How to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home: A Simple Weekly Routine

Shedding is how a dog replaces old and damaged hair. Double coated breeds like huskies, shepherds and retrievers also "blow" their undercoat once or twice a year, usually in spring and autumn, and that is when the tumbleweeds appear. You cannot switch it off. What you can do is remove the loose hair on purpose, outside or over a towel, before it ends up on everything you own.

The routine

Texas A&M's veterinary college recommends brushing three to four times a week for five to ten minutes. That is the whole secret. Short, regular sessions beat one long battle a month, and most dogs learn to enjoy it.

• Three or four times a week: 5 to 10 minutes of brushing, always in the direction the hair grows.
• During heavy shedding season: brush daily if you can, and bathe about once a week.
• Rest of the year: a bath two or three times a month is plenty for most dogs. Use a gentle dog shampoo, never a human one.
• After a bath: brush again once the coat is dry. Bathing loosens a lot of dead undercoat.

The right tool for the coat

Using the wrong brush is why many owners think brushing does not work. Match the tool to the coat.

Thick double coats: a deshedding tool

Huskies, shepherds, retrievers, corgis and similar breeds carry a dense undercoat. A deshedding tool has a fine steel edge that reaches through the top coat and pulls out loose undercoat. Use light pressure and short sessions, because pressing hard can scratch the skin.

Medium, long and curly coats: a slicker brush

A slicker brush has fine wire pins that remove loose hair and stop small tangles from becoming mats. It is the everyday brush for doodles, spaniels, collies and most mixed breeds. A self cleaning model saves you pulling hair out of the pins.

Short, smooth coats: a rubber curry brush

Labs, beagles, pugs, boxers and other short coats shed a surprising amount. A rubber brush grabs loose hair and doubles as a massage. Many dogs who hate brushes love this one, and it works in the bath too.

Should you shave a double coated dog?

Most groomers and vets advise against it. The undercoat insulates against both cold and heat, and a shaved double coat can grow back patchy and uneven. Brushing out the undercoat gives you less hair without those risks.

Food and supplements

A complete, balanced diet supports skin and coat. Some vets recommend omega fatty acid supplements for dry skin and a dull coat. Ask your vet before adding anything, especially if your dog has other health conditions.

When shedding is a health issue

Normal shedding leaves a full coat behind. See your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching or licking, a strong smell, or a sudden change in how much your dog sheds. Fleas, allergies, infections and hormone problems can all show up as hair loss.

Make the house easier too

A washable cover on the dog bed and a smooth throw on the sofa catch hair before it works into fabric. Brush outdoors when you can. For more tools, including nail grinders and clippers, see our guide to dog grooming tools.

Questions people ask

Sources

• Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine: Brushing Up for Shedding Season