Understanding Older Dog Shedding: Causes, Care & Management

Tailored grooming, diet and vet insights to help your senior dog maintain a healthy coat.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Tailored grooming, diet and vet insights to help your senior dog maintain a healthy coat.

When your beloved dog begins to shed more as they age, it can be concerning. While regular shedding is a normal part of canine life, older dogs may experience changes in their fur and skin that signal the need for particular attention. This comprehensive guide explores why older dogs shed more, underlying health issues, and effective strategies for managing their coats to support overall well-being.

Introduction: Shedding in Senior Dogs
Why Do Dogs Shed?
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Older Dogs
Seasonal Shedding
Aging and Increased Shedding
Dietary, Hormonal & Health Causes
Environmental Irritants & Stress
Managing Senior Dog Shedding
Grooming Tips for Older Dogs
When To Call the Vet
Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction: Shedding in Senior Dogs

Shedding is a normal process by which dogs lose old or damaged fur to make way for new growth. While all dogs shed to some degree, many pet owners observe that their older dogs shed noticeably more than they did in their younger years. This article examines why shedding can increase with age and what to do about it.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Dog shedding is regulated by a combination of genetic, environmental, and health factors. Major contributors include:

Breed and coat type
Seasonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations
Nutrition and overall health
Exposure to stress and irritants

While these factors influence shedding at all ages, senior dogs are especially prone to noticeable changes.

Common Causes of Hair Loss in Older Dogs

Shedding in older dogs can be both a part of the normal aging process and an indicator of underlying health issues. Below are the most common reasons:

Cause	Features	Advice
Seasonal Shedding	Even, widespread hair loss. No bald patches.	Normal. Manage with brushing and cleaning.
Poor Diet/Nutritional Deficiency	Duller coat, brittle hair, increased shedding.	Consult vet. Adjust diet to senior needs.
Hormonal Changes	Changes linked to age, affecting hair cycles.	Watch for additional symptoms. Seek vet advice.
Skin Sensitivity/Irritants	Redness, scratching, irritation near loss areas.	Check for new products or allergens. Change bedding, cleaning agents if needed.
Parasites	Bald spots, excessive scratching.	Treat with anti-parasitic medications. Consult your vet.
Stress & Anxiety	Shedding increases following lifestyle changes.	Find stress sources. Provide stability and comfort.
Illness	Patchy hair loss, skin changes, behavioral shifts.	Immediate veterinary consultation required.

Seasonal Shedding: Whatâs Normal in Aging Dogs?

Most healthy dogs — especially breeds with double coats — undergo a natural increase in shedding during spring and fall. This is called “blowing coat”. During these times, your dog will lose much of its dense undercoat as daylight hours and temperatures change. Older dogs may shed more dramatically or require additional help adjusting as their bodiesâ responses to seasonal cues become less efficient.

Shedding occurs evenly across the body.
Fur everywhere, but healthy and non-patchy skin underneath.
May last several weeks and result in less “fluffy” fur afterwards.

If you notice patchiness, balding spots, redness, or sores, this is not normal seasonal shedding and should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

In older dogs, the following aging-related factors can intensify normal shedding:

Slowed hair growth cycles: Cells regenerate more slowly, leading to thinner coats and increased hair loss.
Weaker hair follicles: Aging skin produces less oil, making hair more brittle and prone to falling out.
Reduced grooming: Senior dogs may groom themselves less efficiently, especially if they have joint pain or impaired mobility, allowing dead fur to accumulate.

These are normal but can be mitigated with attentive care.

Dietary, Hormonal & Health Causes of Shedding

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

A balanced diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins is essential for coat health. Senior dogs have different dietary needs and may develop deficiencies faster, leading to increased shedding and duller coats. If you notice excessive hair loss, consider consulting your veterinarian about tailoring your dogâs nutrition for their age, possibly including special senior dog foods or supplements like fish oil and biotin.
Signs of poor nutrition:

Dull or brittle fur
More frequent grooming shed
Slow recovery of coat after seasonal shedding

2. Hormonal Changes

Aging brings shifts in hormone levels that directly affect skin health and hair cycles. Thyroid and adrenal gland disorders, including hypothyroidism and Cushingâs disease, are more common in older dogs and can cause abnormal shedding, hair thinning, and sometimes patchy loss.

If you suspect hormonal causes, watch for changes in appetite, energy, weight, and skin texture in addition to shedding.
See a veterinarian for blood tests and diagnosis.

