It’s hard not to admire a Golden Retriever’s gorgeous silky coat when you see one. However, while they may be beautiful, the shedding that comes with it isn’t so glamorous. If you’re a Golden Retriever parent or thinking about becoming one, you’ll want to know how to manage the hair that seems to find its way onto every surface in your home.
We talked to two experts about what to expect when it comes to Golden Retriever shedding, exploring why they shed so much, what you can expect throughout the year, and how to keep their shedding under control. Whether you’re a seasoned Golden owner or just starting out, we’ve got plenty of tips to help make shedding more manageable.
Do Golden Retrievers Shed a Lot?
In one word: Yes! Golden Retrievers shed a lot. Dr. Sam Varon, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California tells us, “In comparison to other breeds, [Goldens] are considered heavy shedders because of their double coat.”
Their double coat — made up of a dense undercoat and silky top coat — helps keep them warm in the cold and cool in the heat, but it also means shedding is part of the package. Double the coat, double the shedding.
Golden Retriever Shedding Season: What to Expect
If you have a Golden Retriever, you can expect to deal with moderate shedding year-round. However, shedding may be heavier during certain seasons thanks to their double coat.
“Golden Retrievers experience heavier shedding in the spring and fall as they ‘blow their coats’ to adapt to seasonal temperature changes,” says Dr. Athena Angela Gaffud with Country Vet Mom. “The soft undercoat and protective outer layer both play a key role in how much they shed, as the undercoat thickens or thins in response to the seasons.
In the fall, they grow a thick winter undercoat and shed their lighter summer coat, and vice versa in the spring. Pet parents should prepare to sweep up many more furry dust bunnies throughout their house during these times!
How to Help Golden Retriever Shedding: Tools & Tips
To help manage shedding, regular grooming is essential. “Brushing your Golden Retriever 3–5 times a week with a deshedding tool, slicker brush, or an undercoat rake can help remove loose hair and minimize the amount of fur around the house,” Dr. Varon says. He also notes that bathing once a month or so can also help loosen dead fur.
A high-quality diet that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can also help support a healthy coat and, in turn, reduce shedding.
Both Dr. Varon and Dr. Gaffud point out that stress management is something else to consider, as stress and anxiety can contribute to excessive shedding. “Keeping your dog in a stable, happy environment will reduce the likelihood of stress-induced hair loss.”
Excess Shedding: When to Worry
While shedding is normal for Golden Retrievers, there are times when it can be too much. Golden’s can be prone to certain skin issues. This could look like bald patches, scratching or biting at their skin, or noticeably thinning fur.
“These signs indicate underlying health issues like allergies, infections, or hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism,” Dr. Gaffud says. If shedding seems excessive outside of the typical shedding seasons, a vet visit is recommended to rule out any underlying health problems.
