If you're new to the pug life, then you might be surprised to learn that pugs shed an insane amount. Here are tips to help manage pug shedding. 
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Do Pugs Shed? How to Deal with a Shedding Pug

If you’re new to the pug life, then you might be surprised to learn that pugs shed an insane amount. Yes, it’s true, these beloved little creatures have one significant downside: major fur loss. That said, all pug owners agree that it’s a small price to pay for living with an angel.

And all is not lost, because there are things you can do to minimize the amount of pug glitter (ahem…hair) that’s released on to your clothes, sofa and bed. Here are tips to help manage pug shedding.

If you're new to the pug life, then you might be surprised to learn that pugs shed an insane amount. Here are tips to help manage pug shedding. 

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Do pugs shed?

I’m stating the obvious but….yes. Pugs shed. They are a heaving shedding breed and they are not hypoallergenic.

Do black pugs shed?

Yes. All pugs shed, however, some do shed less. 

Some pugs have what’s called a double coat – a soft inner layer and a short outer layer of fur. A double coat means double the shedding. 

Other pugs only have a single coat, meaning no double layer. They shed less, but they still do shed. 

Black pugs tend to have a single coat, although black pugs with a double coat do exist. 

Learn more about pug colors here.

Do pugs shed year round?

Yes. While some dogs only shed during certain seasons, pugs shed year round. 

Some have noted, however, that they shed a bit more in the Autumn and Spring, losing some of their hair thickness due to temperature change. 

What months do pugs shed?

Pug shed year-round, but some have noted that they tend to shed more in Autumn and Spring. Those seasons in the United States are during March, April, and May, and September, October, and November.

Why do pugs shed?

There are a few things that cause pugs to shed:

  • Coat: a pug with a double coat will shed more than a pug with a single coat.
  • Age: puppies shed less than adult pugs. Shedding will increase once the pug reaches age 1. 
  • Season: pugs tend to shed more in Autumn and Spring (but don’t forget, they shed year round!). 
  • Baths: when you massage a pug during a bath, it’ll loosen dead hairs, similar to brushing them. Pugs will release more hair during and after the bath. Make sure their post bath zoomies (and shedding!) happens outdoors, if possible. 
  • Heat cycles: females who are not spayed may shed a lot in their final days of heat. This is due to changing hormone levels. 

Here’s a list of ways to deal with a shedding pug: 

1. Brush Your Pug

Pug fur.

If you rub your pug’s back, you might find strands of fur clinging to your hand and wafting in the air. That’s because shedding causes some fur to fall off completely, while other bits get trapped in the pug’s coat.

Get rid of this trapped fur with a good brushing. It’ll help remove loose and dead hairs, and keep your pug’s coat healthy and odor free. These routine brushings should happen on the regular (at least 3x a week and as often as once a day).

It’s also a good idea to brush immediately before and after a bath. You’ll release loose hair and minimize shedding indoors. Your house and clothes will thank you!

I recommend taking your pug outside to brush, either in your backyard or on a stoop. That way the hair is released into the wild instead of into your house.

Here are some good pug brushes that we recommend:

2. Stock Up On These

Red magic lint brush hair remover.

Say goodbye to lint rollers!

These cheap, bright red magic sticks pick up fur, as well as lint, fuzz, dust and dandruff, with just a swipe.

Got fur on your clothes? Use a magic stick!
Does your pug have a favorite spot on the couch? Use a magic stick!
Is your pug sleeping on your pillow? Use a magic stick!

Keep one in every room of your house, plus the car.

Get them here.

3. Omega Fatty Acids Are Your Friend

A pug puppy looks at the camera.

A soft and healthy coat is easier on the eyes, nose and hands. An unhealthy coat can result in brittle hair and extra shedding. Make sure you keep your pug’s fur in good condition in order to control shedding levels. To help, add omega fatty acids to your pug’s regular diet. They promote healthy skin, transforming dull and brittle coats into sleek and shiny ones.

The best combination of omegas for good skin and coat health is EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) fatty acids. They’re both derived from fish.

When looking for fish oils to give to your pug, keep in mind that wild fish are always preferable to farmed fish. A great option is Zesty Paw’s Pure Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil (buy it here). It has no additives, is made in the USA, and comes with a pump.

4. Get A Good Vacuum

Sitting pug.

Let’s be honest, you don’t want fur patches building up and creating tumbleweeds all over your home. Manage the build up of loose hairs before they become a problem.

Use the magic stick (linked above) for picking up hairs from clothes, fabric-covered furniture and bedding. For larger areas, a vacuum will do.  

Some vacuums are specifically designed to pull up pet hair and trap dander. They’re great for floors, steps, carpets, window blinds and large rugs.  

Vacuums that pug owners recommend include:

It will also help if you have a robot vacuum that cleans on its own. It’ll be able to pick up fly away bits of hair, and leave less for you to clean. 

5. Don’t Shave Your Pug

10 things you didn't know about pugs

Many people assume that shaving their pug will help manage shedding. But this is a myth! Your pug will simply shed shorter hairs, not fewer.

Shaving your pug doesn’t make them shed less, and in fact, you run the risk of a coat that grows back even thicker than before.

Plus, a shaved pug is more at risk of sun burns and bug bites (their fur actually insulates them and protects them from overheating).

So put the clippers away and cancel that appointment with the groomer (many groomers will even refuse to shave a pug!). 

Click here for more pug stuff. 


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If you're new to the pug life, then you might be surprised to learn that pugs shed an insane amount. Here are tips to help manage pug shedding. 

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