How to reduce dog shedding in your home

Dog parents will be all too familiar with finding their pet’s hair wherever they go, especially on clothes, furniture and carpets. If you’re wondering how to reduce dog shedding, it helps to understand why dogs shed and what grooming habits make the biggest difference. It can be worse in spring and autumn when dogs lighten their coat before summer or grow a thicker coat for winter, although some breeds shed year-round.

Why do dogs shed fur?

While it may be annoying for us, shedding helps pets remove old, damaged or unwanted fur, helping them regulate their body temperature and keep their coat healthy.

What kind of dogs shed the most?

Dogs with dense double coats shed the most. Professional groomer Angela Anderson, a senior certifier for the National Groomers Association of New Zealand, says some breeds shed a lot more than others. “Most of the big shedders are the classic double-coated breeds,” she says, adding: “They have a fluffy undercoat plus a harsher top coat.” These breeds include:

• Huskies;
• German shepherds;
• Border collies;
• Retrievers;
• Corgis; and
• All Nordic breeds.

Once you know which breeds shed heavily, you can plan your grooming routines to reduce dog shedding and keep coats healthy.

Which breeds of dogs shed the least?

Dogs that have hair instead of fur tend to shed the least. “On the low- to no-shedding side are oodles, bichons, schnauzers, Maltese and the like. Their hair grows continuously, which means less loose fluff around the house – but much more regular brushing and washing.”

How to reduce dog shedding with regular grooming

Grooming helps control shedding by removing loose fur before it falls and distributing the natural oils that keep your pet’s coat healthy. Regular grooming is one of the most effective ways to reduce dog hair and is often the first step in learning how to stop your dog shedding around the home.

Tip: Learn how to groom your dog like a pro with this handy guide.

What is the proper way to wash a dog?

Bathing may also help loosen hair that’s ready to come out, but it’s important not to overdo it. Check with your vet how frequently your pet breed should be washed, as too often could strip their skin of natural oils. Angela says using the right shampoo is key. “Human products can strip the dog’s coat, causing dryness and irritation. A quality pet shampoo keeps the skin balanced and coat easy to manage.”

Will shaving a dog help shedding?

No, shaving your dog does not decrease shedding, and although it may seem intuitive to shave your double-coated dog for summer, doing so could harm their natural ability to regulate temperature and actually increases their risk of sun damage or heatstroke. Instead, Angela recommends regular brushing. “A well-brushed double coat helps airflow and keeps the dog more comfortable naturally,” she says, noting that a good detangling spray can go a long way with a loose coat.

Tip: Discover the best pet hair removal tips and how to maintain your vacuum in doing so.

How often should I brush my dog?

A dog’s coat should be brushed often: once a day for long-haired breeds, weekly for short. A slicker brush and metal comb are good tools for most breeds, advises Angela. “For double-coats, an undercoat rake will clear out the fluff before it becomes tumbleweed,“ she says. “But if the comb doesn’t glide through, the job isn’t finished!”

Brushing regularly is one of the simplest ways to reduce dog shedding and keep loose fur under control.

Also invest in devices for de-hairing your home. Angela says a rubber broom is brilliant on hard surfaces, slicker brushes tease hair from carpets and a damp cloth lifts fur off clothing and upholstery.

The best brush for shedding dogs

Choosing the right grooming tools can make a noticeable difference to how much fur ends up around the home. When looking for the best brush for shedding dogs, slicker brushes and metal combs work well for most coats, while undercoat rakes are ideal for double-coated breeds because they remove loose undercoat before it falls.

Beyond coat care, it’s time to focus on nail grooming…

With their coat sorted, learn how to tackle dog nail grooming.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.

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