It can be alarming to see tufts of fur constantly shedding from your dog, especially if it seems more than the usual seasonal coat change.
Excessive moulting may point to underlying health or environmental issues that need attention.
We outline the common causes of excessive moulting in dogs, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Moulting — Why It Happens
Excessive moulting in dogs can result from hormonal imbalances, parasites, allergies, poor nutrition, or even chronic stress.
Some dogs shed heavily due to breed characteristics, while others may suddenly start losing fur in large amounts due to medical triggers. Infections, thyroid problems, and fleas can all irritate the skin and cause abnormal hair loss. Diet and grooming habits also play a significant role.
Dog Excessively Moulting: Common Causes
Allergies
Allergies—whether environmental, food-related, or seasonal—can trigger skin inflammation and excessive moulting.
When your dog comes into contact with allergens like pollen, dust mites, or certain proteins in food, their immune system may overreact.
This causes itching, scratching, and secondary skin damage, leading to hair loss.
You might notice bald patches, red skin, or constant licking. Dogs with allergies may also develop chronic ear infections.
Read more: Dog Excessively Throwing Up (Causes and what to do)
Fleas and Parasites
Fleas are a common but often underestimated cause of heavy moulting in dogs.
A single flea bite can cause intense itching, especially in dogs with flea allergy dermatitis. The resulting scratching, chewing, and irritation can lead to noticeable fur loss.
Other parasites like mites (responsible for mange) or lice can also damage the coat. If not treated, the hair loss can spread and become patchy.
Hormonal Imbalances
Conditions such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease can lead to significant changes in coat quality and excessive shedding.
Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, which often causes thinning fur, dry skin, and weight gain. Cushing’s disease, on the other hand, results from excessive cortisol production, leading to a brittle coat, thinning hair, and skin infections.
These hormonal disorders are especially common in middle-aged to older dogs and often require lifelong management.
Poor Nutrition
A dog’s skin and coat reflect their internal health—and diet plays a major role.
If your dog isn’t receiving enough essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein, their coat may become dry, dull, and prone to shedding.
Dogs on low-quality kibble or unbalanced homemade diets are particularly at risk. Even with a healthy diet, food intolerances can also trigger shedding if the dog’s body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress doesn’t just affect behavior—it can also impact your dog’s coat.
Dogs experiencing anxiety may excessively lick or chew at their fur, or their bodies may react physiologically by shedding more. This is especially common during significant changes like moving, losing a companion, or loud events like fireworks.
The moulting may be accompanied by pacing, whining, or behavioral changes.
Skin Infections
Bacterial or fungal skin infections can irritate the hair follicles and lead to patches of fur falling out.
These infections often start with scratching or injury to the skin, which allows bacteria or yeast to proliferate. Ringworm, a fungal infection, can be particularly contagious and leads to circular bald spots.
Left untreated, infections can worsen, causing more widespread hair loss and even systemic illness.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Moulting
Start by evaluating your dog’s environment, diet, and grooming routine.
Ensure you’re using a balanced, high-quality dog food suited to your dog’s breed and age. Adding supplements like fish oil can also support skin health.
Keep your dog on a regular parasite prevention schedule to rule out fleas and mites. Groom regularly using appropriate brushes for your dog’s coat type—this helps distribute natural oils and removes loose fur before it ends up all over your home.
Watch for patterns: Does the moulting coincide with certain foods, seasons, or situations? If so, allergy testing or food elimination trials may help pinpoint the culprit.
Limit stress by maintaining a consistent routine and providing enrichment like toys and safe spaces. If anxiety seems to be a trigger, speak to your vet about behavior modification or calming aids.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
If your dog’s moulting seems sudden, extreme, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to consult a vet.
Watch for signs like:
Bald patches
Open sores or scabs
Red, inflamed, or flaky skin
Constant scratching, licking, or chewing
Behavioral changes or lethargy
These may indicate infections, parasites, or more serious underlying conditions that require medical treatment.
Your vet may run skin scrapings, bloodwork, or allergy tests to identify the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Read more: Dog Excessively Drinking and Peeing (What’s normal vs. when to worry)
Key Takeaway
Excessive moulting in dogs isn’t just a grooming nuisance—it can be a red flag for health issues ranging from allergies to hormonal disorders.
By observing your dog closely, maintaining proper grooming and nutrition, and seeking timely veterinary care, you can help restore their coat to a healthy, comfortable state.
Always trust your instincts—if the shedding seems abnormal for your dog, don’t wait to get professional advice.