The Deshedding Guide for Dogs and Cats
Cut down on fur tumbleweeds with the right tools, a seasonal plan and a few habits that make shedding season bearable.
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You cannot stop a healthy dog or cat from shedding, but you can catch the loose hair on a brush instead of on your sofa, clothes and floors. With the right tools, a few smart habits and a plan for the big seasonal sheds, fur tumbleweeds become far more manageable.
Why Pets Shed
Shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Each hair grows, rests and eventually falls out to make way for a new one. How much a pet sheds depends mostly on genetics and coat type.
- Double coated dogs such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Corgis shed steadily all year and "blow" their undercoat once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall.
- Short coated dogs such as Labs, Pugs and Beagles often shed more than people expect, as short hairs work their way into fabric.
- Curly coated dogs such as Poodles shed less onto the floor because loose hair stays trapped in the coat, which is why they need frequent brushing to prevent mats.
- Cats shed all year, with heavier sheds in spring and fall. Indoor cats under artificial light may shed more evenly through the year. Long-haired breeds such as Maine Coons and Persians produce the most visible fur.
The Best Deshedding Tools
| Tool | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Undercoat rake | Long, rounded teeth reach into thick coats and pull out dead undercoat | Double coated dogs, long-haired cats with dense coats |
| Deshedding blade tool | A fine edged comb that catches loose undercoat beneath the topcoat | Double coats and short coats; use sparingly |
| Slicker brush | Fine wire pins lift loose hair and small tangles | Most medium and long coats, dogs and cats |
| Rubber curry brush or grooming glove | Grips and lifts loose hair while massaging the skin | Short coated dogs and short-haired cats |
| Metal comb | Finds and removes loose hair and tangles close to the skin | All long coats, essential for cats |
| High velocity dryer | Blows loose undercoat out of the coat after a bath | Heavy shedding dogs (rarely tolerated by cats) |
How to Deshed a Dog
- Start with a rake. Work an undercoat rake through the coat in the direction of growth, focusing on the neck, chest, back thighs and tail where undercoat is thickest.
- Line brush with a slicker. Part the coat and brush the layer beneath the part, working up the body section by section.
- Check with a comb. A wide tooth comb should glide to the skin without catching or pulling out large clumps.
- Go outside if you can. During a coat blow, brushing outdoors saves a lot of vacuuming.
During a seasonal blow, brush daily for 10 to 15 minutes rather than trying to remove everything in one marathon session. For technique by coat type, see our dog brushing guide.
How to Deshed a Cat
Cats groom themselves, but the loose hair they swallow can form hairballs. Regular brushing means less hair in your cat's stomach and on your furniture. Keep sessions short, calm and on your cat's terms.
- Pick the right moment. Brush when your cat is relaxed and seeking attention, often after a meal.
- Start where cats like it. Begin with the cheeks, head and back, which most cats enjoy.
- Use the right tool. A rubber grooming glove or soft slicker for short-haired cats; a metal comb plus slicker for long-haired cats.
- Watch the tail. A twitching tail, flattened ears or skin rippling along the back means stop. Two minutes of happy brushing beats ten minutes of struggle.
- Reward. End with a treat or play so your cat comes back next time.
Brush short-haired cats once or twice a week, and long-haired cats daily or every other day. Long-haired cats tend to mat in the armpits, behind the ears and on the "trousers" behind the back legs. The complete guide to at-home cat grooming covers mats and nervous cats in detail.
Bathing and Blow Drying for Dogs
A bath during shedding season loosens dead undercoat dramatically. Brush first, then wash with a dog shampoo and a conditioner designed for deshedding, rinsing thoroughly.
Drying is where the magic happens. A high velocity dog dryer on a cool or low heat setting blows clouds of loose undercoat out of the coat. Hold it a few inches from the skin and move it constantly. Brush with a slicker as you dry. If you only have a human hair dryer, use the cool setting and keep it moving at least 6 to 12 inches from the skin.
Most cats should not be bathed for shedding. If a bath is truly needed, read how to bathe a cat first.
Diet, Hydration and Home Habits
Good nutrition supports a healthy coat, and a dull, flaky coat with excessive shedding can be a sign that something is missing. A complete and balanced commercial diet meets the needs of most pets. Fatty acids such as omega-3s from fish oil can support skin and coat health, but ask your vet before adding supplements, especially for pets with health conditions.
Other habits that help:
- Keep fresh water available at all times. Many cats drink more from a fountain.
- Wash pet bedding weekly and use washable throws on furniture.
- Vacuum with a pet hair attachment, and use a rubber squeegee or damp rubber glove on upholstery.
- Keep up with flea prevention, since flea allergies cause itching, scratching and hair loss.
When Shedding Is a Health Sign
Normal shedding leaves an even, healthy coat underneath. Contact your vet if you notice:
- Bald patches, thinning areas or hair loss that is not part of a normal seasonal pattern
- Red, scaly, greasy or broken skin, sores, or a bad smell
- Constant scratching, licking, chewing or overgrooming (cats may lick their belly bare)
- A dull, brittle coat together with changes in weight, appetite, thirst or energy
- Fleas, flea dirt, or frequent hairballs, vomiting or constipation in cats
Allergies, parasites, skin infections, hormonal conditions and stress can all cause excessive shedding. Your vet can find the cause and recommend treatment. For a full routine beyond shedding, see the complete guide to at-home dog grooming.
