If you've noticed your dog leaving a trail of fur across every surface in your home, you're not imagining it — spring coat blow is real, and it's in full swing across Australia from September through November. As the weather warms and daylight hours increase, dogs shed their heavier winter undercoat to make way for a lighter summer coat. The result? A lot of loose fur, and a lot of work for you.
The good news: with the right routine, you can manage the shedding, support your dog's skin health, and keep their coat looking its best through the season.
What Is Coat Blow?
Coat blow is the term used to describe the heavy, seasonal shedding that double-coated and many single-coated breeds go through twice a year — once in spring and once in autumn. During coat blow, dogs shed their undercoat rapidly over a period of two to four weeks. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Labradors, German Shepherds, and Huskies are particularly prone, but even short-haired dogs shed more noticeably in spring.
In Australia, the spring coat blow typically peaks between September and November, making late August the ideal time to get your grooming routine in order before the fur really starts to fly.
Why Is My Dog Shedding So Much in Spring?
Shedding is triggered primarily by changes in daylight (photoperiod) rather than temperature alone. As the days lengthen in spring, your dog's body receives a hormonal signal to release the winter undercoat. This is completely normal and healthy — but it can be intense, especially for dogs who spend most of their time indoors under artificial lighting, as their shedding cycles can become less predictable.
If your dog's shedding seems excessive beyond the seasonal norm, or is accompanied by bald patches, redness, or persistent scratching, it's worth a visit to your vet to rule out skin conditions, allergies, or nutritional deficiencies. You might also find our guide on why dogs keep scratching after a bath helpful if post-bath irritation is part of the picture.
How to Reduce Dog Shedding in Spring: A Practical Routine
1. Brush Daily (Yes, Daily)
During peak coat blow, daily brushing is the single most effective thing you can do. It removes loose fur before it ends up on your furniture, prevents matting in longer-coated breeds, and stimulates the skin to distribute natural oils. Use a slicker brush for the topcoat and an undercoat rake or deshedding tool for the dense undercoat beneath.
Aim for 10–15 minutes per session. For heavy shedders, consider brushing outdoors to make cleanup easier.
2. Bathe with a Gentle, Skin-Safe Shampoo
A warm bath during coat blow helps loosen and remove the dead undercoat far more efficiently than brushing alone. The key is using a shampoo that cleans thoroughly without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier — especially important during shedding season when the skin is already under stress from the rapid coat turnover.
Our Tailwag Tonic Sensitive Skin Shampoo is formulated with natural Australian botanicals specifically for dogs with sensitive skin. It gently lifts loose fur and debris while nourishing the skin underneath — no harsh sulphates or parabens that can trigger irritation during the shedding season. Bathe every two to four weeks during peak shedding, and always brush thoroughly before bathing to prevent wet mats.
If you'd like more guidance on choosing the right shampoo for your dog's coat type, our Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin in Australia guide covers what to look for on the label.
3. Use a Daily Spritz to Soothe and Support the Skin
Between baths, the skin can become dry and irritated as the old coat releases and the new coat grows in. A daily conditioning spritz helps maintain skin hydration, reduces static (which makes loose fur cling to everything), and keeps the coat manageable between brush sessions.
Our Daily Skin Defence Spritz is designed for exactly this purpose — a light, leave-in formula that you can mist directly onto the coat and work through with your hands or a brush. It's particularly useful for dogs with sensitive or reactive skin who need daily support without the commitment of a full bath. A few spritzes before your daily brush session also helps the brush glide through more easily, reducing pulling on the skin.
4. Support from the Inside Out
Coat health starts with nutrition. During shedding season, ensure your dog's diet includes adequate omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin barrier function and coat quality. Fish oil supplements are a popular addition during spring for heavy shedders. Fresh water access is equally important — hydrated skin sheds more comfortably.
5. Keep Up with Professional Grooming
If your dog has a complex coat — particularly Groodles, Poodle crosses, or other doodle breeds — professional grooming during coat blow is worth the investment. A groomer can safely remove the bulk of the undercoat and identify any matting before it becomes a welfare issue. For guidance specific to these coat types, see our Groodle & Poodle-Cross Coat Care Guide.
How Long Does Spring Shedding Last?
For most dogs, the heavy coat blow phase lasts two to four weeks. However, some dogs — particularly those with thick double coats — may shed noticeably for the entire September–November window. Consistent brushing and bathing will shorten the visible impact significantly, even if the biological process continues in the background.
Managing Shedding Around the Home
A few practical tips to keep your home manageable during peak shedding season:
- Use a rubber glove or damp cloth to collect fur from upholstery — it works better than most lint rollers.
- Wash your dog's bedding weekly during coat blow.
- Vacuum with a pet-hair attachment at least twice a week.
- Keep a dedicated 'dog towel' near the door for quick wipe-downs after outdoor time.
A Note for Dog Dads This Spring
With Father's Day falling on 7 September this year, spring shedding season and the season of celebrating dog dads arrive together. If the family dog is your shadow and your grooming partner, this is the perfect time to stock up on a proper spring coat care kit — a gentle shampoo and daily spritz that make the season easier for both of you.
The Tailwag Tonic Spring Shedding Routine
To summarise, here's a simple routine to carry your dog through coat blow season:
- Daily: Brush thoroughly, mist with Daily Skin Defence Spritz before brushing to ease the process.
- Every 2–4 weeks: Bathe with Tailwag Tonic Sensitive Skin Shampoo to lift loose undercoat and nourish the skin.
- As needed: Book a professional groom for complex coats or heavy matting.
- Ongoing: Support coat health with a quality diet and omega-rich supplements.
Spring shedding is unavoidable — but with the right routine and the right products, it's entirely manageable. Your dog's skin and coat will thank you for the extra attention, and your vacuum cleaner will too.
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