How to Deshed Your Dog at Home Like a Pro Groomer

Deshedding Your Dog Key Points

• Brushing and deshedding are not the same
• Tailor your grooming tools and techniques to your dog’s coat type
• A consistent routine that includes brushing, bathing, and deshedding keeps your dog’s coat healthy 
• Nutrition matters
• Deshedding at home is doable with the right tools, a calm environment, and step-by-step guidance.

Introduction

Tired of dog hair everywhere? Learning how to deshed your dog at home can save your furniture—and your sanity! Whether you’ve got a heavy shedder or just want to stay ahead of the fur storm, this guide breaks it all down: the tools you actually need, routines tailored to your dog’s coat, and expert-backed tips that actually work.

Keep reading to learn how to deshed a dog at home using the exact tools and techniques pro groomers rely on to control shedding and keep coats healthy!

Why Dogs Shed (and When to Worry)

Shedding is a normal part of life for dogs. It’s how they get rid of old or damaged hair and make room for new, healthy growth. But how much your dog sheds—and how often—can vary a lot based on their breed, coat type, environment, and even what time of year it is.

For example, you might notice a huge spike in shedding during the spring or fall, especially if your pup has a double coat. That’s called seasonal shedding—when dogs “blow” their coats to adapt to temperature changes. But not all shedding is seasonal, and not all of it is healthy.

Sometimes, excessive or patchy hair loss can signal an underlying health issue. If your dog’s shedding seems nonstop, or if you’re noticing bald patches, skin irritation, or excessive itching, it might be time to dig a little deeper.

In this section, we’ll break down what causes normal shedding, what signs could mean there’s a problem, and how you can start managing your dog’s shedding more effectively at home—before diving into tools, techniques, and pro-level routines that actually work.

“The benefits of brushing and deshedding your dog include coat and skin health. The skin is covered with hair that needs to shed, and because it’s covering the skin, it builds up with oils and dandruff. It’s not allowing the skin to breathe.” - Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer & Paw Parent Academy instructor

What Triggers Seasonal Shedding

Most dogs "blow" their coats in the spring and fall. As the temperature shifts, their undercoat either thickens or thins out to prepare for the season ahead. During these transitions, expect more loose hair than usual—and be ready to ramp up grooming.

When Is Shedding a Health Concern?

If your dog is shedding a lot year-round, or you notice bald spots, red skin, or constant itching, that’s not normal shedding—it’s time to call the vet. Excessive shedding can be linked to:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Skin allergies
• Hormonal imbalances
• Parasites like fleas or mites

Brushing vs. Deshedding: What’s the Difference?

Most dog owners brush their dogs. Fewer actually deshed them. But brushing alone won’t get rid of all the loose fur—especially if your pup has a double coat.

Topcoat vs. Undercoat Explained

Dogs with double coats (think Huskies, Labs, Shepherds) have:

• A topcoat: the longer, coarser hairs you see.
• An undercoat: the soft, dense fur beneath that traps heat and sheds in clumps.

Why You Need to Do Both

Skipping deshedding can lead to:

• Matted undercoats
• Skin irritation
• Overheating in summer
• Shedding overload in your home

Regular brushing removes surface dirt and prevents tangles. Deshedding pulls out the dead fur that brushing can’t reach.

How to Properly Deshed a Double-Coated Dog at Home in 3 Easy Steps

Deshedding your double-coated dog at home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just follow these three simple steps to keep your pup’s coat healthy and your home fur-free!

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need for Deshedding Your Dog

To ensure the best results, we recommend using:

• Conditioner spray in a mister bottle, which will allow your tools to run more smoothly through the coat
• Deshedding slicker brush 
• Also recommended for double-coats: larger, long-pin slicker brushes (firmer & softer) + a wide-tooth comb (to double-check your work after deshedding)

Step 1 (Optional) – Bathe Using a Deshedding Shampoo

A warm bath is not mandatory, but it’s a useful first step, as it helps loosen dead hair and soothe dry skin. Remember to:

• Use a dog-safe deshedding shampoo (ALWAYS avoid human shampoo);
• Work the lather deep into the coat;
• Let it sit 5–10 minutes to break up oils and dead fur.

Afterwards, rinse thoroughly, as leftover residue can cause irritation. Finally, use your high-velocity dryer until your dog’s hair is damp. You don’t want it to be soaking wet, but slightly damp hair is the easiest to deshed! 

Step 2 – Brush + Deshed the Coat Based on Type

Once your dog is ready for brushing, begin by spraying down your dog with conditioning spray. From there, brush to detangle and loosen dirt. 

