Winter Coat Shedding: Why Your Labradoodle Sheds More (and What to Do About It)
When winter begins to loosen its grip and late February arrives, many Labradoodle owners notice something alarming: their dog’s coat seems to be everywhere. Clumps of fur appear on furniture, clothing, and floors. Brushing sessions yield what looks like an entire second dog’s worth of hair. This phenomenon is not a sign that something is wrong with your Labradoodle—it is actually a completely natural, biological process called the “winter coat blowout” or seasonal shedding cycle.
Understanding why your Labradoodle sheds more in late winter and early spring, and knowing how to manage it effectively, can save you countless hours of vacuuming and help keep your dog’s coat healthy. This guide will walk you through the science of seasonal shedding, explain why Labradoodles shed differently depending on their coat type, and provide practical strategies for managing the shed.
Why Dogs Shed More in Late Winter and Early Spring
The primary driver of seasonal shedding is photoperiod—the amount of daylight your dog is exposed to each day. As days grow longer in late winter and early spring, your Labradoodle’s body receives a signal that warmer weather is coming. In response, the dog’s body begins to shed the dense undercoat that provided insulation during the cold months, making room for a lighter summer coat.
Temperature also plays a role. As outdoor temperatures gradually rise, your dog’s body recognizes that the heavy winter coat is no longer necessary for survival. This combination of increasing daylight and warming temperatures triggers a hormonal cascade that tells hair follicles to release their grip on old fur and prepare new growth.
Additionally, indoor heating during winter can confuse a dog’s natural rhythms. Consistent warmth inside the home can extend or intensify shedding because the dog’s body is receiving mixed signals about the season. Some dogs kept in climate-controlled environments year-round shed more consistently throughout the year rather than in distinct seasonal bursts.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To understand shedding, it helps to know how dog hair actually grows. Each hair follicle goes through three phases:
Anagen (Growth Phase): The hair is actively growing from the follicle. This phase can last weeks to months depending on the dog’s breed, age, and health.
Catagen (Transition Phase): Growth slows and the hair begins to detach from the follicle. This is a brief phase lasting only a few days.
Telogen (Resting Phase): The hair is fully detached but still in the follicle. During this phase, the old hair is pushed out by new growth beneath it. This is when you see the actual shedding.
In late winter and early spring, many of your Labradoodle’s hairs simultaneously enter the telogen phase, which is why the shedding seems so dramatic. It is not that your dog is losing more hair than usual—it is that more hairs are shedding at the same time.
Labradoodle Coat Types and Shedding Variability
Not all Labradoodles shed equally. The amount and type of shedding depends heavily on which coat type your dog inherited.
Fleece Coats: These are typically the lightest shedders. Fleece coats are soft, wavy, and have less of a distinct undercoat. Dogs with fleece coats may shed noticeably in spring but generally produce less loose hair overall.
Wool Coats: Wool coats are curly and dense, with a more pronounced undercoat. These dogs tend to shed more visibly during seasonal transitions because the undercoat is thicker and more substantial.
Hair Coats: Some Labradoodles inherit a straighter, hair-like coat that is closer to their Labrador Retriever parent. These dogs often shed the most, especially during seasonal blowouts, because they have a dense double coat similar to a purebred Lab.
It is important to note that even within these categories, individual dogs vary. Genetics, nutrition, stress levels, and overall health all influence how much a dog sheds. Some Labradoodles seem to shed year-round, while others have distinct seasonal cycles with minimal shedding in between.
Managing Increased Shedding: Tools and Techniques
The key to managing a spring shedding blowout is consistency and the right tools. Starting early—even in late February—can prevent the worst of the shed from taking over your home.
High-Velocity Dryers: A high-velocity dryer (HV dryer) is one of the most effective tools for removing loose undercoat. These dryers use compressed air to literally blow loose hair out of the coat rather than just drying it in place. Many groomers use HV dryers during shedding season, and they can reduce shedding by 50% or more if used properly. If you invest in one for home use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid startling your dog.
Undercoat Rakes and Slicker Brushes: An undercoat rake is specifically designed to remove loose undercoat without damaging the topcoat. Use it in the direction of hair growth, working through the coat in sections. A slicker brush can also help remove mats and loose hair. Brush your Labradoodle daily during peak shedding season—this removes loose hair before it ends up on your furniture.
