What Are the Different Types of Shedding Tools for Dogs?

Most dogs shed, and some dogs shed more than their share. Owners of such dogs must take measures to keep their dogs' dead coat under control, unless they wish to live with piles of hair in their environment. While occasional brushing will keep your dog looking nice, certain tools might be necessary to remove the dead hairs that make the dog's coat look dull.

  1. Grooming Glove

    • A grooming glove is made of thin, flexible rubber. The surface of the palm has small round protrusions used to remove dead hair from the surface of a dog's coat. