You know that moment when your black joggers look like you rolled around in a snowstorm of dog fur? Yep, we’ve all been there.
Deshedding isn’t just for show dogs or fancy Instagram reels. It’s a real part of being a dog parent, especially if you live with a fluff factory like a Husky, Lab, or German Shepherd.
And before you ask, no, vacuuming every five minutes doesn’t count as a grooming routine. So if your couch has more hair than your dog’s back, it’s probably time to grab a brush and do the deed.
Start With the Right Tools Not Your Old Hairbrush
Let’s talk gear. You don’t need an entire salon in your cupboard, but the wrong brush is like using a spoon to rake leaves. Useless.
For double-coated breeds, a slicker brush and an undercoat rake are gold. The slicker gets the surface, the rake digs deep where the real mess hides.
Short-coated dogs like Pugs or Boxers do better with a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt. They’ll love it, and you won’t be left sweating like you ran a marathon.
Just don’t go wild with cheap knockoffs. You’ll end up pulling hair out of your carpet, not your dog.
Pick a Spot Where Fur Fallout Won’t Ruin Your Mood
Okay, so you’ve got your tools. Now where? The kitchen, the backyard, even the bathtub if you’re feeling ambitious. Just not the bed, unless you fancy sleeping in a dog hair cocoon.
Try doing it after a walk or play session when your dog’s a bit calmer. Toss a towel down, give a treat or two, and keep things chill. You’re not shearing a sheep, you’re bonding, remember?
Brushing Isn’t a Race It’s a Vibe
Go slow. Short strokes. Think more like a back massage, not lawn mowing.
If you hit a knot or mat, stop and work it out gently. Yanking will just make your pup hate the whole thing.
Some folks like to start from the back legs and move forward, others go from head to tail. Find your rhythm and stick with it.
I once watched a friend try to deshed her malamute in 15 minutes flat. He looked like a lopsided puffball and she needed three lint rollers for her hoodie. Lesson learned.
How Often Should You Be Doing This Depends on the Breed
Double-coated breeds? Expect to deshed them once or twice a week, especially when they blow their coat in spring and fall. It’s not cute, it’s a mess.
Short-haired dogs can go a bit longer between sessions, maybe every two weeks or so. But trust me, a little weekly brushing saves a lot of cleanup time later.
Especially when it’s raining and your wet pup does zoomies on your carpet.
Some folks think shaving is a shortcut to shedding less. Please don’t. It messes with their coat, their temperature control, and sometimes even their skin.
Deshedding is safer, smarter, and honestly kind of therapeutic once you get the hang of it.
Mistakes That Make Shedding Worse Without You Realizing
Overbathing your dog dries out their skin. That means more flakes and fur flying around. Aim for a bath every month or so unless they’ve rolled in something dodgy.
Using human shampoo is a big no-no too. Their pH is different, and your Head and Shoulders might leave them itchy as heck.
Another one? Skipping the diet talk. If your dog’s fur looks dull or comes out in clumps, it might be time to chat with the vet about omega-3s or switching up their kibble. A healthy coat starts inside.
Keep the Fur From Taking Over Your House
Deshedding won’t stop the hair completely, but it makes a massive difference. Still, it helps to have a backup plan.
Lint rollers in every room. Microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces. And if you’re feeling fancy, invest in a vacuum made for pet hair. The kind that doesn’t scream in protest when it hits a rug full of fluff.
Some folks even use the collected fur for composting or bird nests. Wild, right? It’s not for everyone, but it’s definitely eco-friendly.
When Deshedding Turns Into Something More Serious
Sometimes, excessive shedding isn’t just seasonal. If your dog is losing patches of fur or constantly itching, it might be allergies, mites, or a skin infection. That’s not something a brush will fix.
When in doubt, give your vet a ring. Better safe than sorry, yeah?
There was this spaniel mix at a local shelter who kept shedding nonstop. Turned out she had a food sensitivity and once that was sorted, her coat transformed.
So don’t write off your pup as a hopeless shedder without digging a little deeper.
You’ll Get Better With Practice Promise
Look, no one’s born knowing how to deshed a dog. You’ll mess up at first. You’ll forget the brush in the car. Your dog will try to wiggle away halfway through. Totally normal.
But eventually, it’ll become just another part of your routine. A quick ten-minute brush here, a little fur cloud there, and boom, less hair on your toast.
And hey, your pup will start to enjoy it too. With the right touch, deshedding can feel just like a belly rub with benefits.
Keeping your dog’s coat healthy isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about making them comfortable, keeping your space cleaner, and finding a moment of connection between the chaos.
So what’s your plan, are you going to tackle that mountain of fur this week or let the fluff win again?