If you own a dog, you know the feeling. You've just vacuumed, you sit down on the couch, and there it is: a fresh layer of fur on your black jeans. Shedding is one of the most common frustrations dog owners have, and one of the most misunderstood. The good news is that while you can't stop a healthy dog from shedding entirely, you can control where that fur ends up. With the right routine and the right tools, most of the loose hair lands in a brush instead of on your floor.
This guide explains why dogs shed, which breeds shed the most, how often you should brush, and a simple 15-minute deshedding routine you can start this week.
Why do dogs shed?
Shedding is a natural process. Hair grows in cycles: a growth phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase, when old hair falls out to make room for new growth. Every dog sheds to some degree, but how much depends on several factors:
- Coat type. Double-coated breeds like Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Corgis and Australian Shepherds have a soft, dense undercoat beneath a coarser topcoat. That undercoat is what comes out in clumps.
- Season. Many dogs "blow their coat" twice a year, usually in spring as they lose the winter undercoat and again in autumn as they prepare for colder weather. Indoor dogs exposed to artificial light and heating may shed more evenly year-round.
- Diet and hydration. A dull coat and excessive shedding can be linked to nutrition. A complete, balanced diet with healthy fats supports skin and coat health.
- Stress. Many owners notice their dog drops more hair at the vet or during car rides. Stress can trigger a sudden release of loose hair.
- Health. Patchy hair loss, bald spots, redness, constant scratching or a sudden change in shedding can point to allergies, parasites, hormonal issues or skin infections. If you notice any of these, talk to your veterinarian. Grooming tools help with normal shedding but are not a treatment for medical conditions.
Which breeds shed the most?
If your dog is one of these, a solid deshedding routine isn't optional, it's survival:
- Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Australian Shepherd
- Great Pyrenees
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Short-haired breeds like Beagles, Pugs and Dalmatians shed too, often more than people expect, because their short hairs weave into fabric and are hard to remove.
How often should you brush a shedding dog?
A good rule of thumb:
- Heavy shedders (double coats): 3-4 times a week normally, daily during shedding season.
- Moderate shedders: 2-3 times a week.
- Short-coated dogs: 1-2 times a week with a rubber or silicone tool.
Short, frequent sessions beat one long weekly battle. Five to fifteen minutes is plenty, and your dog will tolerate it far better.
Choosing the right deshedding tool
Using the wrong tool is the number one reason people give up on brushing. Here's how the main options compare:
Undercoat rake / deshedding comb
For double-coated dogs, an undercoat rake reaches below the topcoat and pulls out the loose, dead undercoat that causes most of the mess. Our Double-Sided Deshedding Brush & Dematting Comb combines two tools: a deshedding side for the undercoat and a dematting side for tangles behind the ears, on the legs, and around the collar. Stainless steel teeth are durable and easy to clean.
Tip: Always brush in the direction of hair growth, use light strokes, and never press hard on the skin. Stop if your dog shows discomfort.
Silicone grooming glove
For short-coated dogs, sensitive dogs, puppies, or dogs who hate brushes, a glove is a game-changer. You simply pet your dog and the loose fur sticks to the silicone tips. Our Silicone Pet Grooming Glove also works during bath time to massage in shampoo, which many dogs actually enjoy. It's the easiest way to turn grooming into bonding.
Mist / steam spray brush
Static and flyaway hairs are a big part of the problem in dry winter months. A fine mist helps loose hair clump together so it lifts out instead of floating around the room. The 3-in-1 Steam Spray Pet Brush adds a light water mist while you brush. It's great for finishing touches and for dogs with fine coats.
The 15-minute deshedding routine
Do this 2-4 times a week and you'll see a difference within the first week.
Minute 0-2: Set the mood. Pick a calm time, ideally after a walk when your dog is tired. Have treats ready. If your dog is wiggly, smear a little dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free) on a lick mat and stick it to the floor or wall. A busy tongue means a still dog.
Minute 2-4: Glove warm-up. Start with the grooming glove. Long, slow strokes along the back and sides loosen fur and relax your dog.
Minute 4-11: Undercoat work. Switch to the deshedding side of the brush. Work section by section: neck, back, sides, rump, tail, and the "pants" on the back legs. Short strokes in the direction of hair growth. Clear the brush often.
Minute 11-13: Tangles. Use the dematting side gently on problem areas: behind the ears, the armpits, and the collar line. Hold the hair close to the skin so you don't pull.
Minute 13-15: Finish and reward. A final pass with the mist brush or glove picks up remaining loose hairs. Then reward with praise and a treat. End on a happy note so next time is easier.
Bonus: bath-day deshedding
A bath helps release loose undercoat. Use a dog-specific shampoo, massage with the grooming glove while lathering, rinse thoroughly, and towel or blow-dry on a cool setting. When your dog is fully dry, follow up with a deshedding session. You'll be amazed how much comes out. Don't over-bathe; for most dogs once every 4-8 weeks is enough unless your vet suggests otherwise.
Protect your home and car
Even with great brushing, some fur will escape. A few easy wins:
- Washable covers. A dog bed with a removable, washable cover, like our Orthopedic Memory Foam Dog Bed, gives your dog a favorite spot that isn't your couch, and the cover goes straight into the wash.
- Car protection. Fur weaves into car upholstery and is notoriously hard to get out. A waterproof car seat cover hammock keeps fur, mud and claws off your back seat.
- Brush outside when the weather allows, so the fur blows away instead of settling indoors.
- Rubber gloves or a lint roller for quick clothing fixes.
Common deshedding mistakes
- Brushing too hard. Deshedding tools are effective, and aggressive pressure can irritate skin. Light strokes are enough.
- Shaving a double-coated dog. It's tempting in summer, but the double coat helps regulate temperature and protect skin. Shaving can damage how the coat regrows. Brush out the undercoat instead.
- Skipping weeks, then doing marathon sessions. Little and often wins.
- Ignoring the tail and back legs. These hold a surprising amount of undercoat.
- Using one tool for everything. A glove plus a deshedding comb covers 95% of dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop my dog from shedding completely? No. Healthy dogs shed. But regular deshedding can greatly reduce how much hair ends up around your home.
Is deshedding painful for dogs? Not when done properly. Use gentle pressure, keep sessions short, and choose a glove for sensitive dogs.
When is shedding season? Typically spring and autumn, though indoor dogs may shed year-round.
Should I see a vet about shedding? Yes, if you notice bald patches, skin redness, sores, intense itching, or a sudden dramatic change.
Start your shed-free week
Take the Shed-Free 7-Day Challenge: 10 minutes a day for seven days, and snap a photo of the fur pile on day one and day seven. You'll see exactly how much hair you're catching before it hits your floor.
Everything you need is in our Grooming & Shedding collection: the deshedding brush, the grooming glove and the steam spray brush. Free shipping on all orders to the US & Canada, 30-day returns, and live chat 24/7 if you have a question.