With your undercoat brush, brush in the direction of hair growth, starting at the neck and working toward the tail. At first, when dealing with double-coated dogs, you may pick up a lot of the topcoat. This is common - and it’s for this reason that we recommend line brushing wherever necessary.

How To Line Brush Your Dog

1. With your non-dominant hand, lift the topcoat to reveal the undercoat beneath.
2. With your dominant hand, use your undercoat/deshedding slicker brush to focus on the undercoat in small sections.

When brushing a coat like this, it’s more efficient to run your brush straight through the coat, along the dog’s skin. This will drag out as much of the shedding undercoat as possible! 

Step 3 - Double-Check Your Work

Once you’ve gone over your dog’s entire body with the deshedding slicker brush, re-mist the fur with your conditioning spray. Then, pass your wide-tooth comb over the body to double-check your work. If you find areas where the comb is picking up a lot of hair, go back to those areas with your deshedder.

Deshedding Short-Haired and Curly Coats

Understandably, the deshedding process needs to be tailored to your dog’s coat. Here's how to get it right:

How to Brush a French Bulldog (and Other Short-Haired Breeds)

Short-haired dogs like Boxers, Beagles, and Pit Bulls still shed—a lot.

• Use a rubber curry brush or bristle brush
• Follow with a de-shedding tool like a Furminator
• Bathe every 4–6 weeks with a deshedding shampoo

How To Brush a Doodle (and Other Long-Haired Breeds)

Even low-shedding dogs like Poodles or Doodles need coat maintenance:

• Brush daily to prevent matting
• Use a slicker brush and/or wide-tooth comb for detangling
• Curly coats don’t need deshedding tools, but still benefit from trims and moisturizing baths

Best Deshedding Tools for Each Coat Type

The right tool makes all the difference. Here's a quick breakdown:

Can Diet Help Reduce Shedding?

Yes! Your dog’s coat health starts from the inside out. A well-balanced diet can drastically reduce excessive shedding.

Just ensure that before making any changes to your dog’s diet, you first consult your vet.

Best Dog Food for Shedding Support

Ask your vet about foods high in:

• Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids
• Biotin
• Zinc
• Vitamin E

These nutrients support skin elasticity, hair follicle health, and reduce inflammation.

When to Call a Vet

If deshedding routines and nutrition don’t improve your dog’s hair loss, it’s time to call your vet—especially if:

• You notice bald spots or sores
• Your dog is constantly scratching or licking
• Their coat becomes dry, brittle, or greasy

“Sometimes, the issues we run into when we don’t brush or deshed our dogs are skin irritation, infections, and things like hot spots on the skin line.”  - Nadia Bongelli, award-winning dog groomer & Paw Parent Academy instructor

Want to Master At-Home Grooming? Learn from the Pros Without Leaving Home!

Shedding doesn’t have to take over your life. By learning how to properly deshed a dog at home—and using the right tools, products, and routines—you’ll save money, build trust with your pup, and keep your home a whole lot cleaner.

Paw Parent Academy’s Online Deshedding Mastery Class

Imagine confidently grooming your dog without the stress, mess, or cost of the groomer’s office.

Our online DIY Deshedding Mastery Class teaches you how to deshed at home with pro-level results.

What you’ll learn:

✅ How to choose and use the right deshedding tools
✅ Grooming routines by coat type
✅ How to reduce shedding messes around the house
✅ Ways to keep your dog calm and relaxed during grooming

Dog Deshedding Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I deshed my dog?

Most dogs benefit from monthly deshedding, but heavy shedders may need it weekly—especially in spring and fall.

What’s the best deshedding brush for short hair?

Use a rubber curry brush or a Furminator designed for short coats.

Is excessive shedding normal?

Shedding is normal, but if it’s constant, patchy, or includes skin issues, consult your vet.

Can I use human shampoo to bathe my dog?

No. Human shampoo can throw off your dog’s pH balance and irritate their skin. Always use dog-formulated shampoo.

Should I deshed before or after a bath?

Before AND after! Brushing before the bath detangles. After bathing, use a deshedding tool to remove loosened hair.

Is it better to deshed a dog wet or dry?

Slightly damp is ideal. Avoid soaking wet coats as they tangle easily and can trap water near the skin.

How do you deshed a dog without a brush?

Use rubber gloves or a dog grooming mitt to lift loose fur—great for short coats or sensitive dogs.

Is there a “how to stop dog shedding” home remedy?

You can’t stop shedding completely, but daily brushing, Omega-3s, and regular bathing go a long way!