Moulting is a completely normal (but often messy!) process pets go through to lose old, dead, and damaged fur. Many pet owners will recognise the familiar ‘tumbleweeds’ of fluff drifting around the house as a sure sign that moulting season has arrived.
Most pets will moult in the spring (to lose their thicker winter coat) and in the autumn (to lose their thinner summer coat), but don’t be surprised to see all-year-round moulting in some! The amount and times of year which your pet moults varies depending on their breed, coat type, their diet, and stress too – so every pet is different and can change throughout their life. It’s important to know and understand what is normal for your pet, so you can quickly spot any changes that may indicate a health problem. Moulting is only really a cause for concern if the fur doesn’t grow back, or if it is accompanied by itchy, red, or dry skin – speak to your vet if you notice any of these signs.
So, in addition to the vast amount of vacuuming and lint-rollers needed, pet owners might be wondering about how they can support their pet’s skin and coat during moulting. We have put together a top list of recommendations from our Pet Store to help.
Grooming tools
Your best friend during moulting, but there are so many options out there it can feel hard to know which brushes and combs to choose. Different coat types will require different tools, and some pets may need a professional groom to strip the coat during moulting.
Bristle brushes like this one from the Ancol Ergo range are suitable for daily brushing of short and medium coats, but tend to only brush through the top coat so may not be sufficient for moulting. This brush type is usually well tolerated by pets new to grooming or worried about grooming, so can be a good place to start.
A Slicker Grooming Brush can help detangle knots for short and medium coats, but do need to be used carefully to avoid discomfort, and shouldn’t be used on rabbits due to their delicate skin. Instead, use this Ancol Small Animal Slicker Brush which has rounded-end pins to reduce the risk of trauma to your rabbits skin.
Rubber brushes and grooming mitts like the Petface Parlour Grooming Mitt are a good way to finish the grooming session by collecting loose hairs from the coat. They can add a nice little shine too.
Undercoat rakes like the Mikki Undercoat Rake also need to be used carefully to avoid discomfort but are great at removing hair from both the top and undercoats – so can be perfect for moulting, but again, shouldn’t be used on rabbits due to their delicate skin. A comb like the Ancol Ergo Moulting Comb could be a little kinder and gentler for your pet.
Pin brushes like the Kruuse BUSTER Pin Brush can help smooth small tangles and remove loose fur from the top and under coats, but once again, shouldn’t be used on rabbits.
If your pet is new to grooming, take it slowly, make it a positive experience using treats and praise, and stop if your pet seems stressed or worried.
Bath time
Unless needed for medical reasons, dogs don’t usually need bathing too often, as excess bathing can strip their coat of natural oils. If your dog does need to be washed at home, make sure you get a dog-specific shampoo for them, like the PDSA Vet Care 3-in-1 Shampoo for Dogs. Check with your vet first if your dog has a skin condition to make sure the shampoo will be suitable.
We don’t recommend bathing cats as this can cause stress and isn’t usually necessary as they groom themselves. We also advise not to bathe rabbits, as this can also cause stress, but also hypothermia (low body temperature) and shock.
Diet and nutrition
A complete and nutritionally balanced diet supports our pet’s health and well-being. Key nutrients for skin and coat health include Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, protein, Vitamins A, E, and C, and Minerals like zinc and biotin. Hydration is also vital to skin and coat health.
Some pets with skin conditions or allergies may be recommended a prescription diet specifically tailored to their condition – speak with your vet about these diets in the first instance.
We have a wide range of diets for cats, dogs, and rabbits on our Pet Store.
Supplements
A pet’s coat come become a little dull and dry during moulting, so they may benefit from a skin supplement like the YuMOVE Skin & Coat Care Moulting Dog and Cat supplements. They are made from oils that can help to reduce excess moulting, support the coat and skin, and nourish dry skin.
Parasite control
A year-round requirement for our pets. Where possible, it’s best to stick to parasite treatments that have been prescribed by your vet. However, if this isn’t possible, you can purchase treatments from our PDSA Pet Store for dogs and cats. We’ll ask you some details about your pet, such as their name, age, breed, weight, and when they last had parasite treatment. We’ll then use these details to check the product you are buying is safe for your pet. We don’t advise buying ‘off-the-shelf’ products that don’t require you to provide any details as the treatments can be much less reliable.
Mobility check
A pet that is struggling with arthritis or stiff joints may find it really difficult to groom themselves. If you notice your pet isn’t looking after themselves as well as they used to, book an appointment with your vet. They may recommend trialling a joint supplement. The PDSA Vet Care Joint Tablets for dogs and cats are vet-formulated and help maintain joint comfort, flexibility, and fluid health.
If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s skin or coat health, please speak with your vet. You can also visit the PDSA Pet Health Hub for videos, advice, and tips on how to look after your pet.
