Things can get a bit hairy with a dog in the house. No, not scary hairy, the kind of hairy that is found all over your sofa, trodden deep into the carpet, and even hidden in your dinner.
We love our furry friends to the moon and back but their hair can be a real mess to clean up, as well as being a common allergy trigger. Shedding season can be a particularly fur-filled time of year, and the constant hoovering can feel like a never-ending chore.
That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the top ten best dog brushes for shedding, so that you can get to the (hairy) root of the problem before the mess unfolds.
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Why do dogs shed?
Just like us, most dogs lose dead hair daily, allowing room for new, healthy fur to grow. Shedding is also essential in order to regulate a dog’s body temperature.
During shedding season, dogs lose their thick, furry coats in preparation for warmer months, then shed their summer coats as the days get colder. Otherwise known as coat blowing, the amount of hair a dog loses during shedding season is dependent on the breed, and while most double-coated dogs moult naturally, some dogs need to go to the groomers to have their coat removed.
Think of it like putting your winter coat in storage for the summer, can you imagine anything worse than wearing a big puffer jacket in the blazing hot sunshine?!
Related article: Can dogs get hairballs? How to prevent hairballs in your dog
What are deshedding brushes?
Deshedding brushes are excellent tools to use when your dog is moulting. But don’t be fooled, a deshedding brush is not the same as a bog standard dog brush. Dog brushes are used to redistribute natural oils in the dog’s coat and to keep their fur looking shiny and healthy. A deshedding brush removes loose hairs before they end up all over your house, making it an essential tool for pet parents and dog sitters alike.
It’s important to choose the correct grooming tools based on the type of coat your dog has and its size. Rubber brushes work well on dogs with short coats, whereas long-haired dogs will benefit from being brushed with a slicker brush. Wide-toothed rake combs can also be used to get through the undercoats of double-coated doggies.
How to use a deshedder
Sometimes going to the puppy parlour is a chore, and you’d prefer to give your dog that salon-standard treatment from home. It can take a little while to brush your dog fully, so make sure you and your four-legged friend are comfortable before starting. It’s a good idea to wash your dog before using a deshedder, and be sure to cut out any mats and tangles to avoid any unexpected yelps. Use the deshedder to gently brush your dog in the direction of its hair growth. Rubber grooming tools work well in water; try adding a bit of shampoo to the brush and use small, circular movements to remove dead hairs.
Most dogs enjoy being brushed, as long as you are gentle and use the right tools. But if your furry friend bolts at the sight of a deshedder, try calming them down or giving them a treat. Grooming gloves like HandsOn Animal Gloves can be particularly useful for anxious doggies as they replicate the look and feel of your own hands.
Tired of cleaning up after your pooch and can’t decide which grooming tool to get? We’ve rounded up the ten best deshedding brushes for dogs to help you tackle those furnados head-on!
1. Furminator Deshedding Tool
Hands (paws) down, the best dog brush for shedding! As well as collecting dirt and debris, this tool is specifically designed to remove loose fur from the undercoat without damaging the top coat. Getting to the fur before it ends up on the sofa is key during shedding season, and this tool claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%!
Once you’re done with grooming, “furject” the hair straight into the bin for a fuss-free cleanup. What’s more, there are ten different varieties, so whether your pooch is small and long-haired or large and short-haired, you’ll find the right tool for the job!
Best for: easy cleanup
2. Original SleekEZ Grooming Tool
This is one of the most highly rated deshedding tools, and for good reason. Not only does it painlessly remove dirt and excess hair from your furry friend’s undercoat, but it also does the same to your furniture, bedding, and anywhere else your dog likes to leave its fluffy mark!
Best for: dogs and furniture
3. Big G Slicker Brush
Designed by Chris Christensen, this is the kind of brush you'd expect to see in your own hair salon. This showstopper is one of the more expensive dog brushes on the market, but the quality of the brush and the materials used to make it are unbeatable.
The long, bent pins of the slicker brush work to effectively penetrate dense coats with lots of floof, giving your long-haired dog a much-needed makeover.
Best for: that salon-fresh look
4. HandsOn Animal Gloves
These award-winning grooming gloves allow you to get up close and personal with your furry friend. They are the perfect tool for dogs that run away every time you get the brush out, as they mimic the touch of their pet parent’s hands.
The rubber nodules mean you can get into all the cracks and crevices, removing dead hair as you go. They can be used on wet or dry fur, and they allow you and your dog a bit of bonding time too!
Best for: nervous dogs
5. Furminator Grooming Rake
It’s not the latest action movie hero, but it does make untangling dense coats look easy.
The metal teeth of the grooming rake rotate to glide effortlessly through matted fur, removing loose hair as it goes. This rake-style tool is great if you have a particularly floofy Fido - and we’re sure your pup will relish the pamper session!
Best for: thick fur
6. Pet Neat’s Deshedding Tool
As the best shedding brush for short-haired dogs, this tool claims to remove 95% of dead hair in just ten minutes. Approved by pet parents and doggies alike, it removes loose hairs fuss-free, and it’s an excellent back scratcher!
Best for: short-haired dogs
7. Le Salon Essentials Grooming Brush
Curry combs like this one can be used to create small, circular motions, giving your pooch a comforting massage while taking care of loose hairs.
Another top contender for dogs with short coats, this rubber tool is designed to fit comfortably into your hand and is great for using in the bath.
Best for: massages
8. Bissell Forget It Grooming Brush
This scoop-shaped dog deshedder untangles long, thick fur and removes loose hairs before they reach your floor. The rounded teeth protect your dog’s skin and ensure that the top coat is kept intact.
Best for: medium-long haired dogs
9. Kong ZoomGroom Dog Brush
Remove loose fur at the same time as treating your doggo to a full body massage in the bath! This deshedding brush keeps your dog’s skin and fur in tip-top condition, and is loved by small pups and large dogs alike.
Best for: bath time
10. Ozark Pet Brush
Let’s not furget this double-sided brush which gets through tough matted fur on top, then works to deshed the undercoat. This dog shedding brush is gentle on your dog’s skin and is also said to reduce shedding by up to 95%.
Best for: reducing shedding by 95%
Dog shedding FAQs
Brushing your dog regularly helps with shedding as it removes the dead fur before it reaches your floor. It also helps keep your dog’s skin healthy and removes any other unwanted debris from your dog’s coat.
Most dogs need to be brushed a couple of times a week to keep dog hair at bay, but depending on the breed and the time of year, your pooch may need more. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing dogs as often as daily during shedding season.
That all depends on the breed. Some dog breeds shed in consistently small doses throughout the year. Dogs with a double coat generally shed seasonally. Otherwise known as coat blowing, seasonal shedding usually takes place during the Spring and Autumn months.
