Deshedding 101

Why Do Pets Shed?

Shedding is simply how dogs and cats renew their coats — old or damaged hair falls out and new hair grows in. Almost every breed sheds to some degree, even short-haired ones. Shedding increases with seasonal daylight changes (the famous spring and fall "coat blow"), indoor heating in winter, stress, and life stages like puppy-to-adult coat transitions. You cannot stop shedding entirely, and you should not try to — but you can absolutely manage it.

Know Your Coat Type

Your approach depends on the coat. Short, smooth coats (beagles, boxers) shed fine hairs year-round and do well with a rubber curry or soft bristle brush. Long coats (spaniels, collies) tangle easily and need regular combing to prevent mats. Double coats (huskies, golden retrievers, shepherds) have a dense undercoat beneath longer guard hairs — this is where most of the loose fur comes from, and where a deshedding tool earns its keep. Cats vary too: long-haired breeds need near-daily attention to avoid mats, while short-haired cats usually manage with a few sessions a week.

Brushing Technique That Works

Brush in the direction of hair growth using smooth, even strokes — never rake against the grain or press hard enough to scratch skin. Work in sections, starting at the neck and moving toward the tail, and check behind the ears, under the collar, and in the "armpits" where mats love to hide. For double-coated breeds, part the topcoat and work the undercoat in layers rather than skimming the surface. Keep sessions short and pleasant: five focused minutes a few times a week beats one marathon session your pet dreads.

Choosing the Right Tools

A deshedding brush reaches the loose undercoat without cutting healthy topcoat. A self-cleaning (one-click) design retracts the bristles to release collected fur, so you spend less time picking hair off the tool. For furniture and clothing, a reusable hair remover roller lifts embedded fur without disposable sticky sheets. Start with the gentlest effective tool and only step up if your pet's coat genuinely needs it.

Surviving Shedding Season

Twice a year, many dogs "blow" their undercoat over two to three weeks — expect dramatically more fur in spring and fall. During a blowout, brush daily (even twice daily for heavy shedders), and consider a bath with thorough drying: warm water loosens dead coat, and brushing again after the bath removes what the water freed. Keep lint rollers handy, wash bedding more often, and remember it is temporary. If shedding suddenly becomes patchy, or comes with itching, redness, or bald spots, that is a vet visit — not a brushing problem.