Dog Shedding: How to Handle the Hair in Your Flat

October 22, 2026

Twice a year, or almost all the time depending on the dog, hair gets everywhere: on the sofa, on your clothes, under the furniture. Shedding is normal. With a good routine, it can be handled in a few minutes a day.

Understanding shedding

Shedding is the renewal of the coat: dead hairs fall out to make way for new ones. In many dogs, it is heavier in spring, when the winter coat goes, and in autumn, when it grows back.

Not all dogs lose their hair in the same way.

Double-coated dogs (German Shepherd, husky, Golden Retriever, spitz and so on) have a dense undercoat. They lose a lot, in waves.
Short-haired dogs (Beagle, Jack Russell, Pug and so on) often lose a little all year round. Their short, stiff hairs embed themselves in fabrics.
Long-haired or curly dogs (Poodle, Bichon, Shih Tzu and so on) lose little on the floor, but their dead hairs stay caught in the coat. They need brushing to avoid tangles.

In a heated flat, the rhythm of the seasons is less marked. Many indoor dogs then lose their hair more evenly, all year round.

When to see the vet

Normal shedding leaves no bald patches in the coat and does not bother the dog. Make an appointment if you notice:

thinning areas, patches or red skin;
itching, or frequent licking or scratching;
dandruff, scabs or an unusual smell;
heavy hair loss out of season, or a dull coat that does not grow back.

These signs can come from an allergy, parasites, a hormonal problem or an unsuitable diet. The vet will know how to tell the difference. Before you give a supplement "for the coat", ask for their opinion.

Brushing, the habit that matters most

Every hair removed by the brush is a hair that does not end up on the sofa. During shedding, brushing for five to ten minutes a day really makes a difference. Outside shedding, two or three times a week is often enough.

Which brush for which coat

Short hair: a rubber glove or brush, passed in the direction of the hair.
Double coat: a rake or undercoat brush for the down, then a pin brush to finish.
Long or curly hair: a pin brush and a metal-toothed comb to untangle without pulling.

Brush your dog on the balcony or in a room that is easy to clean. Go gently on sensitive areas, such as the belly and the back of the thighs. Reward them: a brushing session that goes well is one they will accept next time.

A bath sometimes helps loosen the undercoat in full shedding. Keep it occasional and use a dog shampoo, because washing too often dries out the skin.

In the home, a simple routine

The vacuum two or three times a week during shedding, with the upholstery brush for the sofa and armchairs.
A slightly damp rubber glove, passed over fabrics, gathers hair into little balls.
A lint roller by the door, for your clothes before you go out.
A microfibre mop on hard floors, rather than a broom that sends hair flying.
A washable textile on their favourite spot on the sofa, which you shake out outside and wash often.

For fabrics around the home, a colour close to that of the coat makes hairs less visible between cleans. It is a small detail, but it counts day to day.

The bed, where hair builds up

Your dog spends long hours in their bed, and that is where much of their hair ends up. A bed whose cover comes off easily makes everything simpler.

The Nino bed and the shop's other beds and cushions have a zipped cover that is machine-washable at 30 °C. During shedding, first pass the vacuum or a rubber glove over the cover, then shake it outside before putting it in the machine. Less hair will end up in your washing machine filter.

Our guide to washing your dog's bed explains the method and the frequency.