How Badly Do Beagles Shed? 

It’s okay, you don’t need to break out the high power vacuum (at least not yet). Beagles shed moderately, though more than you’d expect for a dog without a fluffy coat. Find out how badly beagles shed, learn about their coat, and how you can care for it effectively.

How Bad Do Beagles Shed?

Look, there’s no beating around the bush–beagles shed. In fact, beagles are ranked amongst some of the heaviest shedding dog breeds, though that’s a little unfair. 

Beagles, with their short hair and distinctive tri-colored coat, shed more than many other medium-sized dogs. Their fur is especially noticeable on clothing and furniture, making their shedding hard to miss.

When Do Beagles Shed?

Beagles shed lightly throughout the year. There is no starting (or ending) point for shedding, though the process will be slower and faster in some periods. Beagles’ shedding peaks in the fall and spring.

Beagles shed heavily twice a year, losing their winter coat in spring and their summer coat in winter. This cycle is influenced by daylight and temperature changes, so you won’t be entirely free of fur during the rest of the year.

This happens even in areas without cold weather, as the shedding process is triggered by changes in daylight hours. However, fluctuating temperatures—such as a cold winter and a warmer spring—can intensify this shedding.

Living indoors can disrupt these natural shedding patterns, too. Things like central heating and artificial lighting can interfere with beagles’ internal clocks, making it hard to predict exactly when shedding will happen throughout the year.

Why Do Beagles Shed So Much?

Key to understanding why beagles shed so much–especially given their coat is relatively short and not fluffy–is understanding their coat.

Most dogs have a single layer of hair, but some, like beagles, have two coats of fur. 

People often refer to a beagle’s coat as “hair,” but it’s actually “fur” because they have two layers that grow in cycles.

Hair and fur are made of the same substance, keratin, and are scientifically similar. However, hair tends to be softer and longer, growing to a certain length before stopping. 

In contrast, fur is shorter and coarser. Dogs with fur, like beagles, shed more than dogs with hair because fur grows and sheds much more rapidly.

No, Beagles Are Not Hypoallergenic

Some dog breeds are hypoallergenic because they shed fewer skin cells, which are a primary trigger for allergic reactions. Beagles are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Allergic reactions in humans are often caused by proteins in dog saliva and urine. Beagles spread these allergens by licking themselves, dispersing saliva onto their fur. If you are highly allergic to dogs, a beagle may not be the best choice for you.

Also read:

• Do Beagles Bark a lot?
• How much Beagle puppies cost?
• How much exercise do Beagles need?

That said, you can reduce allergens by regularly grooming and bathing your beagle. Plus, wash their bedding and anything else they touch every two weeks.

Keeping Your Beagle’s Shedding in Control

1. Regular Brushing

The most effective way to control beagle shedding is regular brushing with the right tools. During high shedding periods, brush your beagle about three times a week. During low shedding times, once a week should suffice.

A de-shedding mitt is a great choice, as it slips over your hand and helps you reach all areas of your beagle’s body, allowing you to remove trapped dead hairs from the inner coat. 

Another excellent option is a de-shedding tool, which pulls out dead hairs from deep within the coat. 

2. Use a Leave-in Spray

A light spritz of a quality leave-in spray can protect your beagle’s fur from summer sunlight, the dry air of winter, and contact friction. These factors can cause extra loose hairs and increase shedding.

3. Use a High-Quality Dog Shampoo

To manage your beagle’s skin health and shedding, consider using a mild, natural shampoo. Oatmeal-based shampoos are particularly gentle and effective for beagles with sensitive skin. They can also help control excessive shedding if additional support is needed.

It’s important to bathe your beagle no more often than once a month, ideally once every 8 weeks. Frequent bathing can strip away the skin’s natural oils, which are crucial for a healthy coat, potentially worsening allergies and skin shedding.

If your beagle suffers from a skin condition that requires more frequent treatment, your veterinarian might recommend a medicated wash. 

1. Healthy Diet

Source: Unsplash

Maintain a healthy diet for your beagle, both for main meals and snacks. Good nutrition is vital for coat health, and unhealthy, dry coats will shed more.