3. Illnesses & Parasites

Various illnesses can manifest as excessive or patchy shedding. Skin infections, immune issues, or infestations with fleas, ticks, or mites may lead to localized bald spots, itching, and discomfort. Always monitor for unusual patterns or signs of irritation and visit your vet promptly for treatment recommendations.

Environmental Irritants & Stress

Skin Sensitivities and Allergens

Dogs’ skin becomes more sensitive as they age. Common irritants include:

Harsh cleaning products
New detergents on bedding
Dry indoor air during winter
New household items or furniture

If you observe worsening on cleaning days or after replacing bedding, consider switching to hypoallergenic products and adding a humidifier to reduce dryness.

Stress & Lifestyle Changes

Dogs are highly sensitive to disruptions in routine. Typical stress triggers include:

Household moves or new family members
Change in feeding or walk schedules
Owner absence or new pets
Noisy environments

Stress can manifest physically as increased shedding. Restore consistency to routines and provide plenty of positive attention to minimize stress-related hair loss.

Managing Senior Dog Shedding

While you canât stop shedding, you can minimize its impact and support your senior dogâs coat health with careful management.

Essential Care Tips

Brush regularly to remove loose fur and stimulate healthy skin. Choose brushes (slicker, bristle, or undercoat rake) appropriate to your dogâs coat type.
Bath as needed with gentle, vet-approved shampoos. Avoid over-bathing, which can strip natural oils from the skin.
Hydration: Ensure frequent access to clean water for proper skin hydration.
Nutrition: Feed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet, considering supplements for coat health, after consulting with your vet.
Flea, tick & parasite control: Use preventatives suited to senior dogs.
Professional grooming: Schedule visits if your dogâs coat is difficult to manage at home or if matting occurs.

Tools & Products for Managing Shedding

Lint rollers & pet hair vacuums for home cleaning.
Coat-specific brushes: Slicker for wiry coats, bristle for smooth coats, undercoat rake for double coats.
Hypoallergenic grooming products for sensitive skin.

Grooming Tips for Older Dogs

Groom at least once or twice a week, more during heavy shed seasons.
Always check for skin abnormalities, parasites, or painful spots during grooming.
Keep grooming sessions short and gentle to reduce discomfort, especially with arthritic or sensitive dogs.
If your dog struggles to stand, use grooming pads or mats to keep them comfortable.
Ask a veterinarian about fatty acid supplements for shine and coat resilience.
Monitor your dogâs tolerance and adjust frequency as needed.

Professional groomers can be invaluable for dogs with thick, long, or matted coats. They can also help identify skin or health problems early.

When To Call the Vet

Some signs mean shedding may be a symptom of something more serious. Contact your vet if you observe:

Bald patches or obviously thin fur in certain areas
Open sores, redness, crusting, or changes in skin color
Increased scratching, licking, or behavioral changes
Signs of pain, discomfort, lethargy, or sudden changes in appetite
Other systemic symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urination

For senior dogs, biannual veterinarian visits are highly recommended for early detection of age-related conditions and to monitor coat and skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is all excessive shedding in older dogs normal?

A: No. Some shedding increases are normal with age and seasonal changes but patchy hair loss, skin changes, intense itching, or behavioral shifts should be evaluated by a vet.

Q: What foods help minimize shedding?

A: Diets rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids (like fish oil), and B vitamins support healthy coat growth. Consult your vet about senior dog foods and appropriate supplementation.

Q: How often should I brush my senior dog?

A: At least weekly. During periods of heavy shed or if your dog has a double coat, brush more frequently to prevent matting and fur buildup.

Q: Can stress cause my older dog to shed more?

A: Yes. Stress can lead to noticeable increases in shedding. Maintain routines and emotional support to minimize stress-related fur loss.

Q: Are there breeds that shed more as they age?

A: Double-coated breeds (like retrievers, collies, huskies) often experience more pronounced seasonal and age-related shedding. All breeds, however, can exhibit increased shedding as they get older.

Key Takeaways

Shedding in older dogs (senior shedding) is often a normal sign of aging, but itâs vital to distinguish it from health-related hair loss.
Routine managementâgrooming, nutrition, vet visitsâcan significantly improve your older dog’s comfort and coat quality.
Monitor for abnormal symptoms and consult your veterinarian if any concerning changes occur.

Additional Resources

For further advice, consult your local veterinarian or visit reputable pet health resources. Stay informed and proactiveâyour senior dog deserves the best care as their needs evolve.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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