Do Golden Retrievers Shed?

So you’ve found your dream dog, the Golden Retriever, and you can’t wait to bring him home.

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However, the thought of finding hair all over your house is keeping you at crossroads.

You want to know whether Golden Retrievers shed, and if so, how much?

So, do Golden Retrievers shed?

Yes, Golden Retrievers are moderate shedding dogs that shed all year round.

Although Goldens shed moderately, the shedding is heavy during fall and spring as they blow their coats.

Living with Golden Retrievers can be challenging due to shedding.

This article discusses the factors that trigger Goldens’s shedding and how you can manage the condition.

Golden Retriever Coats

Golden Retrievers have double coats with long golden lustrous hair.

While the outer coat is rough, the undercoat is dense and soft.

Goldens’ coats play different roles in ensuring the dog is comfortable.

The undercoat is fluffy and dense to keep the dog warm, while the topcoat has long waterproof hair that protects against elements.

Furthermore, the topcoat gives the dog’s coat its color and texture.

Together, the coats protect Golden Retrievers from different elements, including harsh weather conditions and water.

They also help regulate their body temperature; thus, the pup can stay cool in summer and warm in winter.

The length of a Golden Retriever’s coat varies depending on whether it’s an American or British Golden Retriever.

The American Golden Retriever has a shorter coat, while its British counterpart has a longer and denser one.

All Golden Retrievers shed their coats throughout the year regardless of the length.

They also blow their coats (lose significant amounts of hair) twice a year in spring and fall.

Factors that Affect Shedding in Golden Retrievers

A Golden Retriever will not shed constantly throughout the year.

As a Golden parent, you may notice fluctuations in the amount of hair shed by your pup due to:

Seasons

Shedding dogs, Golden Retrievers included, shed the most in spring and fall.

The increase in shedding during these seasons is due to changes in temperature and daylight.

As the days get longer in spring, the dog’s coat starts to grow thinner to protect them from the hot weather that follows in summer.

At this point, you’ll notice more shedding as the dog gets rid of the thicker winter coat.

As days get shorter in fall, Golden Retrievers start growing thicker coats to protect them from the cold weather that follows in winter.

You’ll notice more shedding at this time as the dog loses the thin summer coat to grow a thick winter coat.

Hormones

Another factor that affects a Golden Retriever’s shedding is hormones.

Male dogs shed more during puberty due to an increase in testosterone levels.

Pregnant and nursing dogs also shed more as their bodies adjust to the hormonal changes.

After they give birth or wean their puppies, the excessive shedding will stop, and their coats will return to normal.

Health

Poor health is another reason your Golden Retriever may shed more than usual.

If you notice your dog shedding excessively, it would be best to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Certain health conditions can cause excessive shedding, including:

Allergies
Cushing’s skin disease
Hypothyroidism
Parasites

Stress

Like humans, dogs can experience stress which can lead to excessive shedding.

When a Golden Retriever is stressed, his body secretes the cortisol hormone.

This hormone leads to an increase in the dog’s shedding.

Poor Diet

Diet plays a significant role in a dog’s coat health.

Dogs that don’t get enough nutrients in their diet are more likely to shed excessively.

Lack of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, omega fatty acids, and vitamin A, can lead to dry skin.

In turn, this causes the dog to shed excessively.

Managing Excessive Shedding in Golden Retrievers

Excessive shedding can be stress-inducing for both the dog and the owner.

You can minimize shedding in your Golden Retriever in the following ways:

Brush Regularly

One of the best ways to manage shedding is brushing your Golden Retriever at least twice a week.

Brushing not only removes loose hair but also distributes the dog’s natural oils throughout his coat, which keeps it healthy.

Use a de-shedding tool or brush, such as the Furminator, to remove loose hair.

Start at the head and work your way down to the tail.

Be sure to go slowly and be gentle, so you don’t hurt the dog.

Feeding a Balanced Diet

It’s your responsibility to feed your dog a balanced diet to enhance his skin and coat health.

A Golden Retriever needs proteins, vitamins, and minerals for healthy skin that sheds less.

You can either feed your pup a commercial diet formulated for dogs with sensitive skin or make your homemade food.

If you decide to make your diet, consult a vet or canine nutritionist first.

The nutritionist will tell you the types of food your Golden Retriever needs for a healthy coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Goldens shed a lot?

No, Goldens are low-shedding dogs.

However, they shed more in spring and fall as they blow their coats in readiness for winter and summer.

What causes excessive shedding in Golden Retrievers?

Excessive shedding in Golden Retrievers may be caused by changing seasons, stress, and poor diet.
It’s essential to consult a vet to know the exact cause of excessive shedding.

Final Thoughts

Golden Retrievers are low-shedding dogs that shed throughout the year.

However, they may shed heavily in spring and fall as they blow their coats in readiness for winter and summer.

Excessive shedding in Goldens may also result from stress, poor diet, and health conditions like allergies.

Be sure to consult a vet to know the exact cause of excessive shedding and how you can manage it.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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