How to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home: 7 Simple Steps

If you find dog hair on your couch, your car and every black shirt you own, you're not alone. Shedding is a normal part of a healthy dog's life: old and damaged hair falls out to make room for new growth. You can't stop it completely, but with the right tools and a simple routine you can catch most of that loose fur on a brush instead of on your floor.

Here are 7 simple steps to reduce dog shedding at home.

Why do dogs shed so much?

Many breeds, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Huskies and Corgis, have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat close to the skin and a longer top coat on the outside. The undercoat is what comes out in clumps, especially in spring and fall when dogs "blow" their coat for the new season. Single-coated dogs shed too, just usually less.

Most of the hair that ends up around your home is loose undercoat that's already detached but still trapped in the coat. The goal of a good grooming routine is to remove that loose hair before it falls out on its own.

Step 1: Brush regularly, not just when it's bad

Short, regular sessions work better than one long session when the hair is already everywhere. For most heavy shedders, a few brushing sessions a week is a good starting point, and daily brushing helps during spring and fall shedding season. Even 10 minutes makes a difference.

Step 2: Use an undercoat rake or deshedding brush

A regular brush mostly smooths the top coat. To reach loose undercoat fur, you need a deshedding tool such as an undercoat rake. Its teeth reach down into the coat and pull out the loose hair that a normal brush slides over.

A dual-sided rake gives you two options in one tool: one side for working through thicker, tangled areas and the other for finishing and lifting loose fur.

Step 3: Brush the right way

• Go with the hair growth. Brush in the direction the hair grows, using gentle, short strokes.
• Work in sections. Start at the neck and work back toward the tail, then do the chest, legs and belly.
• Don't press hard. Let the tool do the work. Pressing into the skin can cause irritation.
• Watch your dog. If your dog seems uncomfortable or you see redness, stop and take a break.

Step 4: Finish with a comb

After raking, run a stainless steel comb through the coat. It catches any leftover loose hairs, smooths the coat and helps you find small tangles behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail before they turn into mats.

Step 5: Bathe at the right time

A bath can help release loose undercoat, especially during shedding season. Brush before the bath to remove tangles, and brush again once your dog is fully dry, because a lot of loose fur comes out after bathing. Use a shampoo made for dogs, and don't over-bathe, since too many baths can dry out the skin.

Step 6: Support a healthy coat from the inside

A complete, balanced diet and plenty of fresh water help keep the skin and coat healthy. If you're thinking about changing your dog's food or adding supplements, ask your veterinarian what's right for your dog.

Step 7: Make grooming a calm routine

Pick a quiet time, keep sessions short and give praise or a treat at the end. Dogs who are used to being brushed and having their paws handled are much easier to groom, and that also makes nail trims less stressful. While you're at it, check the nails: if you hear clicking on the floor, they're probably due for a trim.

When shedding isn't normal

Seasonal shedding is expected. But talk to your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, sores, constant scratching or licking, or a sudden change in how much your dog sheds. These can be signs of a problem that brushing won't fix.

The tools that make it easier

You don't need a drawer full of grooming gear. Our Pawtiva 4-in-1 Deshedding Grooming Kit puts the essentials in one box:

• A dual-sided deshedding rake to lift loose undercoat fur
• A stainless steel finishing comb for smoothing and catching leftover hairs
• Safety nail clippers for quick, tidy nail trims
• A stainless steel nail file to smooth rough edges

It works for both dogs and cats, ships free in the US, and comes with our 30-Day Happy-Pet Guarantee.

Shop the Pawtiva Deshedding Grooming Kit →

Quick recap

1. Brush a few times a week, and more in spring and fall.
2. Use an undercoat rake or deshedding brush to reach loose fur.
3. Brush gently, in sections, with the hair growth.
4. Finish with a comb.
5. Brush before and after baths.
6. Feed a balanced diet and ask your vet about changes.
7. Keep grooming calm and rewarding.