Coat Changes in Horses: What’s Happening Now and How to Care for Their Skin

The seasonal shedding of a horse's coat is a completely natural process that typically occurs in the spring and fall. During this time, many horses shed a lot of hair. What many owners don’t realize is that it’s not just the coat that’s affected—the skin is also under a great deal of stress and needs extra care.

Common Symptoms During the Coat Change in Horses

• Heavy shedding over several weeks
• Dry or flaky skin
• Frequent scratching or restlessness
• Sensitive, sometimes reddened areas of skin
• A matte finish instead of a shiny one
• Loose undercoat tangled in the coat

Because the skin is particularly sensitive during this phase, early care is important to prevent skin problems.

Causes of Coat Change in Horses: Why the Skin Is Sensitive

During the coat change, a horse’s body adapts to the new season. More daylight and warmer temperatures signal the skin to shed old hair while producing new hair. This is hard work for the skin.

The skin's natural balance can easily be disrupted.

Common Causes of Skin Problems During the Shedding Season

• The skin works overtime and loses moisture more quickly
• The skin's protective barrier becomes more sensitive as new hairs constantly grow in
• Loose hairs can irritate the skin if they aren’t removed
• Dry, stable air or changes in the weather can make dryness and itching worse
• Higher nutrient requirements for growing healthy new hair

As a result, many horses show signs of itching, dry skin, or mild irritation during this period.

Treating Coat Change in Horses: Soothing and Supporting the Skin

Brushing alone is often not enough during the shedding season. The skin now needs care that soothes, moisturizes, and protects without causing further irritation.

Hydrating and soothing products like Doderm Hydro RepairGel are specially formulated to support stressed skin. The antibodies in colostrum help soothe the skin and restore its natural balance.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Gently part the fur a
   . Part the fur so that the skin is visible.
2. Carefully clean the area with
   . Gently remove loose hairs or dirt—do not rub harshly.
3. Apply a thin layer of gel-
   : Apply a small amount of Derm Hydro Repair Gel directly to the skin.
4. Let it absorb in
   . Do not rub it in vigorously. The gel spreads and absorbs on its own.
5. Use regularly
   . Apply once or twice daily as needed.
6. Continue using this product throughout the shedding period
   Consistent care ensures long-term skin health.

Benefits of Doderm Hydro Repair Gel

• Soothes irritated and itchy skin
• Provides intense hydration
• Supports the skin’s natural function
• Colostrum antibodies help regenerate the skin
• Well tolerated, even on sensitive skin
• Easy to incorporate into your daily routine

This approach allows you to manage the coat change in horses without putting additional stress on their skin.

Tips & Prevention: Reduce Stress During the Shedding Season and Protect the Skin

A few simple steps can make the coat change easier for your horse:

• Gently brush your dog every day
  . This removes loose hair and prevents skin irritation.
• Avoid over-bathing
  Bathe only when necessary to prevent the skin from drying out
• Use mild hair care products
  Avoid strongly scented or harsh shampoos
• Provides balanced nutrition
  . Supports skin and coat health from the inside
• Keep the stable clean
  Less dust reduces further irritation
• Check your skin regularly
  . Spot early changes and treat them promptly.

Extra Tip:
If your horse scratches a lot, start supportive care early rather than waiting—this helps prevent more serious skin problems.

Natural Support During the Horses' Coat Change: Keeping the Skin Healthy Throughout the Season

Coat shedding is a normal part of a horse’s life, but it can put significant strain on both the skin and the coat. Providing targeted care during this time helps keep the skin healthy and prevents discomfort.

Doderm Hydro RepairGel provides natural relief for equine skin issues by hydrating, soothing, and protecting the skin throughout the shedding season.

Find out how to care for your horse’s skin now