A question about Storm's coat now that summer is fully here
I have a question I hope is not too basic, but I want to make sure I am caring for Storm correctly during this season. He is shedding very heavily now, much more than earlier in the year, and I want to understand if this is something I should be doing more about, or if it will simply pass on its own. I have read a small amount about something called "blowing the coat" in relation to double-coated breeds, but I do not fully understand what this means or what, if anything, I am supposed to do differently during this period. I appreciate guidance, as I want to handle this properly rather than guess.
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We don't have a double-coated breed currently but went through this with a previous dog and the daily brushing really does make a difference, both for shedding control around the house and for the dog's comfort. Worth the time investment during this stretch.
Derek's explanation is correct. I'd add: do not shave him to deal with the shedding, even though it might seem like a faster solution. The double coat regulates temperature in both directions, and removing it disrupts that system and can cause coat damage that doesn't grow back correctly. Daily brushing through this period is genuinely the right and only approach.
Seasonal coat-blowing is a well-documented process in northern/double-coated breeds and Derek and Marcus have it right. It typically lasts a few weeks to a couple months depending on climate and individual dog. A dedicated undercoat rake will make a visible difference within days of consistent use, and is worth the investment for a breed like Storm's.
"Blowing the coat" means he's shedding the dense winter undercoat all at once as the weather warms, which is completely normal and seasonal for double-coated breeds like Huskies. What you should do: brush more frequently during this period, daily if possible, with an undercoat tool (not just a regular brush). This speeds up the process and keeps loose fur from matting against the skin underneath, which can cause irritation if left too long.