If you have a puppy, you’ve probably noticed that their downy fur is very different to an adult dog’s coat. The transition between the two can raise a lot of questions for new pup parents. When do puppies start shedding? How long does it take for them to lose their baby coat? And what’s the best way to manage the process? Today, we’re discussing all the ins and outs of puppy shedding so that you know what to expect.
Do all puppies shed?
Before asking ‘when do puppies start shedding?’, let’s dive a little deeper into the process itself. All puppies shed as part of their natural hair growth cycle. When your pooch is born, they have a single coat of thin, super soft, and very fluffy fur. This downy hair helps them regulate their body temperature and provides them with some protection from the elements.
As your mutt gets older, they shed this baby coat and grow their adult coat instead. And it isn’t a case of simply replacing old or damaged hairs with healthy new ones. There are several differences between the two types of fur. For example, your dog’s adult coat will be thicker and coarser than their puppy coat. This is to give them the extra protection they need as an independent grown-up pup.
Depending on your pooch’s breed, they may also develop an undercoat as they reach adulthood. A double coat provides more insulation and protection than a single coat, but means your dog will shed more.
The appearance of your pet’s fur will probably change as they transition from their puppy coat to their adult coat. For instance, their hair may become darker or brighter in colour. These differences are more pronounced in some breeds than others. As an example, Dalmatians are born with a plain white coat and develop their spots later. Other types, including English Setters and Shih Tzus, might grow an entirely different colour coat in adulthood. In essence, as your dog gets older, they begin to look more representative of their specific breed.
That covers the key differences between your pup’s baby and grown-up coats. But when do puppies lose their puppy fur?
When do puppies shed their puppy coat?
There isn’t one simple answer to the question ‘when do dogs start shedding?’ because it depends on their breed. As a general guideline, most puppies start to lose their baby coat at around four to six months old. However, some begin shedding as young as 12 weeks of age, while others may not start until their first birthday.
How long does it take dogs to lose their puppy coat? The process could last from a few months to a year, or even longer for some breeds. For example, Pomeranians can take up to two years to fully shed their baby fluff. During this transition period, you might notice that your pup’s fur looks a little ruffled, unkempt, or patchy. This is nothing to worry about – think of it as their awkward teenage phase!
Another way to answer the question ‘when do dogs lose their puppy coat?’ is to consider the hair growth cycle. As your mutt gets older, their fur begins to grow in cycles. There’s a period of active growth, followed by slower growth when the hair follicles shrink. Afterwards is a rest period, then finally a shedding phase when new hairs push out and replace the old ones. This cycle then repeats itself over and over. As such, you’ll find your pet loses their baby coat in stages rather than all at once.
Signs your dog is about to shed their puppy coat
We’ve seen that the answer to ‘when do puppies start shedding?’ can be anywhere between 12 weeks and a year old. So how do you know if your pooch is about to start the transition from baby fuzz to adult coat?
First, you may notice that your mutt is grooming themselves more often and scratching more than usual. Second, there’s a good chance you’ll spot more fluff around the house as they begin to shed their puppy coat. Third, your dog’s fur might start to look different in terms of colour or pattern as the process gets underway. Finally, when you stroke your pet, you could find that the texture of their fur feels coarser, denser, or curlier depending on their breed.
How much shedding is normal?
If you’re a new pup parent, ‘when do puppies lose their puppy coat?’ probably isn’t the only question you have. You may also be wondering how much shedding is typical for a growing pooch. Again, the answer varies according to factors such as your pet’s breed and even the time of year.
For example, dogs with a double coat (like Huskies) tend to shed more than those with a single coat. This is true throughout their lives and is simply because they have more fur to replace. There’s a seasonal influence too. Double-coated dog breeds lose greater amounts of hair in the spring and autumn due to the temperature changes. In spring, they shed their thicker winter coat to allow a lighter summer one to grow. In autumn, this process is reversed, enabling them to stay comfortable all year round.
The length of your pet’s fluff can make a difference too, although not necessarily in the way you think. It might seem as though long-haired breeds moult more. However, this is often just because the hairs are more conspicuous on your clothes and furniture. Dogs with short, dense fur may shed more than some pups with long fur, but you simply don’t notice it.
A more important point is that pooches with long coats are more susceptible to issues like tangling and matting. As such, you need to make sure you groom them regularly to keep their hair – and skin – clean and healthy.
It’s also worth noting that even non-shedding breeds will lose their puppy coats, although the process isn’t as obvious. That means some shedding at this age is normal for them.
