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My dog is shedding excessively. Is this normal or a health concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 4 years and 5 months old | 80 lbs

My dog has been losing hair like crazy, never before have I seen him like this. Right now I am brushing but even with my had a lot comes out. Could this be because of the heat or something else?He recently had fleas and tapeworms but both gone already.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

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.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 31st, 2017

    Hi, I can't see any areas of hair loss or alopecia in the pictures you sent us. I take it the hair loss is likely to be normal for his coat and breed type. Excessive hair needs to be lost generally during the warmer months, and normally when you think it is becoming unbearable you are close to the end of the cycle. Dogs that live in climates with cold winter and warm summer also tend to shed more. You can help shedding by gently brushing your dog, until he gets used to it, and then you can brush it for longer periods of time and with the strength you would use to brush your hair. Try to keep brushing and grooming positive experiences, by offering small treats and end the experience in a positive way by petting him when he is behaving well and not by letting him run off or wriggle away. Washing also helps grooming, remember to dry him off completely in wintertime and at least partially in warmer months. Another way to help shedding is to use a damp towel to stroke him. Hope this helps !

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