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Dog hair. If you’ve got a born shedder like me, it’s part of life. You find it on your clothes, covering your carpet, and occasionally—to your horror—on your plate. Excessive dog shedding happens for a lot of reasons—we’ll explore some of them here—but what do you do to fight the fluff? My shepherd mix is what I like to call an extreme shedder, so I’ve had lots of time to ponder such essential questions.
Why Do Some Dogs Shed So Much?
For starters, why do certain dogs shed so much? Pretty much every dog sheds (the exception perhaps being completely hairless hounds), but there are definitely breeds that shed more than others, such as German shepherds, Corgis, and huskies. Certain types of coats also have a tendency to lose hair more than others—with double-coats taking a top spot as shedding offenders.
Aside from breed and coat, there are other reasons that dogs drop so much fur. Sometimes their excessive shedding can be linked to allergies, a poor diet without the proper nutrients, reactions to medication, fleas (or other bugs), or even anxiety.
It’s important to get your favorite four-legged friend checked out by the vet if you have shedding concerns—if there’s an underlying condition that’s causing your pup to lose so much fluff, you need to address it as quickly as possible.
Are There Certain Times of Year When Dogs Shed More?
Dogs generally shed the most during spring and fall months, since that’s when temperature change really affects dogs with double coats. This is also called “blowing coat”—when dogs shed their winter undercoats in spring in favor of lighter coats for summer, then again in fall for another winter coat.
Regardless of why your dog is shedding, the hair situation is something that is important to get under control.
Hair Removal Tools for Excessive Dog Shedding
The following are some of the tools that I’ve found personally helpful, and others that have their own cult followings and super devoted fans.
And remember—a good, thorough at-home grooming session, either with one of Rover’s professional, in-home groomers, or by yourself with a quality dog brush for shedding, can do wonders for your dog’s fur (not to mention the state of your home)!
Good luck!
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
This handy brush can help reduce your pet’s shedding by 90%. Gentle yet effective, its metal teeth remove loose hair from the undercoat without hurting your furry friend (thanks to the rounded corners that are perfect for your pup’s contours).
Simply push the button on the top to release any hair that’s trapped in the brush, pile it up, and throw it away.
Shop on AmazonFURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
This de-shedding shampoo by Furminator is meant to be used in conjunction with that famous brush. Give your dog a luxurious bath, wait until they’re dry, and then brush them with the Furminator. Watch as the hair falls right off your pet!
This product is also fantastic for your dog’s skin and coat, enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and other herbal extracts.
Find on AmazonHertzko Deshedding Tool
Great for long and short coats alike, this de-shedding tool will help remove excess hair and give your pet a soothing massage at the same time. The blade can be used either looped or straight, extended as a wand.
This de-shedding tool also helps increase blood circulation and keeps your pet’s coat nice and shiny—plus you can use this tool on dogs with both short and long hair,
Shop on AmazonKONG ZoomGroom
The Zoom Groom combines the best of both worlds—grooming time and playtime. Its rubbery teeth provide your pet with a good grooming, while its pleasing shape makes it a great toy for your dog.
Can be used for cats too! This cute little guy comes in small and large sizes and is made in the USA.
Shop on AmazonGrooming and De-shedding Glove
Slide on the de-shedding glove and stroke away loose hairs. This glove easily collects pet hair while also giving you some valuable one-on-one time with your dog (they’ll think you’re just giving them a nice pet!).
The glove’s fingers make it easier for you to reach places on their face, behind their ears, etc. You also don’t have to worry about it getting dirty—it’s completely washable.
This de-shedding glove also comes with a small, pocket lint roller (pictured).
Find on AmazonPet Deshedding Brush
Complete with a detachable comb head, this pet brush is an effective and easy way to tackle excessive dog shedding, removing loose hairs from your dog’s undercoat. It’ll also help keep your furniture nice and tidy, and even comes with a blade cover to keep it protected.
Shop on AmazonSleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool
This unique little de-shedder contains a bunch of miniature teeth that form a wave pattern and manage to remove loose hair without bothering your pup.
Easy to hold onto, this tool can also be used to clean up furniture, bedding, cars and more—and not just on dogs, but cats and horses, too.
Shop on AmazonDirt Devil Razor Pet Vacuum Cleaner
And of course, you can’t forget the essential pet-friendly vacuum!
Another part of the de-shedding process is making sure that the fur is all cleaned up. Luckily there are some pet-specific vacuum cleaners on the market that can help you keep those pesky hairs under control. This Dirt Devil Razor is a popular one because it’s easy to use in corners and under furniture, and even includes a wand that helps reach rogue hairs.
Find on Amazon“Shed Happens” Pet Tank
Finally, when you’ve cleaned so much dog fur that you’re not sure if you’re going to laugh or cry, have a giggle on us and let your pup advertise their furriness with this handsome dog tank. It won’t do a thing to cut back on the amount of hair you have to clean—but it’s worth a snicker at your fuzz monster’s expense. You can even go for gold and get yourself a matching tee that says “Free Dog Hair.”
Shop on RoverFurther Reading
For more tips, tricks, and hacks on the subject of pet hair, explore one of the articles below.
- 13 Dog Hair Removal Tools That Will Change Your Life
- When Your Dog’s Shedding Is a Sign of Stress
- 11 Best Dog Brushes for Everyday Grooming
- Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?
- 13 Dog Hair Removal Tools That Will Change Your Life
- 10 Best Dog Brushes for Shedding
- How to Get Dog Hair Out of the Car: Hacks and Products to Get the Job Done