If you’ve noticed your dog leaving fur on every surface in your home lately, you’re not imagining it. Spring shedding season — sometimes called the “coat blowout” — is one of the most intense grooming challenges of the year, and it happens right here in Murrells Inlet just like everywhere else.
As days get longer and temperatures rise along the Grand Strand, dogs with double coats begin shedding their thick winter undercoats in favor of lighter summer coats. The process is completely natural — but without the right grooming support, it can spiral into matting, skin irritation, and enough loose fur to stuff a small pillow.
Here’s what’s happening, what you can do at home, and how professional dog grooming in Murrells Inlet at A Dog’s Way Inn makes the whole transition smoother for your dog.
What Is a Coat Blowout?
A coat blowout refers to the seasonal shedding event when double-coated dogs release their full undercoat over the course of several weeks. Breeds most affected include:
- Huskies and Malamutes — among the most dramatic shedders
- Golden and Labrador Retrievers
- German and Australian Shepherds
- Corgis
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Chow Chows
- Border Collies
- Pomeranians
Even single-coated and short-haired breeds experience increased shedding in spring, though typically less dramatically.
During a blowout, the old undercoat loosens from the skin in large clumps. If it’s not removed through regular brushing and professional grooming, that dead fur doesn’t fall off cleanly — it mats against the skin, traps moisture, and creates ideal conditions for hot spots, bacterial skin infections, and serious discomfort.
At-Home Brushing: What You Should Be Doing
Consistent at-home brushing is the first line of defense during shedding season. Here’s what’s actually effective.
Brush Frequency During Shedding Season
| Coat Type | Recommended Brushing Frequency |
| Double-coated heavy shedders (Huskies, Shepherds) | Daily during peak blowout |
| Medium-coated breeds (Labs, Goldens) | Every 2–3 days |
| Short-coated breeds (Beagles, Boxers) | 2–3 times per week with a rubber grooming mitt |
| Long-coated breeds (Collies, Setters) | Every 1–2 days |
| Doodles and curly-coated breeds | Every 2–3 days minimum — these coats trap shed fur and mat fast |
The Right Tools Matter
- Slicker brush — removes loose topcoat fur and light tangles
- Undercoat rake — reaches through the topcoat to pull out dead undercoat; essential for double-coated breeds
- Deshedding tool (like a Furminator) — highly effective for heavy shedders; use gently to avoid skin irritation
- Rubber grooming mitt — great for short-coated breeds and dogs who are sensitive about being brushed
Important: Never brush a dirty, dry coat aggressively. A light misting of detangling spray or a quick wipe-down before brushing reduces breakage and makes the process more comfortable for your dog.
Signs You Need a Professional Deshedding Treatment
At-home brushing helps — but it has limits. If you notice any of the following, it’s time for a professional spring dog grooming appointment at A Dog’s Way Inn:
- Mats or tangles that don’t brush out easily — pulling on mats is painful and can damage skin
- Clumps of loose fur visible beneath the coat that brushing isn’t reaching
- Skin redness, hot spots, or excessive scratching — trapped dead fur can cause or worsen skin irritation
- A musty or “dog smell” that doesn’t go away — often a sign of trapped moisture under a dense undercoat
- Bald patches starting to appear, which can indicate the blowout is uneven or something more is going on
What a Professional Deshedding Treatment Includes
Our spring deshedding services at A Dog’s Way Inn go far beyond what a bath at home accomplishes. A full professional deshedding treatment includes:
Pre-Bath Brushing
Removing as much loose coat as possible before the bath so the shampoo and water can reach the skin effectively.
Deshedding Shampoo and Conditioner
Specialized formulas that penetrate the coat, moisturize the skin, and help release the remaining undercoat so it rinses free rather than staying trapped.
High-Velocity Blow-Dry
This is the step that makes the biggest difference. A professional-grade high-velocity dryer blows the loosened undercoat out of the coat entirely — something a home blow-dryer simply cannot replicate. The result is dramatic: you’ll often see a pile of fur the size of a second dog come out in this step alone.
Post-Bath Brushing and Finishing
Once the coat is clean and dry, a thorough brush-out removes any remaining loose fur and leaves the coat smooth, shiny, and manageable.
Trim and Tidy
Finishing trims around ears, paws, and sanitary areas as appropriate for the breed.
Don’t Forget: Spring Grooming Is About More Than Shedding
While deshedding is the star of spring grooming season, a professional appointment at A Dog’s Way Inn addresses your dog’s full coat health:
- Nail trimming — essential after winter months of reduced outdoor activity
- Ear cleaning — spring humidity along the South Carolina coast increases the risk of ear infections
- Skin check — our groomers examine the skin beneath the coat for irritation, parasites, or unusual lumps
- Paw care — pads can dry and crack; spring conditioning keeps them healthy
Spring Grooming Schedule Recommendations
For Murrells Inlet pet owners, here’s a general spring grooming calendar:
- Heavy shedders: Professional deshedding appointment in early March, then again in April as the blowout peaks
- Medium-coated breeds: Professional groom every 6–8 weeks with a deshedding add-on in March
- Long-coated breeds: Professional groom every 4–6 weeks — earlier in March before matting season intensifies
- Doodles: Every 4–6 weeks — spring humidity is particularly hard on curly, mat-prone coats
Book Your Spring Grooming Appointment
Don’t wait until your dog is a furry tumbleweed situation. Spring grooming appointments at A Dog’s Way Inn fill up quickly as the season picks up — especially alongside spring break boarding demand.
📍 761 Pendergrass Ave., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 📞 (843) 357-4545 🌐 adogswayinn.com
Call or book online today for professional dog grooming in Murrells Inlet that makes spring shedding season manageable — for your dog and your furniture.
