A dog shedding its coat is a sure sign of spring or autumn. Some breeds shed steadily throughout the year, but most dogs have two distinct shedding periods annually: in spring and in autumn, when temperature and daylight change. In spring, dogs typically shed more heavily than in autumn. For many dog owners, shedding is of course a familiar, yearly occurrence, yet relatively few take it into account when considering what goes into the dog's food bowl. However, the diet should be planned a bit more carefully, because shedding is a significant physiological effort for the animal's body.
A dog's diet plays a major role in coat quality and condition. Hair is made of keratin protein. Nutrients essential for keratin formation include B-group vitamins (brewer's yeast), biotin, sulfur (MSM), and zinc. Poor coat condition may therefore be a sign of deficiencies in these nutrients, particularly biotin or zinc. Zinc deficiency can lead to thinning of the coat and hair loss. Bald patches around the eyes or hairless, hardened spots on the elbows may also indicate that the dog is not receiving enough zinc from its diet. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are likewise important nutrients supporting both coat and skin wellbeing, and they should ideally be included in every dog's diet. Beneficial fatty acids help regulate inflammatory reactions, reduce skin flaking, maintain coat quality, and simultaneously support joint health. A lack of fatty acids can result in various skin and coat problems.
To keep your dog's coat as glossy and vibrant as possible, the dog must receive a varied and balanced diet. Check that the food contains sufficient protein as well as other protective nutrients. Adding a quality multivitamin or mineral supplement may work wonders. Seaweed, for example, is an excellent and versatile source of vitamins and minerals for dogs. Vitamin E is also a valuable supporter of skin and coat health.
The Anatomy of Hair
A dog's coat growth cycle consists of three phases. The first phase is the active growth stage, during which the hair itself is formed. A small hair structure develops at the root and grows longer. The next phase is a short transitional period in which growth slows and the hair is "finished." In the final phase, the hair stops growing, and blood circulation to the hair ceases. The hairs remain attached to the skin until new hairs push the old ones out when the next shedding cycle begins. Shedding can be eased mechanically through brushing, which improves blood circulation in the skin and hair follicles and enhances nutrient delivery to the hair roots. The duration of each phase depends on many factors, including breed, hormonal activity, light exposure, and temperature, but also nutrition, stress, and general health status.
Light and Temperature Influence Shedding
A dog's coat responds to environmental changes in accordance with seasonal shifts. Day length and the amount of light affect the dog's hormonal system and thereby also the shedding cycle. In addition to light, temperature changes also play a role. Melatonin, often called the "darkness hormone," signals to the dog in autumn that it is time to begin growing a winter coat. Light receptors in the dog's eyes detect changes in day length and send signals to the brain. As days grow shorter, melatonin production increases, and coat growth is stimulated. In spring, melatonin gives way to prolactin, under whose influence the winter coat begins to shed and is replaced by a lighter summer coat. Typically, shedding starts first on the belly and flanks. During shedding, the coat may appear dull, uneven, or tangled. This is completely normal, as the coat contains both dead hairs and newly growing hairs that have not yet settled smoothly into place.
