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Why do dogs shed more of their coats in spring?

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A Labradoodle dog runs energetically through grass with a stick in its mouth, ears flopping and tail raised. — dog A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, a mix intended to incorporate the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat with a Lab's energy and determination.

Dogs shed their coats seasonally as a natural response to changes in the amount of available daylight, a process known as photoperiodism.21

As days grow longer in the spring, this shift in light exposure triggers the dog's body to begin shedding its thicker winter coat. Conversely, as days become shorter in the fall, the reduced light stimulates the growth of a thicker, longer coat to provide better insulation for the colder months. While temperature also plays a role in determining the thickness of a dog's coat, the seasonal cycle of shedding is primarily regulated by these light-driven biological cues.12

It is important to note that shedding patterns can vary by breed; for example, double-coated dogs often experience more noticeable seasonal shedding compared to single-coated breeds, though many dogs will still shed more heavily during the spring and fall transition periods.34