Why Do Dogs and Cats Shed More in Summer?

Shedding is your pet's natural way of getting rid of old, dead hair and adjusting their coat to the season. As days get longer and temperatures climb, dogs and cats shed their heavier winter undercoats to grow a lighter coat that helps them stay cool and avoid overheating.

This is especially noticeable in double-coated breeds — pets with a soft, insulating undercoat beneath a coarser topcoat. When these breeds drop their winter coat in large amounts, it's often called "blowing coat." Common double-coated breeds include:

Dogs: Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds

Cats: Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians, Russian Blues, and Himalayans

Even short-haired and single-coated pets shed year-round — there's no such thing as a truly non-shedding dog or cat. They just tend to make less of a visible mess.

How Much Shedding Is Normal?

A steady amount of loose hair, especially during seasonal transitions, is healthy and expected. Indoor pets sometimes shed more evenly throughout the year because artificial light and climate control blur the seasonal cues that trigger heavy shedding.

That said, shedding isn't always just the season. Excessive or sudden hair loss can point to an underlying issue, including:

Allergies (food or environmental)

Skin infections or parasites like fleas

Poor nutrition or a recent diet change

Stress or anxiety

Hormonal or thyroid conditions

If you notice bald patches, red or irritated skin, excessive scratching, or hair that comes out in clumps well beyond the normal seasonal shed, it's worth a call to your veterinarian.

How to Reduce Summer Shedding: 6 Practical Tips

You can't stop shedding entirely — it's a natural process — but you can dramatically cut down on the amount of fur that ends up on your furniture.

1. Brush Regularly

This is the single most effective thing you can do. Regular brushing removes loose hair before it lands on your sofa. During peak shedding, aim for daily sessions. A deshedding tool or undercoat rake works wonders on double-coated breeds, while a slicker brush suits most other coats.

2. Bathe Strategically

A bath during heavy shedding season helps loosen and rinse away dead hair. Use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo and don't overdo it — too-frequent bathing can dry out the skin and actually make shedding worse.

3. Feed a High-Quality Diet

Healthy skin and coat start from the inside. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports a stronger, shinier coat and can reduce excessive shedding. Ask your vet about supplements if your pet's coat seems dull or brittle.

4. Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Dehydrated skin sheds more. Make sure fresh water is always available, especially in summer heat. Cats in particular often drink too little — a pet water fountain can encourage them to drink more.

5. Manage the Heat

A cool, comfortable pet is a healthier pet. Provide shade, fresh water, and air circulation. Avoid the temptation to shave double-coated breeds — their coat actually insulates against heat and protects against sunburn, so shaving can do more harm than good. Check with a groomer before any major cut.

6. Schedule Professional Grooming

For heavy shedders, a professional deshedding treatment can remove far more loose undercoat than home brushing alone. Many groomers offer seasonal deshedding packages in spring and summer.

Keeping Your Home Fur-Free

Even with the best routine, some hair is inevitable. To stay ahead of it:

Vacuum frequently with a pet-hair-rated vacuum

Keep washable covers on favorite pet spots

Use a damp rubber glove or squeegee to lift hair off upholstery

Keep a lint roller in your car and by the door

When to See Your Vet

Most summer shedding is harmless. But if shedding is accompanied by bald spots, skin irritation, a foul odor, behavioral changes, or seems far beyond your pet's normal pattern, schedule a veterinary visit. These can be signs of an allergy, infection, or other treatable condition.

The Bottom Line

Summer shedding is a normal, healthy part of life with a dog or cat. With consistent brushing, a nutritious diet, good hydration, and a little help from your groomer, you can keep the shedding manageable and your pet comfortable all season long — and maybe even reclaim your black wardrobe.

Browse our other pet care guides for more tips.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.