As the seasons shift, so too does your long-haired dog’s coat. One moment, their fur is plush and thick; the next, you’re battling tufts of hair clinging to furniture, clothing, and every corner of your home. Sound familiar? If you’re the proud parent of a breed like a Rough Collie, Afghan Hound, or Golden Retriever, you’re likely no stranger to seasonal dog coat changes.

These changes aren’t just a grooming inconvenience—they’re a fundamental part of your dog’s health and comfort. A well-timed coat shed helps regulate body temperature and protects the skin. But without the right care, shedding cycles in dogs can lead to tangles, matting, dry skin, and discomfort.

In this guide, we’ll explore the science behind long coat transitions, explain what to expect as the seasons change, and equip you with practical tips to manage your dog’s coat with confidence. From spring blowouts to winter prep, you’ll learn how to work with nature, not against it.

What Triggers Seasonal Coat Changes?

Coat changes in dogs are primarily triggered by changes in daylight hours and temperature. It’s not just the weather that tells your dog’s body to shed or grow fur—it’s also the amount of sunlight they receive each day.

The Role of Photoperiod

Dogs are sensitive to photoperiods (the number of daylight hours in a 24-hour cycle). When the days start getting longer in spring, it signals your dog’s body to shed the thick winter undercoat. As autumn brings shorter days, your dog begins growing a denser coat in preparation for the colder months.

Breeds Most Affected

A Siberian Husky lies in a grassy field, gazing at the landscape with its tongue out, surrounded by rolling hills at sunset.

While all dogs shed to some degree, certain long-haired and double-coated breeds are especially prone to dramatic seasonal shifts:

  • Siberian Huskies
  • Rough Collies
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Akitas
  • Samoyeds
  • Newfoundlands

These breeds evolved in colder climates and still retain the biological programming to respond to seasonal changes, even if they live in mild or temperate zones today.

Understanding the Shedding Cycle in Dogs

Knowing when and how dogs shed helps you time your grooming routines more effectively.

The Two Major Shed Seasons

  1. Spring Shed (“Blowing Coat”) In spring, dogs shed their dense undercoat to stay cool in warmer temperatures. This process can last several weeks and often feels never-ending.
  2. Autumn Shed In preparation for winter, dogs shed their lighter summer coats and grow in heavier fur. While less dramatic than the spring blowout, it’s still significant in long-haired breeds.

Hair Growth Phases

Dog hair goes through cycles just like human hair:

  • Anagen phase: Active hair growth
  • Catagen phase: Transitional phase where growth slows
  • Telogen phase: Resting phase before hair sheds

Seasonal changes push more hair into the telogen phase, which leads to increased shedding.

Signs Your Dog Is Going Through a Coat Transition

Each dog is unique, but common signs of a seasonal coat change include:

  • Increased shedding, especially in tufts or clumps
  • More visible hair around the house, on clothing, or in the brush
  • Dullness or uneven coat thickness
  • Changes in texture—softer or coarser fur depending on the season
  • New mats forming around ears, legs, or underarms

During transitions, your dog may also experience dry or itchy skin due to the sudden shift in coat density and oil distribution.

Grooming Through the Seasons

The best way to manage coat changes is with a consistent grooming strategy tailored to each season.

Spring: The Heavy Shed

This is the time for frequent brushing and deshedding tools.

  • Brush daily using an undercoat rake or slicker brush
  • Bathe with a deshedding shampoo to help loosen dead hair
  • Use a blow dryer on cool to lift loose fur from the undercoat
  • Vacuum regularly and brush outdoors if possible

This season is often overwhelming, so it’s also a good time to consider setting up a home grooming station to make the process easier and tidier.

Summer: Maintenance Mode

A person trims the nails of a fluffy white cat, showcasing careful grooming and attention to pet care.

By summer, shedding slows down. The coat is usually lighter and more manageable.

