more frequent washing, grooming, diet changes or time outdoors.

6. Check for fleas, flea dirt, ticks or signs of other parasites, especially around the tail base, belly and neck.

7. See whether the clumps come away easily during brushing or whether the coat is tangled and pulling.

Common Causes

One of the most common reasons is seasonal shedding, when a dog naturally loses an older coat and grows a new one. This can look dramatic, especially in double-coated breeds.

Another common cause is coat breakage or loosened fur from tangles, matting, poor brushing or friction from collars, harnesses or bedding. In these cases the coat may come out in patches or clumps rather than evenly.

Skin irritation can also make a dog shed more. Dry skin, allergies, flea irritation, contact irritation from grooming products or environmental factors may all contribute, often with itching or redness as well.

Less commonly, hormone-related conditions, infections or other skin problems may be involved, particularly if the coat change is sudden, uneven or comes with other symptoms.

What To Do

Start by brushing gently with a suitable grooming tool for your dog’s coat type. If the coat is tangled, work slowly and avoid pulling, as this can worsen discomfort and breakage.

Keep an eye on where the fur is coming out and whether the skin beneath looks normal. A quick daily check for itching, soreness or changes in the skin can help you spot a pattern.

Review recent grooming and washing habits. Over-washing, harsh shampoos or rough towel drying can sometimes make coats feel drier and shed more.

Make sure your dog’s bedding is clean and comfortable, and check for anything rubbing the coat, such as a harness or collar that needs adjusting.

If the shedding is mild and your dog otherwise seems well, monitor it for a few days. If it keeps getting worse, or you notice skin changes, ask your vet for advice.

Products That May Help

For dogs with coat care or washing concerns, a gentle grooming routine can make it easier to manage loose hair and keep the coat in good condition between brushes.

Pet Care

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