Shedding Season Survival Guide

Twice a year, many dogs "blow" their undercoat, and suddenly there's fur everywhere. You can't stop shedding, but you can catch the hair on the brush instead of the furniture.

Know your dog's coat

• Double-coated breeds (huskies, labradors, shepherds, corgis) have a dense undercoat that sheds heavily in spring and autumn.
• Single-coated or curly breeds (poodles, many terriers) shed less but tangle more.

The right tool for loose undercoat

A deshedding tool reaches through the top coat and lifts out loose undercoat. Use it gently, a few minutes at a time, once or twice a week during shedding season.

A daily brush for tangles

A slicker brush works out knots and catches surface hair. A quick daily brush keeps things under control.

Bath time helps

A bath loosens dead undercoat, and brushing afterwards (once your dog is dry) removes a surprising amount. Choose a gentle shampoo, especially for dry skin.

When shedding isn't normal

Patchy hair loss, red or flaky skin, constant scratching or a dull coat can point to allergies, parasites or other health issues. That's a job for your vet, not a brush.

Your shedding kit