Autumn coat change: How to support your pet from the inside out
On the sofa, on your trousers, in every corner: when the days get shorter, the tufts of hair around the house start to grow. The autumn moult is in full swing! What sounds like a vacuuming marathon to you is hard work for your four-legged friend. We'll show you how to support your dog or cat right now – with the right care on the outside and the right nutrients on the inside.
What happens in your pet’s body when they shed their coat
It’s all triggered by light: as the days get shorter, your pet's body switches to winter mode. Their light summer coat makes way for a thick winter coat with a warming undercoat. This change takes several weeks and puts a lot of demand on their system – after all, fur is largely made of protein. So it's no wonder that some animals seem a little more tired or seek more affection while they're shedding.
A helping hand: Brush, brush, brush
For your dog: the daily grooming ritual
Regular brushing removes loose hair before it ends up on the sofa, stimulates circulation and distributes natural skin oils. Depending on the coat type, a few minutes a day is all it takes. Extra tip: combine brushing with a cuddle and a small treat – this turns a chore into a highlight that your dog will look forward to.
For your cat: gentle help for the grooming king or queen
Your cat loves to take care of its own grooming, but right now it's swallowing a lot more hair than usual. This can lead to pesky hairballs. Daily brushing takes some of the work off its paws and noticeably reduces the amount of hair swallowed. Many cats enjoy the gentle brush strokes as an extra cuddle session. A purring thank you is included.
Support from within: Nutrients for a shiny coat
A healthy coat grows from the inside out. These nutrients now play the leading role:
- High-quality proteins
Hair consists mainly of keratin, a protein. Fresh meat or fish as the main ingredient provides the building blocks for a strong, dense coat.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Fish oil and linseed nourish the skin and hair roots, strengthen the natural protective barrier and prevent dryness and itching.
- Fibre for cats
Special plant fibres help to prevent hairballs by gently binding to swallowed hairs, allowing them to pass through the digestive system naturally.
When it’s worth seeing a professional
Heavy shedding is a normal part of autumn. However, bald patches, red skin, persistent itching or a dull, shaggy coat are all signs that you should get checked out at the vet. This way, you can be sure there isn't another cause behind the hair loss.
Get through the shedding season together
Brush by brush on the outside, bowl by bowl on the inside: with regular grooming and a diet full of high-quality proteins and fatty acids, you'll help your pet get through autumn with a gloriously shiny coat. Discover our recipes for skin and coat now – and turn shedding season into cuddle season.