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Most dogs shed. Some dogs really shed. A good dog brush for shedding is one of the most important tools in your grooming kit. There are a few different types, however, that work on different kinds of fur. If you’ve got a dog who does a ton of shedding, the right combination of tools will help prevent you from drowning in a sea of fluffy dog fur. But how do you choose?
Undercoat de-shedding tools are often touted as one of the best dog brushes for shedding, while slicker and rake brushes work well for daily maintenance. We spoke with Dr. Kathryn Dench (MA VetMB), Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, to learn more about what brushes to use and when to use them. With her advice, we compiled a list of our top seven best dog brushes for shedding.
Best for Weekly Brushing: FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
When it comes to trying to tame heavy shedding, Dr. Dench reaches for the much-applauded Furminator Deshedding Tool. “For heavy shedders, I recommend the Furminator Deshedding Tool due to its efficiency in removing loose undercoat hair,” says Dr. Dench. “Deshedding brushes such as the Furminator or undercoat rakes are particularly effective. These tools are designed with fine teeth that reach through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without damaging the skin.”
With over 40,000 reviews on Amazon, this brush comes in small, medium, and large sizes and styles for short-haired and long-haired dogs. The metal comb brush has a curved edge that reaches through your pup’s topcoat and removes loose hair that causes shedding. It’s designed with a release button on top, making the brush easy to clean for your next grooming session.
Key Features
- Available in multiple sizes (small, medium, large)
- Recommended to use once a week
- Designed with an ergonomic handle
Best for Daily Brushing: Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
Slicker brushes gently remove the loose hair and tangles from a shedding dog with fine bristles that penetrate the coat deeply without scratching your pet. “Slicker brushes are also useful for detangling and removing loose fur, especially in breeds with longer coats,” explains Dr. Dench. “They work by gently pulling out dead hair and stimulating the follicles.”
“During the shedding season, or when a dog is blowing their coat, daily brushing is recommended,” says Dr. Dench. “This helps manage the increased amount of loose hair and prevents matting. Use gentle, short strokes to avoid irritating the skin, and focus on areas where shedding is most prominent, such as the back, neck, and sides.”
Dr. Dench recommends this fine-bristled slicker brush for detangling and removing loose fur without causing your pet discomfort. After a much-needed brush session, all you have to do to clean the brush is click the button on top to retract the bristles and collect and dispose of the hair you’ve brushed out.
Key Features
- Good to use daily to brush out tangles, knots, and loose hair
- Ergonomic handle
- Bristle have a slightly curved design to reach underneath your dog’s topcoat
Best Rake Brush: Furminator Grooming Rake
This grooming rake is useful for getting into dog’s undercoats and brushing out loose hairs that might otherwise cover your carpet or furniture. “Regular brushing can significantly reduce shedding,” Dr. Dench explains. “Brushing helps remove loose fur before it falls out naturally, reducing the amount of hair shed around the home.”
The brush’s head, which features rounded metal pins, rotates 360 degrees to follow your pet’s contours with less tugging and irritation. Rake brushes are excellent for dogs with thick or double coats as they can reach your dog’s dense undercoat and help remove loose fur. Even better, the brush’s metal pins are rounded at the end to help prevent scratching and discomfort.
Key Features
- Good for daily use
- Ergonomic handle
- Good for dogs and cats
Best Pin Brush: Safari Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
When it comes to finding a quality brush, Dr. Dench recommends choosing ones with metal or stainless steel teeth or pins. “Brushes with stainless steel teeth are generally the best for deshedding as they are durable and effective at removing loose fur,” says Dr. Dench.
“Brushes with rubber or plastic teeth may not be as effective and can sometimes cause static buildup, making brushing uncomfortable for the dog. Avoid using human hairbrushes as they are not designed for the density and texture of dog fur and can cause discomfort or damage.”
This brush’s wire pins help remove loose and tangled hairs. Designed to be used daily, this wire pin brush comes in two sizes: small and large. The brush’s pins help distribute your pup’s natural oils while lifting out loose hair and debris.
Key Features
- Good for all dog breeds and coats
- Good to use in combination with slicker or rake brush
- Ergonomic, no-slip handle
Best for Short-Haired Coats: SleekEZ Dog Brush
While long-haired and thick-coated dogs like Golden Retrievers and Huskies get a reputation for leaving behind a trail of fur, short-haired breeds like Labrador Retrievers can be heavy shedders, too. Made in the U.S., this brush comes in multiple sizes to work on dogs, cats, and even horses.
With a special wave-patterned blade, this wood-handled tool brushes away loose fur, dirt, and dander with the stainless steel blade without grabbing or damaging the hair. It’s better for coats that are on the shorter side and can also be used to remove pet hair on furniture.
Key Features
- The stainless steel blade/comb features a wave pattern to capture hair gently
- Helps with mats, tangles, and knots, and removes loose hair
- Can use it to remove hair and fur from couches and beds
Best for Thick-Coated Breeds: JW Pet Gripsoft Double Row Undercoat Rake
When it comes to thick-coated dog breeds, like Samoyeds and Huskies, Dr. Dench recommends this double-row rake brush with rounded-tipped teeth to reach their undercoat. The two rows of teeth are different sizes and slightly curved to provide your dog a gentle but thorough brushing experience.
Even better, it’s gentle enough to use every day. “For breeds with heavy coats, regular brushing also helps distribute natural oils, promoting healthier skin and fur and preventing matting and tangles that can lead to skin issues,” says Dr. Dench.
Key Features
- Works on all breeds with undercoats
- Helps remove excess fur
- One size with an ergonomic, non-slip handle
Best Comb: Shiny Pet Dog Comb
Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to have a comb in your grooming kit, especially for after adventures outdoors or to help soothe out pesky tangles. The stainless steel teeth on this tool are round, so they won’t irritate your shedding dog’s skin while helping to remove loose hair.
This comb features an anti-slip rubber handle and is sturdy yet sleek. Not only is it a good choice for getting knots out, but it also helps remove dirt and dander.
Key Features
- Anti-slip, rubber handle
- Comes with a complimentary grooming ebook for tips and advice
- Good for dogs and cats
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Dr. Kathryn Dench (MA VetMB), Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
