Managing the Coat of a Double-Coated Breed Through Shedding Season

A double coat consists of a coarser outer guard coat that repels water and dirt, and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation. Twice a year, in spring and autumn in most climates, dogs with this coat type shed a large volume of undercoat over a period of a few weeks, commonly called 'blowing coat'.

A slicker brush alone tends to only reach the outer coat and misses the loose undercoat underneath. An undercoat rake or a grooming tool specifically designed to lift loose undercoat, used gently and following the direction of hair growth, removes far more of the dead hair before it ends up on floors and furniture.

An occasional bath with a dog-appropriate shampoo, followed by thorough drying and brushing, can loosen and remove a surprising amount of dead undercoat, particularly if the coat is blown out with a dryer on a cool or warm — never hot — setting while brushing. Over-bathing, however, can strip natural oils and irritate skin, so this should be occasional rather than frequent.

Seasonal shedding is normal and heavy, but patchy hair loss, bald spots, excessive scratching, or a change in coat texture and smell can indicate a skin condition, parasites, or an underlying hormonal or nutritional issue rather than ordinary shedding, and is worth a veterinary check.