Shedding Survival Guide: Keeping a House Clean with a Long-Haired Dog đ âïž
Updated 16 October 2026
In short: double-coated dogs (Golden Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, LabradorsâŠ) shed mainly in spring and autumn, and lose some hair all year. The most effective step is brushing: daily during a moult, once or twice a week the rest of the time, with a tool suited to the coat. Don't shave a double-coated dog. Patchy hair loss, itching or damaged skin should be checked by a vet.
Why and when do dogs shed?
Shedding renews the coat. In double-coated dogs, the dense, insulating undercoat comes out in large amounts as the seasons change, especially in spring. Dogs that live mostly indoors at a steady temperature often shed more evenly through the year. How long and how heavy the moult is varies a lot between breeds and individuals.
| Coat type | Examples | Shedding |
|---|---|---|
| Double coat | Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Husky, German Shepherd | Heavy, especially in spring and autumn |
| Short dense coat | Labrador, Beagle | Steady all year, heavier in season |
| Continuously growing coat | Poodle, Bichon, Shih Tzu | Low, but needs regular grooming |
Which brush should you use?
For the undercoat of double-coated dogs. Use it with the lie of the coat, without pressing on the skin. The most useful tool during a moult.
Fine wire pins to detangle long hair (ears, britches, tail). Use a light touch: pressed hard, it irritates the skin.
For short coats: lifts dead hair and most dogs enjoy it.
To check there are no tangles left near the skin, behind the ears and under the legs.
- FrequencyDuring a moult, a few minutes every day; the rest of the year, once or twice a week.
- Outside if you canThe hair blows away outside instead of in your living room.
- Section by sectionLegs, sides, back, then sensitive areas, rewarding as you go.
- End-of-moult bathA bath followed by thorough drying helps release the undercoat. See bathing your dog.
Don't shave a double-coated dog: the coat protects it from heat and cold alike, and may grow back unevenly. Brushing out the undercoat is enough.
How do you keep the house clean during a moult?
Protective inner cover
A zipped waterproof cover under the cushion cover protects the filling from moisture and smells.
Vacuum, then wash
Vacuum off the hair before washing so it doesn't clog the machine. Wash as the label says.
A dedicated throw
Laid where your dog settles, it can be shaken outside and protects the fabric.
Bed on a hard floor
Wood or tiles are easier to clean than carpet.
For smells, bicarbonate of soda sprinkled on the bed, left for half an hour or so then vacuumed off thoroughly, can help. For the sofa, a throw kept for your dog makes cleaning easier.
When is hair loss abnormal?
My dog has:
Frequently asked questions
How long does a dog's moult last?
Often a few weeks, but it varies a lot with breed, individual and lifestyle.
Should I brush my dog every day?
During a moult, yes, a few minutes is enough. The rest of the year, once or twice a week.
Can I shave a Golden or a Husky to cut down on hair?
It isn't recommended: the double coat insulates against heat and cold and may grow back badly.
Can diet reduce shedding?
A complete, balanced diet supports a healthy coat but won't stop seasonal shedding. Talk to your vet if the coat is dull or brittle.