Beagle Shedding: How Much Do Beagles Shed?

The Beagle might not have the fluffiest of coats, or the longest of dog hair, but yes, Beagles shed a lot. He sheds all year moderately and heavily during the two shedding seasons. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a miracle shed-stopping cure. But we are going to share with you everything that you need to know about how to manage it if you decide to adopt a Beagle.

Beagles have very distinct coat colors. So that means hiding your Beagle’s hair may be a challenge compared to other breeds. Labrador owners can help hide their Lab’s shedding habits by picking a puppy color that matches their flooring or furniture. Beagle owners aren’t quite as lucky! But that shouldn’t persuade you from adopting a Beagle, as these pups are one of the most popular family dog breeds.

No matter what size your beautiful Beagle is, no matter what color coat he has, or what age he is, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll know what triggers him to shed more and the pet products that could make your life much easier. As well as when it’s time to take him to the vet.

At A Glance: Best Products For Beagle Grooming

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Beagle Coat

The Beagle is famous for his talented tracking nose, but what about his coat? Yes, he is a special boy, but just like all other working dog breeds, he has a double coat. It is short to medium in length, and it is thick and lush.

Working dogs have a double coat because the two layers work together to create a very warm jacket. It is this warm jacket that allows working dogs, like the Beagle, to spend hours and hours out with his master working from dawn till dusk.

The undercoat is the layer that insulates his body heat, and it is this layer that is dense and fluffy. The top layer is the weather-resistant layer that shields his undercoat and body from the wind, rain, and sun rays. Dogs with double coats are the ones that shed the most.

The Beagle usually sports the traditional hunting colors, which are black, tan, and white. He can also be black and white (just like Snoopy), lemon and white, red, and a whole host of other earthy colors. What color he sports is irrelevant to his grooming routine because each color sheds just as much as the others.

If you are a little picky about dog hair, firstly you might want to consider a low shedding dog breed, like the Goldendoodle who rarely sheds. But if you have your heart set on a Beagle, some owners try to pick one whose color is similar to their décor. A dark-colored Beagle’s hair will not be as apparent against a dark-colored sofa or carpet. Although personality should always be the first aspect to match, coat color is important for some families too.

Beagle Shedding Frequency

Many people, including dog lovers, don’t know that there are two sizes of Beagle. The standard size and the pocket size, and other than their size difference, they are pretty much the same in every way. Including their shedding schedule. Sorry small Beagle owners, no luck here!

Beagles shed every day of the year and are moderate shedders. When it comes to shedding season, they are heavy shedders that literally drop their entire coat in a matter of weeks. Being a medium to heavy shedder, you need to put aside time to groom him several times a week, at the very least. Even more during the pesky shedding seasons.

When Beagles Shed the Most

Shedding seasons are in spring and winter. At the beginning of winter, he will shed his summer coat and make way for his heavy-duty winter jacket. Come springtime, he will shed his winter coat and opt for a lightweight jacket to keep him cool in the warmer months.

Unlike longer haired breeds, the Beagle’s hair is of medium length. This means that his hair will not be as apparent compared to a Siberian Husky, or a Pug that has more fur per square inch than any other dog. But ultimately, your house and outfits will never be hair-free. Sorry to disappoint you!

Some will call this period the time of year that he ‘blows his coat.’ This simply means that his coat almost blows off in the wind. If you’ve never had a dog that blows his jacket, trust us that this is a lot. And if you’re about to welcome a Beagle into your life, you’ll soon experience it for yourself.

Shedding Triggers

Apart from shedding seasons, there are various other reasons why a Beagle will drop his coat heavier than usual. One big reason for abnormal shedding is because of stress. Stress can affect our pooches, just like it affects us, and a symptom of stress is hair loss. So, if you’re moving house, or there is a little tension because of upcoming exams, your Beagle might suffer too.

Excess shedding can also be a symptom of a skin infection. The Beagle breed is known to have sensitive skin and can suffer from a variety of skin conditions. Hair loss is also a symptom of parasites, such as fleas and lice. Allergies are also another reason for your Beagle to shed excessively.

Shedding above and beyond what is healthy is a sign that there is something not quite right. If you notice abnormal hair loss or his skin is inflamed, itchy, or he is losing his hair in patches, take him to the vet for a check-up. There might be an underlying cause that needs treatment.

Managing Your Beagle’s Shedding

So now, we are going to talk you through the ways that you can help to manage your Beagle’s shedding. Some of these techniques will work on some Beagles, and others won’t. It’s all about working out which one works for yours.

Brushing

Brushing is by far the most effective way to manage your Beagles shedding. Not only does it help to stimulate the blood flow on the surface of his skin, but it also spreads his natural coat oils around too. It will also mean you can pick up any loose fur on the brush, rather than it landing on your floor or sofa.

Being a moderate shedder all year round, you should look to brush him several times a week during non-shedding seasons. During shedding seasons, you’ll need to brush him most days if you want to keep on top of his shedding.

Each session will take you around 15 minutes. Thankfully, the Beagle loves to be pampered, and it is a great way to bond with your Beagle too. Smiles all round!

Deshedding Products

To get the most out of brushing him, you need the right tools for the job. There many different types of brushes and grooming tools available, not all of which suit every dog and every coat. For the Beagle, we suggest one day-to-day brush and one deshedding tool.

