While you can de-shed your dog at home, it is best to take them to a professional groomer, especially if they have a thick coat or sheds a lot. Professional groomers have the tools and knowledge needed to remove the undercoat without harming your dog’s topcoat. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you have the necessary tools. Keep reading to know how you can de-shed a dog at home and learn which breeds are more prone to shedding.
What is Deshedding and Why is it Important? Click here to find out.
What Breeds of Dogs Require More Frequent Deshedding?
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Siberian Husky
- Alaskan Malamute
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Saint Bernard
- Newfoundland Dog
- Pomeranian
Dogs with thick undercoats, high shedding rates, or both must need more frequent de-shedding than others. Some of the dog breeds that require more frequent de-shedding are as follows:
However, it is important to note that all dogs must shed, and the frequency of de-shedding can also depend on individual factors such as the dog’s age, health, and diet. So, it is advisable to involve your vet in making this decision for your pooch.
How to Deshed a Dog at Home?
Follow these steps to de-shed your dog at home:
Choose Right Equipment
To make the process easier, buy a tool designed to de-shed your dog’s specific coat type. A slicker brush (with stainless steel bristles) and an undercoat rake are popular models. You can also add quality de-shedding shampoo to your kit.
Locate the Right Place
Make sure you de-shed your dog in a well-ventilated area as the shedding process can release a lot of hair and dander. You may also want to consider using a vacuum cleaner to help collect loose hair.
Brush Your Dog
What are Some Alternative Methods to Deshedding? Click here find out.
Brush your dog with a regular dog brush to straighten matted hair and remove any loose hair.
Bathe Your Dog
A warm bath can help loosen any remaining loose hair on your dog’s coat. Use the de-shedding shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
Use a De-shedding Tool
Once your dog is dry, brush each area of his/her body with your de-shedding tool until no more hair comes out. When using a de-shedding brush for the first time, spend some time with your dog. It will take some time, but your dog will be more relaxed if you are gentle and patient.
Repeat the Process
Depending on your dog’s hair growth rate, brush their body with the grooming brush as often as necessary. Bathe your canine every four to six weeks, though you may need to do this often, depending on their breed, lifestyle, and coat length.
How Can I Prevent My Dog from Shedding So Much?
Shedding is a natural process for dogs and cannot be completely avoided. There are, however, some steps you can take to reduce shedding and manage it more effectively:
Brush the Coat Regularly
It is one of the most effective ways to reduce shedding. It aids in the removal of loose and lifeless hair from the coat and keeps it from falling off on carpets, furniture, and clothing. Depending on your dog’s coat type, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a shedding tool.
Healthy Diet
A healthy and balanced diet for your dog can also help reduce shedding. A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can improve the health of the skin and coat, reducing hair loss.
Adequate Hydration
Make sure your dog always has access to clean water to keep their skin hydrated. A dry coat can cause more shedding.
Bathing
Bathing regularly can help reduce shedding by removing excess hair and keeping the skin clean. Too much bathing, on the other hand, can strip the coat of natural oils, so striking a balance is essential.
Vet Checkups
Regular vet visits can aid in detecting any underlying health issues contributing to excessive shedding. Consult your veterinarian if you notice an increase in shedding or bald patches.
Can De-shedding Cause Any Harm to My Dog?
De-shedding your dog should not be harmful if done correctly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your pet is safe during the procedure.
Select Suitable Tools
To begin with, using the wrong tools or being too aggressive with them can cause skin irritation, pain, or even injury to your dog. Using a de-shedding tool on a sensitive area, such as the belly, where the skin is thinner, for example, can result in pain or injury. When brushing or de-shedding your dog, always use the right tool for the coat type and be gentle.
Make Sure that Your Dog is Allergy-Free
Furthermore, de-shedding should never be performed on a dog who has skin allergies or other skin conditions that may cause the skin to become more sensitive. De-shedding may aggravate the condition and cause more irritation in such cases.
Avoid Excessive De-shedding
It should also be noted that de-shedding should not be overdone. Excessive brushing or the use of a de-shedding tool can cause the coat to become brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. This can also lead to an unhealthy and unappealing coat.
Get Professional Help
It is always best to consult with a professional groomer or veterinarian before de-shedding your dog to avoid causing any harm. They can recommend the best methods for de-shedding your dog based on its coat type and overall health.
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