Tips for Managing Summer Shedding: Keeping Your Pet (and Home) a Little Less Fuzzy This Season

When the temperatures rise, so does the amount of fur floating around your home. That’s because pets naturally shed more as they transition from their thick winter coats to lighter summer ones. While shedding is totally normal, it can feel like your house is turning into a fur factory overnight! But with a little knowledge and some simple tools, you can keep shedding under control and your pets feeling cool, comfy, and clean.

The Science Behind Seasonal Shedding

Shedding is your pet’s way of preparing for the changing seasons. In the warmer months, dogs and cats typically shed their heavy winter coats to help regulate their body temperature. This process is especially common in double-coated breeds but can affect all types of furred companions to varying degrees. While you can’t stop shedding altogether (and honestly, you wouldn’t want to since it’s a sign of a healthy coat cycle), you can manage it in ways that are healthier for your pet and tidier for your home.

Best Brushes and Grooming Tools for the JobThe key to managing summer shedding? Regular grooming with the right tools. Not all brushes are created equal, and the best choice often depends on your pet’s coat type:

• Short-haired pets do well with rubber curry brushes or bristle brushes that loosen fur and stimulate the skin.

• Long-haired breeds benefit from slicker brushes and wide-toothed combs that can gently work through tangles and remove excess undercoat.

• Double-coated dogs (like huskies, labs, or shepherds) may need undercoat rakes or deshedding tools like the Furminator to tackle the thick layer of dead hair beneath their outer coat.

Grooming a few times a week and more often during heavy shedding periods can make a noticeable difference. Many of our pet sitters are happy to include gentle brushing during visits, so just let us know if your pet enjoys getting brushed!

How Diet and Supplements Can Help

Healthy fur starts from the inside out. Talk to your vet about how a high-quality, balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote skin health and reduce excessive shedding. If your pet’s shedding seems excessive, flaky, or patchy, it may be worth talking to your vet about supplements or switching to a food designed to support skin and coat health. Hydration also plays a major role in keeping the skin supple and the coat shiny, so make sure your pet always has access to fresh water, especially on hot days!

Groom Smart for Comfort and Cleanliness

While you can’t completely eliminate summer shedding, you can make life a lot easier with consistent care. Regular brushing, good nutrition, and a little extra TLC go a long way in keeping your pet happy and your home a little less furry.