If you have a dog, you have dog hair. It's on the couch, the car seats and somehow inside the fridge. You can't stop a healthy dog from shedding, but you can catch most of that hair on a brush before it lands on everything else. Here's a routine that actually makes a difference.
Brush more often than you think
Brushing is the single biggest thing you can do. PetPlace suggests every other day if you can, and at least once or twice a week. Short, regular sessions beat one long battle on the weekend.
- Bristle brush: good for short coats and loose surface hair.
- Slicker brush: lifts tangles and small mats.
- Deshedding comb or tool: reaches under the top coat to pull out the loose undercoat, which is where most shedding comes from in double-coated breeds.
How to use a deshedding tool without upsetting your dog
- Let your dog sniff the tool first and give a treat.
- Start with a few gentle strokes along the back, in the direction the hair grows.
- Use light pressure. You're collecting loose hair, not scraping skin.
- Skip sensitive areas like the belly, legs and face at first.
- Stop while your dog is still relaxed, and build up over a few sessions.
Bathe, but not too often
A bath helps loosen dead hair, but overdoing it dries the skin and can make shedding worse. PetPlace suggests a bath every two to four months for most dogs, or when they're actually dirty. Use lukewarm water and a dog shampoo, never a human one. Brush once they're dry to catch everything the bath loosened.
Food plays a part
A dull coat that sheds heavily can be a sign that the diet isn't doing its job. Look for a food labeled complete and balanced. Omega-3 fatty acids support skin and coat health, but talk to your vet before adding supplements or switching foods.
Keep the house under control
- Put a washable blanket on your dog's favorite couch spot and wash it weekly.
- Vacuum a couple of times a week during heavy shedding seasons.
- Brush outside in spring and fall when coats "blow" the most.
- Use a seat cover in the car so hair doesn't work into the upholstery.
When shedding means something else
Some shedding is normal. See your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, scabs, constant scratching or licking, a bad smell, or shedding that suddenly gets much worse. Allergies, parasites and other health issues can all show up in the coat first.
What about cats?
The same ideas apply. Most cats do fine with short, gentle brushing sessions a few times a week, and long-haired cats need it more often to stop mats and hairballs. Go slowly and stop at the first tail flick.
From our shop
Our self-cleaning pet brush lifts loose hair and small tangles before they end up on your furniture. For the car, a waterproof seat cover keeps hair off the back seat.
Sources: PetPlace, "How to Reduce Dog Shedding at Home". This article is general information, not veterinary advice.