Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much in Summer?
That drift of fur across the kitchen floor is not a coincidence. Here is what is actually going on.
5 min read | August 2026
If your vacuum cleaner suddenly has a lot more to deal with this month, you are not imagining it. Most dogs shed more heavily in summer, and for double coated breeds especially, it can feel like it never stops. The good news is that this is almost always completely normal, and there is plenty you can do to keep it manageable.
Understanding the summer coat blow
Many dogs, particularly those with a dense undercoat like Labradors, Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, go through what is often called a coat blow as the weather warms up. They are shedding the thick winter undercoat that kept them warm, making way for a lighter layer that helps them stay cooler.
This is a natural, healthy process. Longer daylight hours trigger the shedding cycle, which is why it tends to ramp up noticeably from late spring through summer, regardless of how warm the actual weather has been that week.
Normal shedding versus something worth checking
| Normal summer shedding | Worth a vet visit |
|---|---|
| Even fur loss across the coat | Bald patches or thinning in one specific area |
| Skin looks healthy underneath | Redness, scabs, or sores on the skin |
| Coat still has some shine to it | Dull, brittle, or greasy-looking fur |
| No excessive scratching | Constant scratching, licking, or chewing at the skin |
If what you are seeing matches the left column, you are simply dealing with a normal seasonal coat change. If anything on the right rings a bell, it is worth a quick check with your vet, since that can point to allergies, parasites, or a skin condition rather than ordinary shedding.
Diet and hydration play a bigger role than you might think
A dog's coat is a fairly accurate reflection of what is going on inside their body. Dogs who are well hydrated and eating a good quality diet tend to have less excessive shedding, because the skin and hair follicles are working properly. Warm weather increases water needs, so make sure fresh water is always easy to reach, especially if your dog is spending more time outside.
Omega fatty acids, found in fish oils and some complete dog foods, support skin health and can reduce shedding that goes beyond the normal seasonal amount. If shedding seems unusually heavy, it is worth a chat with your vet about whether a diet tweak could help.
Short, frequent brushing sessions remove loose fur before it ends up on your sofa, without irritating the skin.
A slicker brush works well for most coats, while an undercoat rake helps with thick double coats during a heavy blow.
Regular baths help loosen dead fur, but over-washing can dry out skin and actually make shedding worse.
The undercoat actually helps regulate temperature, so shaving it off can leave a dog more exposed to heat and sun.
Brushing techniques that actually help
Work in the direction the fur grows, using slow, deliberate strokes rather than quick scrubbing motions. Start at the head and work back, paying particular attention to areas that mat easily, like behind the ears, under the front legs, and around the tail.
When to get a vet's opinion
Most summer shedding is nothing to worry about and settles down once the new coat is fully in. That said, sudden or dramatic changes are worth mentioning to your vet, particularly if they come with any of the warning signs from the table above, or if your dog seems generally unwell alongside the shedding.
A bit of extra fur on the sofa is simply part of summer with a dog. With regular brushing, good nutrition, and the right products, you can keep it manageable without fighting nature.
Help loosen that summer coat with a wash that works with your brushing routine
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