9 Tips on How to Stop Dogs from Shedding

Every pet owner wants to know how to stop dogs from shedding, but the truth is that it cannot be done, at least not to the point of completely stopping this. You'll never be able to remove every loose dog hair, and even if you could, more would grow in its place. The good news is that there are ways to drastically reduce shedding in dogs.

For example, dog deshedding tools can reduce the amount of loose pet hair that your dog sheds by up to 90%. No amount of bathing or dietary supplements will give you those results. Regular grooming with any of those deshedding tools is the only way to save your furniture, carpets and clothing from being overrun with dog hair.

What Tools to Use to Deshed Your Dog?

Specially made deshedding tools for dogs are very common. They can be found in any pet store, and you'll usually find a variety to choose from. Some are better than others.

Manufacturers make brush-like dog deshedding tools for different coat types and lengths, along with tools for different sizes of dogs. They aren't all made equally, so be sure to do a little research before making your selection.

You need to select a pet deshedding tool that will meet your dog's individual needs. As I explain in my video above, if your pooch has a double coat, wiry fur or long locks, you need to buy a shedding tool that is specifically designed for that coat type. Also, make sure that you're buying a product that is safe, not just effective.

I recommend shopping around online first, even if you prefer to buy your dog products in a local store. Research the right product for your dog, read customer reviews and visit the manufacturer's website. When you find the right shedding tool for your pet, you can stop into your local pet store and pick one up.

9 Tips on How to Stop Dogs from Shedding

1. Preparation: Give Your Dog a Bath

When learning how to stop dogs from shedding, deshedding tools aren't going to do all the work. The tool is of huge help, but you'll need to use it properly; otherwise you won't get the results you're anticipating. Most of the poor reviews that these products receive are simply due to owners not reading instructions or not buying the right type of brush.

The best time to use a deshedding tool for dogs is after a bath. 

Washing your dog releases a lot of the loose fur that is stuck in a dog's coat. However, remember to NEVER brush your dog when his coat is still wet! Make sure the dog's coat is completely dried before brushing him with a deshedding tool.

2. Preparation: Remove Mats and Tangles

You also want to make sure you give your dog a brush through with his regular grooming brush. A pin and bristle brush will work for most dogs. This is to ensure that there are no mats or tangles in his coat before you get to deshedding.

Have you ever pulled a brush through your hair and caught a tangle that you didn't know was there? It pulls on your hair and it really hurts. That's the pain that you'll inflict on your pooch if you try to get the mats and tangles out of his hair with a deshedding tool.

Dealing with dog's hair mats is not what these tools are made for.

3. Preparation: Inspect Your Dog's Fur

The last thing you need to do to prepare your dog for deshedding is to give him a thorough inspection. This is to ensure that other than mats and tangles, no other things get caught during the deshedding process that could hurt your pet.

I recommend you go through your dog's coat with your hands only, gently brushing your pup, and remove any foreign objects, like burrs, that you may have missed.

Also, check your dog's skin for lumps, scratches or any other wounds. If a deshedding tool for dogs catches one of these lesions it will be extremely painful for your pup.

4. Deshedding Tools: Brushing Techniques

As you'll see in my video about how to stop dogs from shedding, you're going to need to brush your dog in the same direction of his fur. This is to ensure not only the most efficient way to deshed a dog but to also keep your pet calmer and more relaxed.

Basically, you want to brush from head to tail with long strokes. Stop to remove the dog's hair as needed when the teeth get full. Never brush with a toll full of pet hair, and try to keep the same rhythm so that your pup gets used to the movements and enjoys it.

5. Deshedding Tools: Safety Concerns

DO NOT press down on the brush.

Unlike regular dog brushes, deshedding tools for dogs are equipped with a stainless steel head that has a row of sharp teeth. These teeth are great for collecting loose dog hair, but if you press them into your dog's skin they could cut the dog.

These deshedding tools for dogs are designed to reach deep into your pet's coat to remove any debris or loose hair that is buried underneath the top coat, so you don't need to force it.

6. Deshedding Tools: Brush Until You Get It All Out

The amount of time that you spend brushing your dog will vary depending on your pet's coat type. As you'll notice in my video, our chocolate Labrador requires a lot of brushing.

I typically brush her for about 15-20 minutes every day, but in the spring when she is shedding excessively, it can take up to an hour to thoroughly brush through her coat.

Generally, you'll want to continue brushing until you're not getting any more fur in the brush. This is the only way to reduce your dog's shedding.

Of course, any amount of brushing will help. After all, whatever fur you do manage to remove from your dog is that much less that you will have to clean up around your home and it's a good way to prevent shedding in your dog for the future.

Tip: If you want to know how to stop dogs from shedding, the key is to brush until the deshedding tool doesn't pick up anymore fur. It will take a while in the beginning, but if you make brushing a daily event you'll be shaving time off the task after the first few days. Just remember to stay consistent or the loose hair will begin collecting and you'll be back to brushing for an hour or more.

7. More Deshedding Tips: Brush Them Outdoors

In my video above I mention that I like to deshed my dogs outside as opposed to indoors. Reasons are obvious: you don't have to clean up the pet hair mess afterwards.

If you're able to groom your dog outside, I highly recommend it, but if not and you have to stay indoors, make sure you do it somewhere that is going to be easy to clean afterwards. If you can afford it, a dog bath or a grooming table will make it simpler.

There will be a lot of hair floating around, even if you put the clumps of fur right in the trash can. There will still be dog hair flying around every time you make a pass down your pet's back. You really shouldn't brush your dog in a carpeted area.

Try to do it on a hard floor that will be easy to sweep up when you're done.

8. More Deshedding Tips: Always Clean the Tool's Teeth

You'll also want to make sure that you clean the teeth of a deshedding tool regularly as you're brushing. If the teeth are full of pet hair, they won't be able to collect anymore of your dog's hair, essentially defeating the purpose of every stroke that you take.

The more you clean the brush head, the more hair you're be able to remove.

When you're finished deshedding your dog, wash the brush head with warm water and a mild soap. Your dog's skin makes natural oils that are great for the condition of his coat, but they'll build up on your deshedding tool over time.

9. More Deshedding Tips: The Best Dog Deshedding Tools

Over the years, I've tried nearly a hundred different grooming brushes and deshedding tools for dogs, trying to find something effective for how to stop dogs from shedding. I've reviewed many of these here on Top Dog Tips, and below are some of my favorites.

Preview	Product	Rating
	DakPets Pet Deshedding Tool | Professional Cat and...	51,947 Reviews	Check Price
	MIU COLOR Pet Grooming Brush, Deshedding Tool for...	16,769 Reviews	Check Price
	Anshar Dog Brush for Shedding and Grooming -...	4,501 Reviews	Check Price

READ NEXT: Dog Grooming Prices – How Much Does It Cost to Groom a Dog?

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