My 6-month Lab puppy sheds a lot. Is this normal or a health issue?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My almost 6 month old Labrador puppy has started to shed a huge amount of hair For the last few weeks. I thought it would be too early for the spring shed and Too late for her to lose puppy coat (her fur seemed to changed at around 4 months already). Could you clarify if this is normal. I'm aware that labs sometimes shed throughout the year but this is excessive and I'm concerned that it may be a health issue rather than worried about wearing my own fur coat everyday!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 24th, 2017
Shedding large amounts of hair at one time in a puppy at any age between 4-8 months is going to be normal. There are estimates to when a pet should shed, but again you have to take into account that there is a bell curve with any estimate, so some dogs fall to the left or right of this. Dogs can also shed at multiple intervals, because the entire shedding process can be broken up into phases. You know you are dealing with an actual skin issue when you see patches of bald areas on the skin. As long as she doesn't have alopecia areas then this is considered to be a normal shedding process. Good luck with your new pup!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 29th, 2018
Since we are moving into spring now and your dog is also about the age when puppies can begin to lose their baby fur. So this may be a combination of both...shedding the winter coat as well as shedding the baby coat...so shedding lots of hair. As long as she does not lose so much fur as to where she gets bald spots, I would not worry about it. You may want to brush or comb her frequently to relieve her of itching loose hair and avoid her shedding too much in the house.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 20th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about your pup! We can see dogs shed excessively with seasonal changes, but there can be other reasons for hair loss such as allergies and endocrine disease https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/alopecia/ . If there are bald areas or he seem itchy or lethargic then a vet exam is warranted. You can try adding a fatty acid supplement to his food which can help improve the health of his skin and coat, such as Welactin, and this will sometimes decrease the shedding in mild cases.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on November 22nd, 2017
Around this age pets will start to get their adult haircoat and this can cause a massive shedding stage. This is normal as long as Willis does not develop any bald spots on the skin. If there are bald spots, then it’s best to take him to your vet to have him tested for Demodexx mites and/or allergic dermatitis. I hope this is helpful and hopefully this is just a normal shedding stage that should pass soon. You can use a furminator to remove the excess, shedding hair in the meantime. Best wishes and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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