As the weather warms and the days get longer, many pet parents notice one thing happening all over their home: fur everywhere.
Spring is one of the biggest shedding seasons for dogs and cats, especially for pets with thick or double coats. While seasonal shedding is completely normal, it can sometimes feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
Here we’ll explain why pets shed more in spring, how to reduce excessive shedding, and the best ways to support your pet’s skin and coat health during seasonal coat changes.
Why Do Dogs and Cats Shed More in Spring?
Most pets naturally shed year-round, but spring shedding is usually heavier because their bodies are adjusting to warmer temperatures. During winter, many dogs and cats grow a thicker coat for insulation.
When spring arrives, they begin shedding that dense winter coat to prepare for warmer weather. This process is known as seasonal shedding.
Factors that influence spring shedding include:
- Longer daylight hours
- Rising temperatures
- Hormonal changes related to seasonal cycles
- Natural coat turnover
- Breed type (especially double-coated breeds)
Some pets may shed lightly, while others appear to “blow their coat,” releasing large amounts of fur over a few weeks.
Which Pets Shed the Most in Spring?
Some breeds are much more prone to heavy spring shedding than others.
Dogs that commonly experience intense seasonal shedding include:
- Huskies
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Akitas
- Malamutes
Cats can also shed heavily in spring, especially long-haired breeds. Breeds include:
- Maine Coons
- Persians
- Norwegian Forest Cats
often lose large amounts of winter coat as temperatures warm up.
Even short-haired pets shed, though the fur may be less noticeable.
How Long Does Spring Shedding Last?
For most pets, spring shedding lasts between 2–8 weeks.
However, indoor pets may shed more consistently throughout the year because artificial lighting and climate control can affect their natural shedding cycles.
If your pet seems to shed heavily all year long, it may be related to:
- Diet
- Stress
- Allergies
- Skin irritation
- Poor coat health
Supporting overall skin health can help keep shedding within a healthy seasonal range.
6 Ways to Manage Spring Shedding in Pets
1. Brush Your Pet More Frequently
Regular brushing is one of the most effective ways to manage seasonal shedding.
Brushing helps:
- Remove loose fur before it ends up on furniture
- Prevent matting
- Distribute natural skin oils
- Support a healthier coat
During peak shedding season, many pets benefit from daily brushing. Deshedding tools, slicker brushes, and undercoat rakes can be especially helpful for thick-coated breeds.
2. Bathe Your Pet Occasionally
A gentle bath can help loosen and remove excess fur.
Use a pet-safe shampoo designed to support skin and coat health. After bathing, brushing your pet can remove large amounts of loosened fur.
Avoid over-bathing, as this can dry out the skin.
3. Support Skin and Coat Health from the Inside
Healthy skin and fur begin internally. Minerals, like PicoMyte and Pico Silver offered by PicoPets support cellular health, which can influence coat quality.
Many pet parents add liquid mineral supplements to their pet’s routine during seasonal changes to help support:
- Skin hydration
- Coat strength
- Normal shedding cycles
- Overall wellness
When the body has the nutrients it needs, pets are often better able to maintain healthy skin and fur growth.
PicoMyte specifically calms inflammation, hydrates dry or flaky skin, and supports a balanced skin microbiome. These benefits ensures pets' skin remains healthy, balanced, and comfortable, while also enhancing the natural shine and vitality of their coat.
4. Feed a Balanced, High-Quality Diet
Nutrition plays a major role in coat health and shedding.
Pets that eat nutrient-dense diets with adequate vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats often maintain:
- Stronger hair follicles
- Shinier coats
- More balanced shedding cycles
Poor diet can sometimes lead to excessive shedding or dull fur.
5. Keep Your Pet Hydrated
Hydration helps support skin elasticity and overall cellular health, both of which play an important role in maintaining a healthy coat.
Dehydration can contribute to dry skin, which may lead to increased shedding, itching, or flaky skin.
Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, clean water, especially as temperatures begin to rise. Pet parents often add electrolyte and trace mineral support to their pet’s routine during seasonal changes.
Supplements like PicoMyte provide pico-ionic trace minerals (electrolytes) for it's incredible hydration benefits.
Proper hydration, along with good nutrition and grooming, can help pets maintain healthy skin and more balanced shedding cycles.
6. Maintain a Consistent Grooming Routine
Consistency is key during shedding season.
A good routine may include:
- Regular brushing
- Occasional baths
- Proper nutrition
- Hydration
- Skin-supporting nutrients
Together, these habits can help keep shedding manageable while supporting a healthy coat.
Check out our article on Pet Grooming Tips to Keep Them Looking (& Feeling) Their Best to learn more about brushing, bathing, and overall grooming!
Managing Spring Shedding
Spring shedding is a natural part of your pet’s seasonal coat cycle. While it can mean more fur around your home for a few weeks, it also signals that your pet’s body is adapting to the changing seasons.
With regular grooming, proper nutrition and minerals, hydration, and internal skin support, you can help keep your pet’s coat healthy, shiny, and comfortable during shedding season.
