How to Stop Dog Shedding in Summer | Complete Guide

Summer is one of the worst times of the year for dog shedding. As temperatures rise, many dogs begin to lose their thick winter coats, which leads to a noticeable increase in loose fur.

For many dog owners, this feels overwhelming. Hair ends up everywhere, and it can seem like brushing does not make a difference.

The reality is that summer shedding is completely natural, but excessive shedding is often the result of poor grooming routines and missed maintenance.

Using the right grooming tools and routine can dramatically reduce shedding. If you want a full system, read our guide on Easy Dog Grooming Hacks.

Why Summer Shedding Gets Out of Control

During summer, dogs naturally shed their undercoat to regulate body temperature. This process can become excessive if loose hair is not removed regularly.

Without proper grooming, hair builds up and releases in large amounts all at once.

• dogs shed their winter coat to stay cool in warmer temperatures
• loose hair becomes trapped and later sheds all at once
• lack of brushing causes buildup inside the coat
• double-coated breeds shed significantly more during this period
• irregular grooming makes shedding feel worse than it actually is

This is why consistent grooming is essential during summer months.

How Summer Shedding Differs from Winter

Summer shedding is more aggressive because dogs are actively removing dense undercoat layers. This is different from winter shedding, which is often influenced by indoor conditions.

Understanding this difference helps you adjust your grooming approach.

• summer shedding involves shedding large amounts of undercoat
• winter shedding is often caused by dry indoor air
• summer shedding is heavier but easier to manage with brushing
• winter shedding tends to be more gradual and inconsistent

If you want to compare both, read our guide on How to Stop Dog Shedding in Winter.

What Actually Reduces Summer Shedding

The key to controlling shedding is removing loose hair before it spreads. This reduces the amount of hair released throughout your home.

Consistency is far more important than intensity.

• brush frequently instead of waiting for buildup
• use tools that reach deep into the coat
• maintain coat hydration to prevent breakage
• focus on high-shedding areas like the back and sides
• stay consistent throughout the shedding season

If your dog has long hair, see our guide on Brushing Tips for Long-Haired Dogs.

Three Tools That Reduce Summer Shedding

1. Flying Pawfect Slicker Brush

If you want to reduce shedding quickly, this is the most important tool to use. The Flying Pawfect Slicker Brush removes loose hair before it spreads.

Its long pins reach through the topcoat into the dead undercoat, which is where summer shedding actually comes from. The matching product page is the Curved Slicker Brush.

This is the tool most groomers rely on for consistent results, and it carries a one year warranty.

• Best for: removing loose summer coat
• Why it works: deep coat penetration
• Context: frequent use recommended

2. Flying Pawfect Long Tooth Comb

A long tooth comb is the finishing step after brushing. It catches the loose undercoat the brush has lifted but not pulled clear, which is the fur that otherwise ends up on your floor an hour later.

It also tells you when a section is genuinely finished. If the comb passes through cleanly, that area is done.

• Best for: finishing after the brush
• Why it works: clears the undercoat the brush has loosened
• Context: use at the end of every session

3. Flying Pawfect 4-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner

A gentle, moisturising wash keeps the coat conditioned so hair is less prone to breaking, and it loosens dead undercoat during the bath so more of it comes out on the towel rather than on your sofa.

It is pH balanced for dogs, made with plant-derived cleansers and organic aloe, and free of dyes, SLS, parabens and alcohol.

• Best for: coat condition through shedding season
• Why it works: cleaning and conditioning in one step
• Context: bathe every three to four weeks, not weekly

Step-by-Step Summer Grooming Routine

1. brush your dog frequently
2. focus on shedding areas
3. finish each session with the comb
4. bathe every three to four weeks
5. maintain consistency

Prevention Tips for Summer Shedding

• increase grooming frequency in summer
• use proper grooming tools
• monitor coat condition
• stay consistent

Common Mistakes That Make Summer Shedding Worse

• infrequent brushing
• wrong grooming tools
• ignoring shedding season
• inconsistent routine

FAQs

Do dogs shed more in summer?

Most dogs do, because the dense winter undercoat is released as the weather warms. Double-coated breeds shed the most dramatically, and a thick coat can take several weeks to clear. A short-coated dog sheds the same amount year round and simply hides it better.

How often should I brush a shedding dog in summer?

Several times a week is the baseline, and daily during the heaviest fortnight. Short sessions beat long ones, both for the dog and for how likely you are to keep it up. Frequency matters far more than how hard you brush.

What tool works best for summer shedding?

A slicker brush does the lifting and a long tooth comb clears what the brush has loosened. Using both is what stops loose undercoat reappearing on the floor an hour later. Reaching the undercoat matters more than the brand on the handle.

Does bathing help with shedding?

A bath loosens dead undercoat so more of it comes away on the towel rather than around the house. It does not reduce how much a dog sheds overall. Brush and comb the coat out before the bath, because washing a coat that still holds tangles sets them.

Can dog shedding be stopped completely?

No, and anything promising that is not telling you the truth. Shedding is how a coat renews itself, and the realistic goal is controlling where the hair ends up. Consistent brushing moves most of it into the brush instead of onto your furniture.

Should I shave my dog to stop summer shedding?

Not on a double-coated breed, where clipping removes the layer that insulates against heat as well as cold and can change how the coat regrows. The full argument is set out in Should You Shave a Double-Coated Dog?. Brushing the undercoat out is the cooler answer as well as the safer one.

How long does summer shedding last?

Two to six weeks for most dogs once it starts in earnest, although indoor dogs under artificial light often run to their own timetable. Brushing shortens it, because undercoat that cannot fall out keeps coming loose for weeks. A coat still shedding heavily after two months is worth a vet conversation.

Final Thoughts

Summer shedding can feel overwhelming, but it is manageable with the right approach. Consistent grooming and proper tools make all the difference.

Ready to upgrade your dog's grooming routine? Explore professional-grade tools at Shop All Pet Grooming Tools.