  • Brush 2–3 times per week to prevent matting
  • Keep fur trimmed around paws, ears, and sanitary areas
  • Apply coat-conditioning sprays to avoid sun damage
  • Ensure your dog stays hydrated to support skin health

Avoid shaving double-coated breeds; this disrupts their natural ability to regulate temperature and can cause long-term coat issues.

Autumn: Prep for the Winter Coat

The second shed of the year begins. The undercoat thickens, and the texture may change.

  • Increase brushing to every other day
  • Switch to a moisturising shampoo to combat seasonal dryness
  • Trim dead ends to prevent breakage and distribute oils

This is the ideal time to evaluate your tools. For dogs with brittle hair, it’s important to understand what to do about dog hair breakage to avoid damaging fresh winter growth.

Winter: Dry Skin Defence

Your dog’s coat is thickest during winter, offering natural protection against the cold. But indoor heating and low humidity can dry out the skin.

  • Brush at least twice a week to maintain oil balance
  • Use leave-in coat oils or conditioning sprays for added moisture
  • Bathe sparingly—only when necessary—with a gentle formula
  • Avoid long exposure to cold, wet conditions without drying properly afterwards

Dietary Support for Coat Health Year-Round

The foundation of a healthy coat starts from the inside. Seasonal changes can stress the skin and hair follicles, but the right diet can reduce shedding intensity and improve coat resilience.

Nutrients That Help

  • Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids – Reduce inflammation and support skin hydration
  • Zinc and biotin – Essential for healthy skin and hair follicles
  • High-quality proteins – Provide the building blocks for hair growth
  • Vitamin A and E – Support skin cell renewal and elasticity

If your dog’s coat becomes dull or brittle during seasonal shifts, speak to your vet about adding a skin and coat supplement, especially in the spring and autumn.

Common Mistakes During Coat Transitions

Even well-meaning dog owners sometimes unknowingly worsen coat problems. Avoid these seasonal pitfalls:

  • Brushing too aggressively – This can lead to hair breakage and skin irritation
  • Skipping brushing in summer – Maintenance is still important even with a thinner coat
  • Bathing too often – Frequent baths can strip natural oils
  • Using human products – Dog skin has a different pH level
  • Neglecting hydration – Dry skin = increased shedding

Consistency, patience, and the right tools are your best allies in maintaining a healthy coat all year round.

When to Call a Professional Groomer

Sometimes, seasonal coat changes overwhelm even the most diligent pet parent. A professional groomer can help:

  • Remove stubborn undercoat with minimal stress
  • Trim, shape, and condition the coat
  • Spot early signs of skin issues
  • Recommend tools and products specific to your dog’s needs

If your dog has started to form mats or resists brushing during high-shed periods, getting help sooner rather than later can save their coat—and your sanity.

Coat Changes in Indoor Dogs

If your dog lives mostly indoors, you might notice that seasonal coat changes are less dramatic but more frequent. Artificial lighting and climate control can confuse their natural rhythms, causing irregular shedding.

Tips for Indoor Dogs

  • Stick to a regular brushing schedule regardless of season
  • Provide daily exposure to natural light if possible
  • Avoid overusing heating or cooling units
  • Keep floors and soft furnishings clean to monitor fur levels

Even with less obvious shifts, your dog’s body still responds to subtle environmental cues, so don’t neglect grooming even if the coat appears stable.

Conclusion: Partnering with Nature for Better Coat Health

Seasonal coat changes are part of the natural rhythm of your long-haired dog’s life. Instead of battling against fur on your floors or reacting to every grooming challenge as it comes, the best approach is preparation, understanding, and consistency.

By recognising the triggers and patterns of seasonal dog coat changes, understanding your dog’s shedding cycle, and tailoring your care routine to support long coat transitions, you’ll set your dog up for comfort, health, and less mess, no matter the season.

So, embrace the cycle. Brush regularly, feed wisely, hydrate often, and give your long-haired friend the kind of care that shines through every strand of their beautiful coat.