Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and for many dog owners… a lot more fur around the house.
If you are noticing extra fur on the couch, clumps of fur on the floor, or your dog leaving a trail of fluff wherever they go, you are not alone. Spring shedding is completely normal for many dogs as they transition from their winter coat to a lighter coat for warmer weather.
While shedding cannot be stopped entirely, it can be managed and improved with the right routine. The best results come from focusing on three things working together:
Nutrition, brushing, and regular baths.
At 4 Paws Pantry & Spa in Olathe, we believe healthy dogs start from the inside out. Supporting coat health with proper nutrition, regular care, and the right bathing routine can make spring shedding much easier for both you and your dog.
Why Dogs Shed More in the Spring:
Many dogs grow thicker coats during the colder months to help insulate them from winter weather. As temperatures rise in the spring, their bodies naturally begin to release that extra undercoat.
This process helps dogs regulate their body temperature as the seasons change.
Some breeds shed lightly year-round, while others experience more dramatic seasonal shedding. Double-coated breeds like shepherds, huskies, retrievers, and many working dogs often “blow coat” in the spring, releasing large amounts of their undercoat over a short period of time.
While this can look dramatic, shedding itself is actually a healthy and natural process.
The goal is to help your dog maintain healthy skin and a strong coat so shedding happens smoothly rather than excessively.
Healthy Skin and Coat Start with Nutrition:
A dog’s coat health begins with what they eat every day.
When dogs receive balanced, high-quality nutrition, their skin stays hydrated and their coat stays strong. Poor nutrition can lead to dull fur, flaky skin, and increased shedding.
At 4 Paws Pantry & Spa, we focus on stocking high-quality, all-natural pet foods designed to support overall health and quality of life.
Many of the foods we carry include premium proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that help support skin and coat health.
Some examples include brands we proudly carry (among others) such as:
Fromm, Farmina, Dave’s Real Food, Stella & Chewy’s, Primal, Smallbatch, Steve’s Real Food, Bones & Co, Tucker’s, Zignature, Acana, and Orijen
Each of these brands focuses on high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition that can help support healthy skin and coat function.
If you would like to explore all of the brands we carry in store, you can view them here:
https://shop.4pawspantry.com/products/list/
Our staff is always happy to help guide you toward foods that support your dog’s skin, coat, and overall health.
Omega-Rich Foods and Toppers Can Help Support Coat Health:
One of the most helpful nutrients for dogs during shedding season is Omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega fatty acids help support healthy skin, reduce dryness, and promote softer, shinier coats. When dogs receive enough healthy fats in their diet, shedding can become more manageable.
Adding omega-rich foods or toppers to your dog or cat’s meals can provide extra support during heavy shedding months.
Some options many pet parents choose include:
- Fish-based foods
- Freeze-dried raw toppers
- Raw or gently cooked foods
- Omega oil supplements
- Fish treats and nutrient-rich meal additions
Many of the brands we carry offer foods and toppers that naturally provide these beneficial fats. You can browse many of these options here:
https://shop.4pawspantry.com/products/list/
If you are unsure what might work best for your dog, our team at 4 Paws Pantry & Spa is always happy to help recommend options based on your dog’s diet, breed, and lifestyle.
Brushing Removes Loose Coat Before It Ends Up in Your House:
Regular brushing is one of the easiest ways to manage shedding.
Brushing removes loose hair before it ends up on your furniture while also distributing your dog’s natural skin oils throughout the coat. These oils help keep fur healthy, soft, and shiny.
During spring shedding season, many dogs benefit from brushing several times per week. Heavy shedders may benefit from daily brushing.
Brushing also gives you the opportunity to check for things such as:
- Dry or flaky skin
- Irritated spots
- Changes in coat texture
- Tangles or mats forming
Even a few minutes of brushing each day can reduce the amount of fur that ends up around your home.
Here is a YouTube video made by one of our own groomers (Carrie) that shows you the proper way to brush and care for dogs fur depending on breed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKAjMchYraQ
Baths Help Release the Undercoat:
Bathing your dog can be one of the most effective ways to help loosen and release trapped undercoat during shedding season.
Warm water and shampoo help separate loose fur from the coat. This allows brushing and drying to remove more of the hair that would otherwise fall around your home. A good bath helps refresh the coat and can make brushing much more effective afterward.
At 4 Paws Pantry & Spa, our dog spa offers both self-service bathing and professional bathing options that help keep your dog looking and feeling their best.
Our self-serve bathing area is designed to make bath time easier for both dogs and their owners. We provide everything needed so you can focus on your dog rather than the mess when you choose our self-serve option.
Our bathing stations include:
- Spacious tubs designed for dogs of all sizes
- Professional dryers that help remove loose coat
- Spa-quality shampoos and conditioners made with natural ingredients
- Grooming tools and brushes
- Towels, chamois, and aprons
Our friendly team is always available to answer questions and offer helpful tips while you bathe your dog. The best part is simple. You leave the mess behind while your dog leaves clean, fresh, and happy.
You can learn more about our spa and bathing services here:
https://4pawspantry.com/spa/bathing/
A Simple Routine Can Make a Big Difference:
Managing spring shedding does not require anything complicated. A consistent routine that supports your dog’s skin and coat can make the season much easier.
Focus on three simple elements:
High-quality nutrition to support skin and coat health
Regular brushing to remove loose fur
Occasional baths to help release trapped undercoat
When these three elements work together, many dogs experience healthier coats and more manageable shedding.
Stop By and See Us
At 4 Paws Pantry & Spa, helping dogs live healthier, happier lives is what we love to do.
Our knowledgeable team stays up to date on pet nutrition and carries a wide selection of high-quality foods, treats, supplements, and supplies designed to support your dog’s overall health.
If you are looking for omega-rich foods, healthy toppers, brushing tools, or an easy self-serve bath, we are always happy to help you find the best solutions for your dog.
Stop by the store, bring your pup, and let us help make spring shedding season easier.
Because when dogs feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside too. 🐾