Recognising abnormal shedding in puppies
We’ve established that losing their puppy coat is standard for all dogs. When do puppies start shedding? It’s generally between four and six months of age. What amount of hair loss is natural? It varies from pup to pup. But if that’s the case, how do you know when shedding is abnormal? Here are some warning signs to look out for that would indicate unhealthy hair loss:
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Bald spots or areas of very thin fur
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Patches of red, inflamed, or scaly skin
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Excessive scratching, itching, or grooming
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Large quantities of fur coming out in clumps
Symptoms such as these could be a sign of an underlying health issue. Abnormal shedding may be due to an infection, allergy, fleas, ticks and mites, or a medical condition like Cushing’s disease. It’s also possible for stress and anxiety to contribute to hair loss in our beloved pets. If this is to blame, you’ll probably notice behavioural changes as well. For instance, your dog might bark excessively, shake, pace, pant, or engage in destructive activities like scratching the furniture.
Finally, as we’ll discuss in more detail below, nutritional deficiencies can also cause your pooch to lose their fur.
When to consult your veterinarian about shedding
If your mutt is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s best to take them to the vet. The same is true if you notice other negative symptoms that appear unrelated to their skin and hair health. That includes things like weight loss, increased thirst, or changes in their behaviour or temperament.
We said that the answer to ‘when do puppies start shedding?’ is roughly four to six months old. If your pet starts losing their puppy coat much earlier than this, that’s another good reason to see the vet. They can clarify whether early shedding is typical for your pooch’s breed, or if something else is responsible.
Even if your pooch has no other symptoms but you think they’re shedding excessive amounts of fur, book an appointment. The vet will be able to confirm if their hair loss is normal and check for underlying issues if not. Plus, you can get personalised advice on nutrition and grooming to ensure your pup’s transition to their adult coat is as smooth as possible.
Managing puppy shedding at home
When do puppies start shedding? Between four and six months of age – whether you want them to or not! And as a responsible pup parent, it’s important to do what you can to manage the process. Here are our top tips:
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Brush your puppy regularly to remove old hair before it falls out. Not only does this help with shedding and matting, it’s also a way to bond with your pooch. The best brush to use will depend on your dog’s breed. For example, a slicker brush is good for pups with wiry or curly coats, while bristle brushes suit short-haired mutts. You can also get special undercoat rakes for dogs with double coats. If you’re unsure about which brush to choose, speak to a vet.
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Animals with dense undercoats may additionally benefit from the use of de-shedding tools. However, these need to be used correctly and might not be suitable for pups with sensitive skin.
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Bathe your pup approximately once a month to make sure their coat remains healthy and remove dead hairs. Don’t pop them in the bath more often than this unless necessary though. Overbathing can strip away the natural oils that keep their hair soft and silky. And ensure you use a shampoo made specially for dogs, as human products are unsuitable for their skin and fur.
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Always provide your pooch with access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration causes dry skin and leads to increased shedding.
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Consider professional grooming if appropriate for your furry friend.
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Get a vacuum cleaner specifically designed to pick up pet hair to make it easier to keep your home fur-free.
With this approach, hopefully neither you nor your pup will go barking mad from shedding!
The influence of nutrition on coat health
Feeding your puppy a nutritious, balanced diet is crucial for keeping their skin and fur in top condition. And when your pup’s skin and coat are healthy, it reduces the risk of hair breakage and excessive shedding.
One of the most important ingredients to include in your pooch’s meals is high-quality protein. Your dog’s fur is approximately 95% protein (primarily keratin), and their bodies require a sufficient supply of amino acids to produce it. A lack of protein in their diet may lead to dull, dry, thin and brittle hair, as well as abnormal shedding and slow regrowth. It’s therefore best to choose dog foods with named animal proteins (e.g. chicken) at the top of the ingredient list.
Other key nutrients to be aware of are essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. For example, the alpha-linoleic acid and linoleic acid in our chia seed oil help reduce inflammation, moisturise your pooch’s skin, and keep their coat shiny.(1) It’s also a good idea to ensure your dog gets enough zinc in their diet. This mineral is involved in the production of keratin, and a deficiency can cause dry, brittle fur and increased shedding.(2)
When it comes to vitamins, biotin is particularly important for your pup’s coat. It helps the skin retain moisture and supports keratin production, promoting the growth of thick and glossy fluff.(3) Meanwhile, the vitamin E in our sea buckthorn powder protects canine skin cells and hair follicles from free radical damage.
Finally, if you think stress could be contributing to abnormal shedding in older mutts, an adaptogen like ashwagandha may help.(3)
The most im-paw-tant takeaways on puppy shedding
Let’s recap. When do puppies start shedding? It’s normally between four and six months of age. How long does it last? The process of losing their baby coat takes up to a year, but dogs continue to shed throughout their lives. What’s the best way to keep shedding under control? A thorough grooming routine, regular bathing, and a nutritious diet. And if you have any concerns about excessive hair loss, have a chat with your vet. Shedding their puppy coat is a perfectly normal part of your pooch’s development. It marks an important step in their transition to adulthood, so try and enjoy the experience!
