By Mark Caldwell | Pet Household Odor Specialist & Practical Problem Solver
Spring and fall bring visible changes to your pet’s coat—and subtle changes to your home. During shedding seasons, many pet owners notice that indoor smells seem stronger or harder to manage.
This isn’t a cleaning failure. It’s a natural result of how shedding, dander, and odor interact indoors.
What Happens During Seasonal Shedding
Many dogs and cats shed more heavily as daylight and temperatures change. This helps them transition between thicker and lighter coats.
Even indoor pets often follow this cycle—just less dramatically—because light exposure still influences coat growth.
Dander Cycles: The Hidden Odor Multiplier
Shedding doesn’t just release fur. It releases more dander. Dander consists of microscopic skin flakes coated in natural oils.
Those oils act as carriers, binding odor compounds and helping them spread across surfaces and through indoor air.
How Extra Dander Increases Indoor Odor Load
During shedding seasons, dander accumulates faster than usual. It settles into:
- Upholstered furniture
- Rugs and carpeted areas
- Pet beds and blankets
- High-traffic floors
Once embedded, that dander slowly releases odor over time—especially when the room warms or humidity rises.
Why Odors Feel Stronger in Spring and Fall
Shedding seasons increase the volume of odor-carrying material indoors. At the same time, many homes have less fresh-air exchange during weather transitions.
The combination—more residue and less dispersal—makes smells feel heavier even if your cleaning routine hasn’t changed.
What Helps During High-Shedding Periods
Managing seasonal odor isn’t about doing everything differently—it’s about adjusting timing and focus.
- Vacuum more frequently to remove loose fur and dander.
- Target fabrics where dander settles fastest.
- Treat pet-favorite resting areas before odor becomes noticeable.
Odor-killing sprays allow direct treatment of fabrics and surfaces where dander binds.
Why Air Reset Still Matters
As dander levels rise, more odor circulates through indoor air. Resetting the air after surface treatment helps prevent that odor from settling back into clean fabrics.
Modest & Co. candles use a coconut–apricot wax blend designed for a steady, controlled burn that supports air reset without overwhelming fragrance.
FAQ
When do pets shed the most?
Many pets shed more heavily in spring and fall as coats adjust to seasonal changes.
How does shedding affect indoor smells?
Increased dander carries oils that bind odor to surfaces and air more efficiently.
Is seasonal shedding normal?
Yes. It’s a natural part of coat maintenance for many pets.
Do indoor-only pets shed seasonally?
Often less dramatically, but many still follow seasonal cycles due to light exposure.
Are Modest & Co. products safe to use more often during shedding seasons?
Follow usage guidance and patch test surfaces. Is This Safe for Pets and Kids?