Just when you thought you’d recovered from spring shedding, here comes Round Two: The Fall Fur Festival. Dogs and cats both shed in response to daylight changes, not temperature, which means September kicks off the great shedding shift into winter coats. If you’ve suddenly found tumbleweeds of fur under the couch again, your pets are simply getting ready for the season.
Dogs with double coats — Huskies, Shepherds, Labs, Goldens — drop their summer undercoat to make room for thicker, warmer fur. Cats shed similarly, though often more subtly, creating what feels like a fine layer of “fall glitter” on every dark piece of clothing you own. Horses and goats also start transitioning coats this month, especially as evenings cool down, so farm owners see seasonal changes across the whole yard.
Regular brushing helps tremendously. Short, frequent sessions prevent matting, reduce shedding piles, and support skin health as new coats grow in. A slicker brush, undercoat rake, or grooming glove works wonders during this phase. If you’re not sure which grooming tool fits your pet’s coat type, The Hungry Puppy’s Personal Pet Consultant can help you choose one that won’t irritate skin or tug too harshly at loose fur.
Hydration and nutrition play surprising roles in fall shedding. Omega-3s support healthy skin and coats, while proper hydration helps prevent dryness and flaking. Pets often drink less as temperatures cool, so continuing to refresh water bowls frequently keeps skin supple through the shift. For outdoor animals like goats or horses, access to clean, fresh water remains just as important, even in cooler weather.
Dust, dander, and loose fur naturally increase in September. Keeping bedding clean, vacuuming a little more often, and washing blankets helps control allergens — especially for households with multiple pets. Shedding season can be messy, but with steady grooming and the right tools, it becomes far more manageable.