If you have noticed more pet hair on your floors, furniture, or clothing than usual, you are not alone. Cat or dog shedding is one of the most common concerns pet owners raise, especially as seasons change.
The good news is that in many cases, shedding is completely normal. Understanding why it happens, and when it might need extra attention, can help you support your pet’s skin and coat more effectively.
In the following blog, you’ll learn why dogs and cats shed, what’s normal, and how nutrition supports healthy skin and coats.
Seasonal shedding, explained simply
Dogs and cats naturally shed as their bodies adjust to changes in temperature and daylight. In warmer months, they often release heavier winter coats to stay cool. Even indoor pets can experience seasonal shedding, as light and temperature shifts still influence their natural cycles.This seasonal dog shedding process helps regulate body temperature and keeps the coat healthy. While it can feel excessive at times, seasonal shedding is usually a sign that the coat is renewing itself as it should.
What’s normal and what’s not
Normal shedding typically looks like:
- Loose hair coming out evenly
- A coat that still feels smooth and healthy
- No redness, irritation, or excessive scratching
Excessive shedding may include:
- Patchy hair loss
- Dull, brittle coats
- Flaky or irritated skin
- Increased scratching or licking
When dog shedding or cat shedding is paired with changes in skin condition or behaviour, it may be time to look beyond the season and consider other contributing factors.
Simple ways to manage shedding at home
While shedding cannot be stopped entirely, a few consistent habits can make a noticeable difference.
Regular grooming
Brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up around your home. It also improves circulation and distributes natural oils across the coat, supporting skin health in both dogs and cats.
Hydration
Adequate water intake plays an important role in skin health. Well-hydrated pets are more likely to maintain supple skin and a stronger coat barrier.
Gentle bathing
Occasional bathing with appropriate products can help keep the coat clean without stripping natural oils. This needs to stay occasional, though, as over-bathing can dry out the skin and worsen shedding.
How nutrition supports a healthy coat
One of the most overlooked contributors to cat or dog shedding is nutrition. Skin and coat health are built from the inside out, and the quality of food your pet eats every day matters.
Balanced nutrition supports:
- Skin renewal
- Coat strength and shine
- Reduced dryness and irritation
Key nutrients such as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help maintain skin moisture and support a sleek, healthy coat. When combined with quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals, they contribute to skin that looks healthy and coats that are shiny and alive.
Supporting skin and coat health with AVI Products
At AVI Products, our approach to skin and coat health starts with quality ingredients and scientific formulation.
Across our brands, skin support is built into everyday nutrition through:
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that support skin moisture and coat shine
- Skin-supportive vitamins that aid coat renewal
- Real, top-quality ingredients that are registered, tested, and carefully selected
- Nutritionist-formulated recipes, developed by animal nutrition specialists
- A well-implemented food safety system that ensures consistency and reliability in every bag
- All our brands are formulated to support sleek, healthy skin and a glossy, vibrant coat in both dogs and cats.
Seasonal shedding is often a natural part of your pet’s yearly cycle, but it can also be an early signal that skin and coat health need extra support. With consistent grooming, proper hydration, and balanced nutrition, most shedding concerns can be managed effectively.
By paying attention to what your pet’s coat is telling you and supporting it with the right nutrients, you help ensure their skin stays healthy and their coat remains shiny, strong, and comfortable all year round.
What’s next
This article forms part of our ongoing Skin, Coat and Seasonal Care series. Visit our blog to read the next instalments, or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more pet care tips.
From Ideal and Trusty to Lifestyle, Rimax, and Menu, every AVI Products brand is made with the same commitment to quality, care, and nutrition you can trust.
