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How do climate and daylight affect a dog’s coat?

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The amount of daylight and the climate are primary factors in how a dog regulates its coat growth and shedding.

  • Daylight: Seasonal shedding is largely triggered by changes in the amount of available daylight. As days shorten in the fall, a dog’s coat naturally grows thicker and longer. Conversely, in the spring, the dog begins to shed its winter coat, and the growth process slows during the summer months.1
  • Climate: Temperature plays a significant role in determining the density of a dog's coat. Dogs residing in consistently warm climates typically do not develop coats as thick as those living in colder environments. This temperature-driven adaptation primarily affects the body coat and the density of the protective undercoat, rather than the topcoat or the length of hair on the ears, belly, and tail.1

Proper grooming remains essential for maintaining the health of the coat, which serves as a vital barrier between the dog's skin and the environment.1