Horse Shedding: What's Happening Now and How to Properly Care for Their Skin

The shedding season for horses is a completely natural process that usually occurs in the spring and fall. During this time, many horses lose a lot of hair. What many owners don’t realize is that it’s not just the coat, but especially the skin that is under a lot of strain and requires extra care.

Common symptoms during the shedding season in horses

• Severe hair loss lasting several weeks
• Drug or flaky skin
• Frequent crawling or restless behavior
• Sensitive patches of skin that sometimes become red
• Dull hair instead of shiny
• Loose undercoat gets caught in the coat

Because the skin is particularly sensitive at this stage, early care is important to prevent skin problems.

Causes of the seasonal coat change in horses: Why the skin is sensitive right now

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

This can easily disrupt the skin's natural balance.

Common causes of skin problems during the shedding season

• The skin is working overtime and therefore loses moisture more quickly
• The skin's protective layer becomes more sensitive because new hairs are constantly growing in
• Loose hairs can irritate the skin if they are not removed
• Dust in the barn or changes in the weather can make dryness and itching worse
• Increased nutritional needs to promote healthy new hair growth

That is why many horses experience itching, dry skin, or minor irritations during this time.

Treating coat shedding in horses: Soothing the skin

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

Moisturizing and soothing products such as 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. Carefully part the hair
   Part the hair so that the scalp is visible.
2. Gently clean the area
   Carefully remove loose hair or dirt—do not rub hard.
3. How to apply the gel
   Apply a small amount of Doderm Hydro Repair Gel directly to the skin.
4. Let the gel absorb
   Do not rub in vigorously. The gel spreads and absorbs on its own.
5. Use regularly
   : Apply 1–2 times a day, as needed.
6. Throughout the entire molting period, use
   . This provides long-lasting support for the skin.

Benefits of Doderm Hydro Repair Gel

• Soothes irritated and itchy skin
• Provides intense hydration
• Supports the skin's natural functions
• Antibodies from colostrum help the skin regenerate
• Very well tolerated, even by those with sensitive skin
• Easy to use every day

This method allows for the management of the coat change in horses without causing additional stress to the skin.

Tips & Prevention: Reducing Stress During Shedding and Protecting the Skin

With a few simple steps, you can make this time much easier for your horse:

• Gently brush daily
  Removes loose hair and prevents skin irritation
• Do not wash too often
  Wash only when necessary to prevent the skin from drying out
• Use mild skincare products
  Avoid heavily perfumed or harsh products
• Make sure to follow a balanced diet
  Supports skin and coat from the inside out
• Keep the stable area clean
  Less dust means less irritation
• Check your skin regularly
  Detect and treat small changes early on

Extra tip:
If your horse is scratching a lot, start treating it early rather than waiting—this will prevent more serious skin problems from developing.

Natural support during the shedding season for horses: Keep the skin healthy throughout this period

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

Doderm Hydro RepairGel provides natural support for skin issues in horses by moisturizing, soothing, and protecting the skin during the shedding season.

Discover now how to provide targeted care for your horse's skin