How to Reduce Dog Shedding: A Brushing Routine That Actually Works

Quick answer: You can't stop a healthy dog from shedding, but you can catch most loose hair before it lands on your floor. Brush at least weekly, and every day or two during spring and autumn shedding. Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake on double coats and a rubber mitt on short coats. A bath with a thorough brush afterwards loosens extra dead undercoat.

Why dogs shed more at certain times

Many dogs shed most heavily in spring and autumn, losing a thick winter coat as it warms up and growing it back as it cools. In Australia, spring shedding usually peaks from about September to November. A shedding season typically lasts a few weeks to a couple of months. Double-coated breeds such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Kelpies, Border Collies, German Shepherds and Huskies drop the most hair, because their dense undercoat comes out in clumps.

How often to brush

• Short, smooth coats (Staffy, Beagle, Kelpie): once a week, and a few times a week while shedding.
• Double coats (Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, German Shepherd): two or three times a week normally, and every day or two during a coat blow.
• Long or curly coats (Cavoodle, Spoodle, poodle crosses): several times a week to stop mats. These coats tend to trap hair rather than drop it, so regular grooming matters more than shedding control.

Brushing outside, or on an old sheet you can shake out, keeps the hair out of the house.

Pick the right tool for the coat

• Slicker brush: fine wire pins that lift loose hair and tangles from medium and long coats. Use light, gentle strokes.
• Undercoat rake: longer teeth that reach through the top coat to pull out dead undercoat on double-coated breeds.
• Rubber curry brush or grooming mitt: best for short coats, and most dogs enjoy it like a massage.
• Wide-toothed comb: a final check for knots behind the ears, under the legs and on the tail.

De-shedding tools with a blade edge can remove a lot of undercoat, but used too often or too hard they can irritate the skin. Follow the instructions and stop if the skin looks red.

A simple 10-minute brushing routine

1. Start with a quick once-over with your hand to find any knots or sore spots.
2. For short coats, brush against the direction of hair growth first to loosen dead hair, then with the growth to remove it.
3. For double coats, work in sections from head to tail with the undercoat rake, then follow with a slicker brush.
4. Keep going until the brush collects noticeably less hair.
5. Finish with praise and a treat, so brushing becomes something your dog looks forward to.

Bathing to loosen the coat

A bath with a gentle dog shampoo, followed by a thorough brush once your dog is dry, loosens a lot of dead undercoat in one go. Many owners find a bath at the start of shedding season makes a big difference. Don't overdo it: every few weeks is usually plenty, as frequent bathing can dry the skin. Never use human shampoo.

Diet and health

A complete, balanced diet supports a healthy coat. If you're thinking about changing food or adding a supplement for skin and coat, ask your vet what suits your dog first.

When shedding isn't normal

Seasonal shedding is healthy. See your vet if you notice:

• Bald patches or thinning in one area
• Red, flaky, scabby or smelly skin
• Constant scratching, licking or chewing
• Hair loss together with weight change, low energy, or drinking more than usual

Then deal with what's already on the couch

Even with good brushing, some hair escapes. A reusable hair remover roller lifts dog hair from fabric couches, car seats and clothes with a back-and-forth roll, and you tip the hair out of the chamber with no sticky sheets to buy. It works best on smooth fabric upholstery. Our guide to getting dog hair off your couch, car seats and clothes has more cleaning tips.

Shop the fix

See our Shedding & Grooming range or the Reusable Dog Hair Remover Roller.

Frequently asked questions

Can you stop a dog from shedding?

No. Shedding is a natural part of a healthy coat cycle. Regular brushing removes loose hair before it falls out around the house.

How often should I brush a dog that sheds a lot?

Every day or two during heavy shedding, and at least weekly the rest of the year.

What's the best brush for a shedding dog?

For double coats, an undercoat rake followed by a slicker brush. For short coats, a rubber curry brush or grooming mitt.

Should I shave my double-coated dog to stop shedding?

It's generally not recommended, because the coat helps protect against sun and heat. Talk to a groomer or your vet first.

Does bathing reduce shedding?

A bath followed by a good brush loosens and removes a lot of dead hair at once. Bathe every few weeks at most unless your vet advises otherwise.

When should I worry about my dog's shedding?

If you see bald patches, sore or flaky skin, constant scratching, or hair loss alongside other changes in health, see your vet.

Sources

• American Kennel Club: Dog shedding, what to expect and how to manage it
• American Kennel Club: Seasonal shedding explained
• Hepper: How much do Beagles shed? (vet-reviewed)
• Vetstreet: Tips to help manage dog shedding season

Updated October 2026. General information only, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, call your vet.