Short answer: Brush your dog with the right tool for his coat several times a week, and every day during shedding season. Use bath day to loosen dead undercoat, then brush again once he's completely dry. Don't shave a double-coated dog: according to the American Kennel Club, shaving doesn't stop shedding and can damage the coat.
You can't stop a healthy dog from shedding. Hair grows, rests and falls out, and some breeds do that in big waves twice a year. What you can control is where it ends up: in the brush, or on your couch, your clothes and the bathtub drain. Here's how to get more of it into the brush.
Why is your dog shedding so much?
Most dogs shed the most in spring and fall. The AKC explains that in spring, dogs drop their winter coat, and in fall they shed lighter hair to make room for a thicker one. Daylight and temperature trigger it, and a shedding season can last from a few weeks to a couple of months. Dogs who live mostly indoors often shed lightly all year instead.
Which brush works for which coat?
| Coat | Examples | Tool | How to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | Beagle, Pug, Boxer | Rubber brush, grooming glove or natural bristle brush | Brush against the grain to loosen dead hair, then with the grain to remove it |
| Long or double | Collie, Pomeranian, Corgi | Slicker brush, plus an undercoat rake in shedding season | Pull in the direction of growth, then up and away; don't press hard |
| Tangles and mats | Any long coat | Steel comb or mat splitter | Work them out before brushing or bathing |
The tool matters less than doing it often. A few minutes several times a week beats an hour once a month.
How do you deshed a dog, step by step?
- Brush outside if you can, before the bath. Work out any tangles first, then brush the whole coat.
- Bathe with warm water. Wet him down to the skin. Warm water and shampoo loosen dead undercoat that a dry brush leaves behind.
- Work the shampoo in with a rubber brush. It reaches the skin and pulls loose hair out while you wash. Our guide on how to bathe a dog covers the full bath.
- Rinse thoroughly. Leftover shampoo can irritate the skin.
- Dry him completely, with a towel and, for thick coats, a blow dryer on a low heat setting.
- Brush again once he's dry. This is when the most hair comes out.
- Vacuum the area and clean the brush.
Does a bath help with shedding?
Yes. A bath loosens hair that's ready to fall out anyway, and a lot of it ends up in the tub instead of on your floor. The AKC mentions that a shedding-control shampoo can help remove loose hair. Two tips: put a hair catcher over the drain, and brush during the bath, not only before.
The TubbyTails grooming brush straps to the back of your hand, so you wash with an open palm while soft rubber nubs push the foam down to the skin and collect loose hair. Between baths, it works dry. To be honest about where it stops: on a thick double coat in full shedding season, the rubber nubs don't reach as deep as an undercoat rake. For those dogs, use both.
Should you shave a double-coated dog to stop shedding?
No. The AKC advises against shaving double-coated dogs that are groomed regularly. Shaving doesn't stop shedding, and the two layers of the coat grow back at different speeds: the undercoat comes back faster and can crowd out the guard hairs. It can also raise the risk of skin problems and sunburn. The AKC sees shaving as reasonable only for surgery or as a last resort for a severely matted coat.
How often should you brush a shedding dog?
Heavy shedders may need brushing several times a week, and daily during peak shedding, according to the AKC. Light shedders still benefit from regular brushing, because it removes loose hair and spreads the skin's natural oils through the coat.
When is shedding a reason to see the vet?
Normal shedding is even and doesn't bother the skin. See your vet if you notice bald patches, red or inflamed skin, constant scratching, a sudden increase in hair loss or a coat that keeps getting thinner. Allergies, parasites and conditions like hypothyroidism can all cause heavy shedding.
Bath day is the best deshedding day. Read how often to bathe a dog to find the right rhythm, or see all dog grooming supplies, including our dog shampoo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to deshed a dog?
Brush with a tool that fits his coat, use a warm bath to loosen dead undercoat, dry him completely and brush again. During shedding season, brush daily.
How often should I deshed my dog?
Several times a week for heavy shedders, and daily in spring and fall. Light shedders do fine with a weekly brush.
Does bathing a dog reduce shedding?
A bath doesn't stop shedding, but it loosens hair that's ready to come out, so more of it ends up in the tub and the brush instead of around your home.
Can I shave my husky or golden retriever so he sheds less?
It's not recommended. Shaving a double coat doesn't stop shedding and can damage the coat and expose the skin to sunburn. Regular brushing works better.
Is a rubber brush good for shedding?
Yes, especially for short coats and in the bath. On thick double coats in peak season, combine it with an undercoat rake.
