It seems to happen every fall: you have to vacuum twice a day to combat the explosion of fur on every surface in your home. You’re dog's once-shiny coat looks dull, they’re scratching more than usual, and no matter how much brushing you do, the shedding just won’t stop. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry, you’re pup isn't alone. Dog shedding in the fall is completely normal and can often cause itchy, dry skin and a dull coat. Just like us, dogs feel the effects of colder weather, dry air, and darker days, which are reflected in their skin and coat. But with the right care and nutrition, your pup’s coat can bounce back from dull and dry to looking glossy and healthy in no time.
Let’s dig into why your dog’s coat is freaking out, and what diet and hydration for your dogs can do to help from the inside out.
Fall Shedding Is Real
Every fall, as days get shorter and the air gets cooler, double-coated dog breeds, like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds, start growing a winter coat. They shed their lighter summer fur and replace it with a much thicker winter coat.
Seasonal shedding is a normal practice that keeps your dog warm in the winter months, but it can also leave your dog’s skin feeling dry and itchy, especially as humidity drops. Brushing more often, using gentle moisturizing sprays, and wiping down their coat after walks can help manage these side effects. Though these practices can offer short-term relief, to truly support a healthy coat from the inside out, it’s important to focus on nutrition. Finding a meal topper or supplement that supports your dog's skin & coat in the fall and winter months is crucial to ease discomfort and aid in their fall shedding.
3 Quick Tips to Help Manage Your Dog’s Fall Shedding
- Brush regularly. Just like humans, when dogs don’t get brushed, their loose fur naturally falls to the floor or gets tangled in their existing fur and attaches itself to our furniture. Switching your brushing routine to a few times a week can help keep loose fur under control and spread natural oils for a healthier coat. For dogs with extra-long hair like Shih Tzus, Collies, and Komondors, you’ll want to up your brushing routine to be daily or even multiple times a day.
- Use the right tools. A de-shedding brush or grooming mitt can help break through that thick winter coat that is itching to breathe. For dogs with sensitive skin, opt for softer bristles or rubber brushes that you can use to massage their coat and distribute their oils gently.
- Don’t over-bathe. Too many baths can strip away the beneficial oils your dog’s skin needs. Especially during the winter months, you’ll want to bathe your dog less often than usual. Not only do they tend to be less dirty (less rolling around in the mud!), but their coat is more prone to being dry. Have an especially dirty pup? Pride and Groom has a no-rinse dry shampoo that keeps dogs clean without the need for over-bathing!
How To Keep Allergies and Irritants At Bay
Seasonal allergies aren’t just a human thing. Pollen, dust, mold, and even extra cleaning supplies from holiday hosting could all be causing your dog to experience seasonal allergies. These allergens irritate your dog’s skin, resulting in redness, flaking, and persistent scratching. Allergens and irritants can worsen the natural shedding cycle, causing pain and discomfort, and without enough moisture, your dog’s skin may start to flake, leading to brittle fur and a dull coat.
4 signs your dog might have seasonal allergies:
- Persistent scratching or licking
- Red or irritated skin
- White flakes on fur or bedding
- Extra shedding or thin patches of fur
You can try to help your dog combat seasonal allergies and dry skin with a few easy at-home tricks:
- Wipe down paws and coats after outdoor walks to remove pollen with dog-safe wipes.
- Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
- Keep windows closed on high-pollen and windy days.
- Try gentle oatmeal baths or a moisturizing paw balm for extra relief.
Taking these extra steps can help soothe symptoms, but if you really want to stop your dog’s itchy skin in its tracks, you’ll want to tackle the root cause, and that starts inside with their nutrition.
The Inside-Out Fix For Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies
When it comes to skin and coat health, your dog’s diet is the real MVP. Just like humans, dogs need hydration and the right nutrients to feel and look great.
1. Hydration is Everything
Dogs often drink less in the winter months, making the cycle of dehydration even worse. That’s where Brutus Bone Broth comes in extra handy. Adding Brutus Bone Broth to your pup’s meals or water bowl boosts the hydration they need and adds the flavor they crave (a win-win). Brutus Bone Broths Skin & Coat line is made with real bone broth, so your dog gets the hydration, protein, and nutrients they need, in one easy meal topper. It’s the ultimate inside-out solution for seasonal skin stress.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Win
Omega-3s are your dog’s best friend for a shiny, healthy coat. Known to reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and give your dog’s fur that glossy “just left the groomer” look. Omega-3s can be found in salmon, sardines, or supplements, or look for dog foods and meal toppers formulated with them, such as our Skin & Coat Meal Topper and Vegetable Broth, which contains Omegas 3, 6, and 9!
3. Collagen
Collagen isn’t just for humans. It’s a game-changer for dogs fur coats, too! Collagen supports healthy skin and fur structure. Bone broth is naturally rich in collagen and amino acids, making it extra crucial in the winter months when your dogs are susceptible to dull fur. Bone broth for dogs helps repair their skin barrier and promotes that soft, pettable fur texture.
4. The Secret Ingredient: Marine Microalgae Oil
Marine microalgae oil, is a sustainable plant-based source that delivers all the same benefits as traditional fish oil without the smell! Marine microalgae oil is known to support dogs’ skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and help minimize dry skin and itchy skin during shedding season. Brutus Broth’s Skin & Coat formula is especially formulated with marine microalgae oil to support healthy skin and coat by reducing inflammation and promoting hydration.
5. Gut Health = Skin Health
For dogs, a happy gut = a happy coat. When your dog’s gut is out of balance, toxins can build up and show up on the skin as irritation or dryness. Bone broth for dogs helps naturally detoxify and soothe the digestive system, creating a ripple effect that shows up as clearer skin and shinier fur. For a deeper dive into the importance of bone broth for your pet's nutrition, check out this Brutus Broth article consulting veterinary nutritionists.
How to Incorporate Brutus Bone Broth Skin & Coat Products Into Your Dog’s Diet:
- Pour it over kibble for a flavorful, nutrient-rich topper that softens food and boosts hydration.
- Serve it as a warm treat on chilly days; it’s comfort food for dogs!
- Add it to their water bowl for an easy way to quickly boost hydration and add flavor.
The Brutus Bone Broth Skin & Coat line makes it easy to give your pup daily support for skin, coat, and joint health, and even picky eaters will lick the bowl clean.
The Bottom Line: Support From Within
Fall shedding is just part of your dog’s natural rhythm. With the right support, your dog’s coat doesn’t have to look (or feel) rough. By focusing on hydration, nutrition, and gut health, you’ll help your dog look and feel their best all season long.
Most dogs finish their shedding phase by early winter, once their new coat grows in. So don’t stress. A little TLC now will pay off with a cozy, shiny winter coat in no time.
Healthy coat, happy pup, less vacuuming. Now that’s something to wag about.