Is My Pet Shedding Too Much? Understanding Seasonal Shedding in Cats and Dogs
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I knew spring had properly arrived when I pulled the hoover out for the third time that day and still found clumps of fur lurking under the sofa. The dog was moulting like mad, my cat had left half her fluff on my pillow, and no outfit was safe unless it was already a shade of ginger or black.
It’s the same every year—just as the daffodils pop up and we start thinking about pub gardens again, the pets start shedding their winter coats like they’re auditioning for a new season of The Great British Hair-Off.
And while a bit of extra fluff is normal this time of year, it does make you pause and wonder: is this how much they’re supposed to shed, or is something off?
Let’s get into what’s normal when it comes to shedding, what to watch out for, and how to stop your home turning into one giant furball.
Why Do Pets Shed More in Spring?
It’s all down to changes in daylight and temperature. As the days get longer and warmer, our cats and dogs start to lose their thick winter coats—something they naturally do to stay cool and comfy. This process is known as “blowing the coat” (honestly, what a phrase), and it tends to peak in spring and early summer.
It’s more obvious in some breeds than others. Dogs with double coats—like Golden Retrievers, Collies, and Huskies—go full fluff bomb this time of year. But even my short-haired moggy drops enough fur to knit a new cat if I’m not careful.
What Counts as ‘Normal’ Shedding?
A bit of extra hair on the carpet or floating across the kitchen floor? Totally normal.
Here’s what to expect with healthy seasonal shedding:
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Fur comes out easily when brushing or petting
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No bald patches or thinning spots
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Skin underneath looks healthy (not red, flaky or sore)
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Your pet’s behaviour, appetite, and energy are all the same
But if you notice any of the following, it’s worth checking in with your vet:
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Bald patches or clumps of hair falling out
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Redness, flaking, or scabs on the skin
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Constant scratching or licking
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Sudden changes in behaviour or energy levels
Sometimes excessive shedding can point to fleas, allergies, stress, or even underlying health issues. Always better to be safe than sorry.
How I Deal with the Great Spring Shed
I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but after a few years of hoovering like my life depended on it, here are the things that actually help:
🐾 1. Brushing – and Then Brushing Some More
Regular brushing is your best mate during shedding season. It stops loose fur ending up all over your house (and you). Plus, it helps keep their coat healthy and gives you a chance to check their skin.
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For dogs: I use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake, especially on the big fluffball.
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For cats: A grooming mitt or soft bristle brush does the trick—especially if your cat is less keen on being fussed.
2. The Power of the Hoover
I’ve made peace with the fact that, for the next few weeks, the vacuum basically lives in the hallway. Daily whizzes around the house help keep things manageable—and pet hair out of the butter dish.
3. Keep Up Flea Prevention
Itching can be mistaken for shedding, so make sure flea and tick treatments are up to date—especially now that the weather’s warming up and bugs are back on the move.
4. Check the Diet
A healthy coat starts with proper nutrition. Omega-3s and other essential fatty acids can help reduce shedding and improve skin condition. I noticed a real difference in my pets’ coats once I switched to better-quality food.
Final Thoughts
Spring shedding can be a bit of a hairy nightmare (literally), but in most cases, it’s just your pet’s way of adjusting to the warmer weather. If everything else looks normal—no bald spots, no mad itching, no changes in mood or appetite—then it’s just a seasonal fluff fest, and a few extra brushings will see you through.
That said, if anything seems off, don’t wait—give your vet a ring. It’s always better to catch things early, and they’ll be able to tell you what’s going on under all that fur.
In the meantime, stock up on lint rollers, keep the brush handy, and embrace the fluff. After all, a bit of shedding just means your furry friend’s getting ready for sunnier days ahead.