If you’ve ever noticed that your home becomes noticeably furrier during certain times of the year, you’re not imagining it. Like the changing of the leaves or the bloom of spring flowers, seasonal shedding is a natural part of a pet’s life—especially for dogs and cats with double coats.
Understanding when and why pets shed more, and preparing your home accordingly, can make all the difference in managing pet hair and keeping your home cleaner. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect during spring and fall shedding seasons, and give you practical tips to prepare for the fur storm.
🌼 SPRING SHEDDING: THE BIG BLOWOUT
Why It Happens:
As the days get longer and temperatures rise, your pet’s body begins to prepare for warmer weather by shedding their dense winter coat. This is particularly common in double-coated breeds like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and many long-haired cats.
This process is known as “blowing their coat,” and it can result in large clumps of undercoat being released in a short period of time—think tumbleweeds of fluff rolling across your living room.
What to Expect:
- Heavy shedding over 2–4 weeks
- Clumps of hair in corners, under furniture, and along baseboards
- More hair on clothes, bedding, and upholstery
- Potential skin irritation if not properly groomed
🍂 FALL SHEDDING: MAKING WAY FOR WINTER
Why It Happens:
Fall shedding prepares your pet’s coat for the thicker, insulating fur they’ll need during colder months. While not as intense as the spring shed, this cycle still results in a noticeable increase in hair loss, particularly in the undercoat.
What to Expect:
- Moderate shedding over 2–3 weeks
- Increase in undercoat density
- Possible dry skin due to weather changes
- More frequent grooming needs
🛠️ HOW TO PREPARE AND MINIMIZE THE MESS
Now that you know what’s coming, here’s how to stay ahead of the shedding with a proactive grooming and cleaning routine.
🧼 1. Brush More, Vacuum Less (Kind Of)
Brushing is your first line of defense during shedding season. Removing dead hair before it ends up on your floor or furniture keeps your home cleaner and reduces irritation for your pet.
Recommended Tools:
- Deshedding brush: Tools like the FURminator are perfect for removing loose undercoat.
- Slicker brush: Helps untangle long or thick hair.
- Rubber grooming mitts: Ideal for short-haired breeds and sensitive pets.
Brush daily during peak shedding to prevent buildup and mats. If you’re brushing enough, you’ll notice less fur floating around your home.
🤖 2. Invest in a Smart Cleaning Solution
Even with regular brushing, loose hair will still make its way into your home. That’s why many pet parents turn to automated solutions like the Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum during shedding season.
Why Extravis V5 is Ideal:
- Advanced LiDAR navigation: Ensures every corner is covered—even under beds and around pet bowls.
- Strong suction power: Pulls embedded pet hair from rugs and carpets.
- Tangle-free brushroll: Designed to handle long pet hair without clogging.
- Scheduled cleaning: Keeps floors clean daily with no effort.
Let your robot vacuum run once or twice a day during high-shed months, so you don’t spend your entire spring with a broom in hand.
🛁 3. Schedule a Deep Clean Bath
Bathing your pet helps loosen and remove dead hair while also soothing the skin—especially during dry fall months. Be sure to use pet-specific shampoo, and always dry thoroughly to prevent mats.
Consider using a high-velocity dryer to blow out the coat and remove even more loose fur post-bath (a technique professionals use during blowouts).
🧴 4. Hydration and Diet Matter More Than You Think
Your pet’s coat health is a direct reflection of their internal health. A poor diet or dehydration can lead to dry skin, brittle hair, and excessive shedding.
Tips:
- Choose a high-quality, omega-3-rich pet food
- Provide fresh, clean water daily
- Add fish oil supplements (check with your vet first)
Feeding your pet well during shedding season not only reduces hair fall but also helps keep their coat soft and shiny.
🧽 5. Clean Pet Bedding and Furniture Weekly
During shedding season, hair will accumulate faster in your pet’s favorite spots. Wash and vacuum these areas more frequently, including:
- Beds
- Couches
- Blankets
- Car seats
Using a lint roller or electrostatic brush can also help quickly remove hair from clothes and soft surfaces.
🚫 WHAT NOT TO DO
As you prepare for spring or fall shedding, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t shave double-coated breeds. Their coats regulate temperature and protect from sunburn. Shaving can disrupt their natural insulation.
- Don’t ignore mats. Mats trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria, and can cause skin infections.
- Don’t skip brushing if your pet has "hair." Even hypoallergenic or low-shedding pets lose some hair and need grooming.
🐶 FINAL THOUGHTS
Seasonal shedding is a natural and healthy part of your pet’s life, but that doesn’t mean your home has to be covered in fur for weeks at a time. By understanding when shedding seasons occur and preparing with the right tools and habits, you can effectively manage the process.
Whether it’s daily brushing, a deep-cleaning bath, or letting your Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum handle the hair while you go about your day, a little planning goes a long way. Embrace the seasons—and enjoy a cleaner, happier home for both you and your furry companion.