Winter Shedding Season: How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable at Home

As the temperatures drop across New Zealand, you might notice something unexpected: your dog is shedding more, not less. If you're finding fur on every surface in your home, you're not alone — and you're not imagining it. Winter coat transitions are real, and with the right routine, you can keep your dog comfortable and your home manageable.

Already read our guide on year-round shedding management? This post builds on How to Manage Shedding at Home (and Keep Your Dog Comfortable) with a specific focus on what changes in winter — and how to adapt your routine.

Why Do Dogs Shed More in Winter?

It's a common misconception that dogs only shed heavily in spring and summer. In reality, many breeds — particularly double-coated dogs like Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Labradors — go through a coat transition in autumn and early winter as they blow their lighter summer coat and grow in a denser, insulating winter undercoat.

This transition can last 2–6 weeks and produces a significant amount of loose fur. Key triggers include:

• Shorter daylight hours — changes in light exposure signal the body to shift coat density
• Temperature fluctuations — NZ winters vary widely by region, and indoor heating can further disrupt natural shedding cycles
• Breed and coat type — double-coated and long-haired breeds shed most dramatically during seasonal transitions

Understanding why your dog is shedding helps you respond with the right tools rather than frustration.

How to Manage Winter Shedding at Home

Managing a heavy shed doesn't require a trip to the groomer every week. With a consistent at-home routine, you can stay on top of loose fur and keep your dog's coat healthy through the season.

1. Brush more frequently — but gently

During peak shedding, aim to brush your dog every 1–2 days rather than weekly. The goal is to remove loose undercoat before it ends up on your couch. Aggressive brushing can irritate skin, so technique matters as much as frequency.

The Refuresh Gentle Deshedding Brush is designed specifically for this — its fine-tooth comb reaches the undercoat without scratching the skin. Choose the right version for your dog:

• Short/Medium Length Hair — ideal for Labradors, Beagles, Boxers, and similar breeds
• Long Length Hair — suited to Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Huskies, and other long-coated breeds

2. Bathe strategically

A warm bath during peak shedding can help loosen and remove the undercoat in one session — but only if you follow it with thorough brushing while the coat is still slightly damp. Bathing without brushing can actually mat loose fur closer to the skin.

After bathing, the Refuresh Quick Drying Pet Towel absorbs moisture fast, reducing the time your dog spends damp and uncomfortable — especially important in cooler winter temperatures. Quick drying also means you can get to the post-bath brush-out sooner, while the coat is still in the ideal state for deshedding.

3. Keep a consistent schedule

Shedding is easier to manage when it's part of a routine rather than a reactive clean-up. Set a regular brushing time — many owners find it easiest to build it into an evening wind-down — and keep your tools in an accessible spot so there's no friction to getting started.

4. Watch for skin changes

Heavy shedding can sometimes mask underlying skin issues. While brushing, check for:

• Dry, flaky skin (common in winter due to indoor heating)
• Redness or irritation
• Bald patches or uneven shedding

If you notice any of these, consult your vet before continuing a heavy deshedding routine.

Tips for Professional Groomers: Preparing Clients for Winter Grooming

If you're a groomer, winter is a great time to educate clients and set expectations before their appointments.

Pre-appointment communication: Let clients know that winter coat transitions mean longer appointment times for double-coated breeds. A quick heads-up by email or text reduces friction on the day.

Recommend at-home maintenance between visits: Clients who brush regularly between appointments arrive with far less matting and loose coat to manage. Recommending a quality deshedding brush — like the Refuresh Gentle Deshedding Brush — gives them a tool that's gentle enough for daily use without causing coat damage.

Adjust your drying protocol: Cold weather means dogs can get chilled quickly after a bath. High-absorbency towels like the Refuresh Quick Drying Pet Towel reduce blow-dry time and keep dogs comfortable on the table.

Flag coat condition early: Winter is when matting and undercoat build-up tend to be worst. If a dog comes in with significant matting, document it and discuss a maintenance plan with the owner — both for the dog's comfort and to protect yourself from post-groom complaints.

The Bottom Line

Winter shedding is normal, manageable, and — with the right tools — not nearly as overwhelming as it feels in week one of the coat transition. A consistent brushing routine, the right deshedding brush for your dog's coat length, and a fast-drying towel for bath days will carry you through the season.

For more on building a year-round shedding routine, read our full guide: How to Manage Shedding at Home (and Keep Your Dog Comfortable).