If you share your home with a dog or cat, you already know the struggle — tumbleweeds of fur drifting across the floor, hair embedded in your couch, and somehow always finding a pet hair in your coffee. Shedding season is a fact of life, but with the right approach, you can manage it without losing your mind (or your vacuum cleaner).
Why Do Pets Shed More at Certain Times of Year?
Most dogs and cats shed heavily twice a year — typically in spring and fall. This is their natural response to changing daylight hours and temperatures. Spring shedding helps them lose their thick winter coat, while fall shedding clears out the lighter summer coat to make way for heavier winter growth. Indoor pets often shed more consistently year-round since artificial lighting disrupts their natural cycles, but you’ll still notice peaks during seasonal shifts.
Brush More Than You Think You Need To
The single most effective thing you can do during shedding season is brush your pet regularly — and “regularly” means more often than usual. Short-haired breeds may only need brushing every few days, but long-haired and double-coated breeds can benefit from daily sessions. The hair you collect on a brush is hair that never makes it to your furniture or floors. I LOVE this FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Brush
Use the right tool for your pet’s coat type. Slicker brushes work well for most dogs and cats. Undercoat rakes and deshedding tools like the Furminator are excellent for double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons. Rubber grooming gloves are a low-stress option for cats who resist traditional brushes.
Brush outside when possible. It sounds simple, but doing your brushing session on the porch or in the yard lets the loose fur scatter naturally instead of settling on every surface in your home.
Don’t Skip Baths
A good bath followed by a thorough blow-dry can release enormous amounts of loose undercoat that brushing alone won’t catch. Many professional groomers offer a “deshedding treatment” that combines a deep-conditioning shampoo with high-velocity drying — if your pet’s shedding is particularly intense, this can make a dramatic difference. Aim for a bath every four to six weeks during peak shedding season. This Shampoo is gentle and leave Thor so soft!
Keep Up With Your Home
Even with diligent grooming, hair will still accumulate. A few strategies make staying on top of it much easier:
Vacuum frequently and invest in a vacuum designed for pet hair. Models with tangle-free brush rolls are especially helpful if your pet has long fur that wraps around the roller. Run your vacuum at least two to three times a week during heavy shedding periods.
Use a rubber squeegee or damp rubber gloves to gather fur from upholstered furniture. The static and friction work better than most lint rollers for deeply embedded hair. Washable furniture covers or slipcovers are worth using on couches and chairs during peak shedding if you don’t mind the look.
Throw your pet’s bedding in the wash weekly. It’s one of the biggest concentrations of loose fur in your home and easy to overlook. Dont Forget this, it will save your washing machine…Trust me!
Feed for a Healthy Coat
Excessive shedding is sometimes a sign that something’s off nutritionally. A high-quality diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports healthy skin and coat, which can reduce abnormal shedding. Fish oil supplements are a popular and vet-approved addition to a pet’s diet during shedding season. If you notice your pet’s coat looks dull, dry, or patchy alongside the shedding, it’s worth a conversation with your vet.
Know When Shedding Is Too Much
There’s a difference between normal seasonal shedding and excessive hair loss that signals a health problem. If you’re seeing bald patches, irritated or inflamed skin, excessive scratching or licking, or if the shedding seems severe and sudden outside of the normal seasonal windows, schedule a vet visit. Thyroid issues, allergies, parasites, and stress can all cause abnormal shedding.
A Few Small Habits That Help a Lot
Keep a lint roller in your car, near the front door, and at your desk. Wipe down your pet with a damp towel after outdoor play to pick up loose fur before it migrates inside. Run an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture airborne pet dander and fine hair. And honestly — accept that some fur is just part of the deal. The more relaxed you are about it, the less overwhelming it feels.
Shedding season doesn’t have to mean chaos. With a consistent grooming routine, the right tools, and a few smart home habits, you can keep the fur under control and enjoy your pet through even the heaviest shed.
Save this post for later and grab whatever makes the most sense for where you’re starting. You don’t have to do all of it at once — but once you start, you’ll wish you had done it sooner. Want the full list? I rounded up every dog product I actually use and love in one place on Amazon. No fluff, just the stuff that works. → Shop my List
-Jessica
ThePetHair Warrior