Dog Shedding Season in Florida: Why Your Dog Sheds Year-Round and What Helps

In colder states, double-coated dogs blow their coat twice a year in big, predictable waves. In Florida, owners often notice something different: shedding that never really stops. If your Golden, Husky, Lab or German Shepherd leaves a trail of hair through your home all year, the climate is part of the reason. Here's what's going on and how to manage it.

Why dogs shed differently in Florida

Shedding is driven mainly by daylight length, with temperature also playing a role. Dogs in cold climates grow a thick winter undercoat and drop it all in spring. In South Florida, winters are mild and days don't change as much, so many dogs never grow a full winter coat and never drop one all at once. Instead, they shed steadily year-round, with smaller peaks as days lengthen in spring and shorten in fall. Indoor air conditioning and artificial light can blur those signals even more.

Which dogs shed most

• Double coats: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Corgis, Pomeranians, Australian Shepherds.
• Short heavy shedders: Labradors, Beagles, Pugs, Rottweilers.
• Light shedders: Poodles, doodles with curly coats, Shih Tzus, Yorkies and Schnauzers, whose coats keep growing and need haircuts instead.

When shedding peaks in Florida

Many owners see heavier shedding from around March to May and again from around September to November. These peaks are usually milder and longer than the dramatic coat blows seen up north. Puppies also shed their puppy coat between roughly 6 and 12 months.

Don't shave a double coat for the heat

It's tempting in August, but shaving a double-coated dog removes insulation that helps keep heat out and protects the skin from sunburn. It can also cause patchy, uneven regrowth. The better option is a professional deshed that removes loose undercoat so air can circulate. More detail in can you shave a double-coated dog?

How to manage year-round shedding at home

1. Brush 2 to 3 times a week with an undercoat rake or slicker, and daily during peaks.
2. Use a rubber curry brush on short coats like Labs and Beagles.
3. Bathe, then dry thoroughly. A bath loosens dead undercoat, and a high-velocity or regular blow dryer pushes much of it out. Never leave a thick coat damp in Florida humidity.
4. Rinse after pool and beach days; salt and chlorine dry the skin, which can increase shedding.
5. Feed a complete, balanced diet. Dull coat and excessive shedding can sometimes reflect nutrition or health issues.
6. Book a professional deshed every 6 to 8 weeks, and more often during peaks.

Our deshedding guide walks through the tools and technique.

When shedding is a health concern

See your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching or licking, sores, or a sudden change in the amount of shedding. Allergies, parasites, hormonal and skin conditions can all cause abnormal hair loss.

Deshedding in Palm Beach County

Pawradise groomers deshed double and short-coated dogs at our Boca Raton and Lake Worth salons and in our mobile vans. New Boca Raton clients get $10 off their first groom with code PAWFILE10.

The free Pawfile quiz tells you how often your dog needs brushing, baths and deshedding based on coat type and lifestyle.

Florida dog shedding FAQ

This guide offers general grooming information. For skin, ear, dental or coat problems that don't improve, talk to your veterinarian. More Pawfile guides.