Bathing During Shedding Season: A thorough bath followed by a high-velocity dry can remove an enormous amount of loose hair. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo (shedding season often coincides with dry skin issues). Bathe your dog every 1–2 weeks during peak shedding, but not more frequently than that, as over-bathing can dry out the skin and actually worsen shedding.
Professional Grooming: Many owners find that a professional grooming appointment during shedding season is worth the investment. Groomers have industrial-strength tools and expertise to remove massive amounts of loose coat efficiently. A “de-shedding” or “undercoat removal” grooming appointment can be transformative.
Health Factors That Influence Shedding
While seasonal shedding is normal, excessive or abnormal shedding can signal underlying health issues.
Nutrition and Coat Quality: A diet rich in high-quality protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and essential vitamins supports a healthy coat. Dogs on poor-quality diets often shed more excessively because their hair is weaker and more prone to breakage. Ensure your Labradoodle is eating a balanced, high-protein diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Stress and Hormonal Changes: Chronic stress, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances can trigger excessive shedding. If your dog is shedding abnormally outside of the typical spring season, or if the shedding seems extreme, consider whether stress or health changes might be contributing factors.
Allergies and Skin Conditions: Dogs with allergies or skin infections often shed excessively. If you notice that your dog is scratching, has red or inflamed skin, or if the shedding is accompanied by a foul odor, consult your veterinarian. These signs suggest a dermatological issue rather than normal seasonal shedding.
Thyroid and Metabolic Issues: Hypothyroidism and other metabolic disorders can cause abnormal hair loss. If your Labradoodle is shedding heavily, gaining weight, or showing signs of lethargy, ask your vet about thyroid screening.
Managing Shed Hair in Your Home
Even with the best grooming routine, some loose hair will end up in your home. Here are practical strategies for managing it.
Vacuuming Strategy: Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair. Vacuum high-traffic areas daily during peak shedding season. Some owners find that robot vacuums running daily help keep loose hair from accumulating.
Furniture Protection: Use washable throws or furniture covers on couches and chairs. These can be removed and washed weekly, keeping your furniture clean without requiring constant vigilance.
Lint Rollers and Rubber Brooms: Keep lint rollers in multiple rooms. A rubber broom or squeegee can also be surprisingly effective at gathering loose hair from carpets and furniture before vacuuming.
Air Quality: Loose dog hair can contribute to poor indoor air quality, especially for people with allergies. Run air purifiers with HEPA filters during shedding season. Wash bedding, including your dog’s bed, weekly to reduce allergens.
Grooming Station: Designate a specific area for brushing your Labradoodle—ideally outside or in a room with easy-to-clean flooring. This contains the loose hair and makes cleanup simpler.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Normal seasonal shedding should follow a predictable pattern: increased shedding in late winter and early spring, minimal shedding in summer and fall, and then a gradual increase again as winter approaches. If your Labradoodle’s shedding does not follow this pattern, or if you notice any of the following, consult your veterinarian:
- Shedding that occurs year-round without seasonal variation
- Bald patches or areas of hair loss
- Skin that appears red, inflamed, or infected
- Excessive scratching or licking
- A foul odor coming from the coat or skin
- Changes in coat texture or quality
For more information on the structure and function of hair and skin, you can refer to the Integumentary system on Wikipedia, which explains how skin and hair work together to protect the body.
Conclusion
Winter coat shedding in Labradoodles is a normal, healthy process—but that does not mean you have to let it take over your home. By understanding the biology behind seasonal shedding, investing in the right grooming tools, and maintaining a consistent routine, you can manage the shed effectively and keep your Labradoodle’s coat healthy and beautiful.
The key is to start early. Do not wait until your home is covered in fur to begin your shedding management routine. Begin brushing daily and scheduling professional grooming appointments in late February, and you will find that the spring shedding is far more manageable than you expected.
If you have questions about the best grooming tools for your Labradoodle’s specific coat type, or if you would like professional grooming recommendations for shedding season, Snowy River Labradoodles is here to help. Call us at 717-629-0383 to discuss your dog’s coat care needs.
