How to Control Dog Shedding: Best Brushes, Tools & Tips That Actually Work

How to Control Dog Shedding: Best Brushes, Tools & Tips That Actually Work

Shedding is one of the most common and frustrating challenges dog owners face. While it is a completely natural process for most dogs, excessive hair around your home, on your clothes, and in your car can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right tools, grooming habits, and care techniques, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose fur your dog sheds.

In this guide, we’ll cover what causes shedding, the breeds most prone to it, and the best brushes, tools, and tips that actually work to keep your dog — and your home — cleaner and more comfortable.

Why Do Dogs Shed?

Dogs shed to get rid of old, damaged, or extra hair. Shedding frequency and intensity depend on several factors, including breed, health, coat type, and even the time of year. Double-coated dogs like Huskies, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers experience seasonal shedding, typically during spring and fall. Meanwhile, single-coated dogs such as Poodles shed far less.

Common causes of shedding include:

• Seasonal changes
• Breed-specific coat types
• Poor diet or low-quality food
• Stress or anxiety
• Skin infections, allergies, or underlying health issues

While you can’t eliminate shedding entirely, you can manage it with the right tools and routines.

Best Dog Brushes for Shedding

Regular brushing is the most effective way to control shedding. The right brush will remove loose fur before it falls onto your floors, furniture, and clothes.

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool

Best for: Medium to heavy shedders with double coats

Why it works: Reaches through the topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the skin or top layer.

Recommended for: Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Labs, Shepherds

Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Best for: All coat types, especially curly or tangled fur

Why it works: Fine bent wires detangle and remove loose hair while being gentle on the skin. The self-cleaning button makes cleanup easy.

DakPets Pet Grooming Brush

Best for: Daily grooming for all sizes and coat lengths

Why it works: An affordable alternative to the FURminator, with a non-slip grip and stainless steel blade that reduces shedding by up to 95 percent.

Slicker Brush, De-shedding Brush, & Grooming Glove Set

Best for: Multi-purpose grooming

Why it works: Includes both a slicker brush and de-shedding brush, along with a grooming glove, ideal for dogs who don’t like traditional brushes.

Top Grooming Tools to Reduce Shedding

Beyond brushing, additional tools can make a big difference in controlling loose hair around your home.

Pet Grooming Gloves

Helps reach sensitive areas like the legs and belly.

Ideal for dogs who don’t tolerate brushes well.

Doubles as a bonding massage tool.

Dog Hair Removal Rollers

Use on furniture, car seats, and clothing.

Reusable and more effective than standard lint rollers.

Deshedding Shampoos and Conditioners

Formulas with omega fatty acids and vitamin E nourish the skin and coat.

Loosen dead hair and make brushing more effective.

High-Velocity Dryers

Common in professional grooming salons.

Blows out dead undercoat after a bath, reducing shedding significantly for weeks.

Diet and Nutrition Matter

A dog’s coat reflects their internal health. Poor nutrition can lead to dry, brittle fur and increased shedding. Feeding a high-quality diet rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids helps support healthy skin and reduce shedding.

Supplements to consider:

• Fish oil
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 blends
• Skin and coat support chews with biotin and zinc

Before introducing supplements, consult with your veterinarian.

Breed-Specific Shedding Tips

Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Here are a few tailored suggestions:

Labrador Retrievers

Use a deshedding tool like the FURminator weekly during shedding seasons.

German Shepherds

Daily brushing with a slicker brush or undercoat rake will keep fur manageable.

Short-haired breeds (Boxers, Beagles)

Use grooming gloves and rubber curry brushes for gentle hair removal.

Poodles and Doodles

Though they shed less, they need regular trimming and detangling to avoid matting.

Additional Shedding Control Tips

Vacuum frequently: Use a vacuum designed for pet hair with HEPA filters.

Cover furniture: Washable covers reduce hair buildup on couches and beds.

Keep your dog hydrated: Dry skin leads to increased shedding.

Schedule regular baths: Use moisturizing, non-drying shampoos to help loosen dead fur.

When to See a Vet

If your dog’s shedding seems excessive, patchy, or is accompanied by itching, redness, or hair loss, it may be a sign of an underlying issue such as:

• Allergies
• Parasites (fleas, mites)
• Hormonal imbalances (thyroid)
• Fungal infections

In these cases, professional medical care is necessary.

Final Thoughts

Shedding is part of life with dogs, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. With the right tools, regular grooming, and a focus on nutrition, you can significantly reduce the amount of loose fur on your floors and furniture. Whether your dog is a light seasonal shedder or a heavy year-round one, a consistent shedding management routine is the key to a cleaner, healthier home — and a happier pup.

If you want to explore more pet care tips and product recommendations, check out our guides on 5 Best Flea Collars for Dogs on Amazon and Best Dog Food on Amazon Right Now.

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