The Beagles coat will be best suited to a pin or a slicker brush. This is the brush that you will use all year round. It will gently brush through any dead hair and keep his coat looking healthy and shiny.

For shedding seasons, you will also need the help of a deshedding tool. Deshedding tools work by reaching through the top layer and gently raking the undercoat. This will help his undercoat on its way to getting rid of last season’s jacket. Once you have raked him over, use the day-to-day brush to pick up the excess hair that has been teased out.

Shampoo

Beagles can suffer from a variety of skin conditions. Therefore it is best to choose a gentle and natural shampoo for him. Oatmeal shampoos are great for sensitive skinned Beagles, because they are soft and natural, but offer a thorough cleanse. If your Beagle is a super heavy shedder and you feel like you need extra help, there are anti-shed formulas available too.

Aim to bathe your Beagle every 8 weeks or so, but never wash him more than once a month. Washing him more than the recommended amount will strip his skin of the oils it produces to regulate his coat, disturbing his natural body processes. This could make his skin sensitivities and shedding worse.

If you suspect that your Beagle has a skin condition that needs regular treatment, your vet will likely suggest a medicated shampoo. But whatever shampoo you choose, always put his medical needs first over you wanting to control his shedding.

Diet

Not many people know that the right diet can also help to decrease the Beagle’s shedding. A high-quality and well-balanced diet will keep him healthy, and in turn, look after his skin and coat. Always feed your Beagle the best food that you can afford. By feeding your Beagle puppy with the best diet possible, you set him up, and his coat, to a healthy start in life.

A high-quality kibble will ensure that your Beagle’s body is supplied with plenty of omega fatty acids. These are important for almost every aspect of his body, including his skin and coat. And as you already know, a healthy coat will manage it’s own shedding as best as it can, not excessively.

Omega fat ingredients to look for in kibble are fish, fish oil, flaxseed, and egg products. To go that bit further, also look for the micro-ingredients vitamin E, folic acid, and biotin, because these will encourage a healthy coat too.

Supplements

If your Beagle is on a specific diet and it doesn’t provide enough omega fatty acids, you need to ensure he gets them another way. And this is where omega fatty acid supplements come in. Not only will these supplements look after his skin, coat, and reduce shedding, but they are also beneficial in other areas too. Fish oil supplements are the most popular, and they can be taken in pill or oil form.

How To Keep Your Home Clean

Even if you stay on top of your dog’s shedding, you’re bound to have dog hair around your house that needs cleaning up. We have lots of experience in this department. Depending on your cleaning preferences, you may find one or all products suitable for your home.

Robot Vacuum

If you want the cleaning done for you, then we recommend the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL. This self-cleaning robot vacuum can map out your home, so you can send it to a specific area that needs cleaning. You can also set “no-go zones” for areas around your dog’s food and water bowls to ensure the vacuum doesn’t mess with those areas. The brushroll removes pet hair, so there is no hair wrap, and the self-emptying base holds up to 45 days of dog hair, dirt, and debris.

Cordless Vacuum

Bissell’s ICONpet Edge vacuum is perfect for general vacuuming and getting those hard-to-reach areas like windowsills, room corners, underneath furniture, etc. It’s cordless, so it’s easy to grab and go. It includes several attachments to help clean up the dog hair on your stairs, hardwood floors, and everywhere in between.

Air Purifier

Filtrete’s air purifier captures 99.97% of airborne particles, including pet odors and dog hair. This air purifier can help clean the air in a room up to 250 square feet in size. It notifies you when the filter needs changing to ensure optimal performance. You can adjust the fan speed, set a timer, and dim the control panel lights from the soft-touch display. If you notice your home has a pet odor, this will help eliminate that fast.;

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the Beagle and his shedding schedule.

Q: Why do Beagles shed a lot?
A: Beagles are double coated dogs, and double coats are designed to regulate his body temperature and keep him warm in the winter. Come springtime, he does not need as much hair, and to keep him cool, he will shed his winter jacket. If you aren’t a fan of dog hair, the Beagle is not your best match.

Q: My Beagle is shedding in clumps, is this right?
A: No. If your Beagle is shedding excessively in clumps or patches, you need to take him to the vet. This could be a sign of a skin infection, amongst many other health concerns. It’s better to treat whatever it is sooner rather than later, to prevent it from becoming more serious.

Q: Can I shave my Beagle?
A: Absolutely not. The majority of dogs have coats for a reason. Without it, he is not protected against the elements and other potentially harmful factors, and you are stripping him of his natural defense system. Never shave a dog, ever.

Q: When is excessive shedding too much, and when is it time to see the vet?
A: Beagles shed a lot, but there is a difference between normal shedding and hair loss. If his coat sheds in clumps, patches, or his skin is inflamed, scaly, or oozing liquid, this is not normal and needs immediate vet assistance. You’ll find that he will be persistently scratching or licking his sore spots, and you’ll also see other symptoms.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know that the Beagle is a heavy shedder, but you also know how best to manage it. By trying all of these tips and tricks, you will hopefully see a difference in the amount of hair that floats around your home. As with anything in life, you need patience and don’t throw the towel in after a week.

The most effective and straightforward way to manage his shedding is to establish a regular brushing routine. But by looking at his diet, his shampoo, and adding supplements, if necessary, it will allow you to reduce your Beagle’s shedding as much as Beagle-ly possible. Thankfully, he is known for being a happy-go-lucky pup, and he will love the extra care and attention you give him.