2. Omega-3 Supplements

An Omega-3 supplement can be very beneficial for your beagle’s coat health. Fish oil supplements help keep the skin and coat healthy, reduce itching and dry skin, and support joint health, which is important for this breed.

You can also incorporate foods rich in omega fatty acids into their diet. Options include fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and egg products. 

Is Your Beagle Shedding More Than Usual? Check for These 6 Conditions

If your beagle is exhibiting more than their usual levels of shedding, there could be other health or environmental factors for it. In some cases, there may be other signs indicating a more serious underlying problem.

Food and Flea Allergies

Thinning coats due to food or flea allergies are reversible and can be quickly diagnosed. It’s essential to consult a veterinarian when any unexplained fur loss occurs. 

However, in these cases, treatment at home usually resolves the issue. Only in very severe cases will a veterinarian prescribe steroids for swelling or antihistamines if your dog has breathing difficulties.

To address flea allergies, eliminate all fleas from both your beagle and your home using topical solutions and foggers. Food allergies are managed by implementing strict diet restrictions to identify the specific ingredient causing the allergic reaction.

Skin Infections

Excessive shedding may indicate a skin condition. If left undiagnosed and untreated, these conditions can lead to bacterial and yeast infections, causing constant itching and discomfort for your dog. 

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these infections and maintain your beagle’s health.

Allergic Dermatitis

Source: Canna-Pet

Allergic Dermatitis occurs when a dog loses fur due to a contact allergy. Common culprits include inexpensive canine shampoo, rug cleaner, and lawn care chemicals. Along with fur loss, there may be red blisters, sores, or lesions on the skin.

To address this, a veterinarian will perform patch testing to identify the cause. If this is detected in your beagle, you must eliminate the allergen. In moderate to severe cases, antihistamines and/or steroids may be prescribed to help your dog recover.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid slows down and produces fewer hormones. Before fur loss happens, the coat may become very dry, and hair might break off easily. This condition can also cause your beagle to gain weight and become weak.

A veterinarian can diagnose hypothyroidism through thyroid tests. Treatment involves medication, often required for the rest of your dog’s life. Recovery is typically progressive, with most dogs making a full recovery over time.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a health issue with an unknown cause, though it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder. It appears suddenly and also resolves quickly. 

During its occurrence, it causes patches of very thin fur, and sometimes the fur falls out completely, exposing the dog’s skin. There is no itching or discomfort associated with this condition.

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis Nigricans is a rare medical condition that can occur in dogs, leading to fur loss due to hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivities, or friction. A veterinarian will perform tests to determine the exact cause. Treatment may involve steroids and/or vitamin E supplements.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare disorder where fur loss occurs due to a negative reaction to sunlight or UV rays. This condition can be confirmed with a small skin biopsy. It not only causes the coat to thin but also affects the skin, leading to scabs, sores, redness, and irritation.

If diagnosed, your beagle must be kept out of the sun as much as possible. Treatment may start with small doses of Prednisone, followed by vitamin E supplements.

Should You Shave Your Beagle to Reduce Shedding?

Source: Dogs Naturally

Shedding is a natural and healthy process for dogs that can’t be completely stopped. Shaving your dog, including beagles, is not advisable as it interferes with their natural ability to regulate body temperature. Moreover, it won’t reduce shedding in the long run.

According to Dogs Naturally, there is a strict “no shave” rule for double-coated dogs, which includes beagles. These breeds rely on their double coats for insulation and temperature regulation. Shaving them can disrupt these natural mechanisms and should be avoided.

Shedding Is Inevitable, You Need to Accept It

Let’s be honest…every dog breed sheds. Some shed less, others shed more. Beagles are somewhere mid-pack, nowhere near as prolific shedders as huskies and labrador-retrievers. 

When you welcome a dog into your home, you have to accept shedding. We’ve heard tales of owners (or their partners) cleaning compulsively; others simply accept shedding for what it is. Most–including probably you–fall somewhere in between.

In addition to caring for your beagle, set sustainable cleaning routines for yourself. It’ll be beneficial for your beagle, too, as they’ll learn to recognize the time of day you will spend vacuuming.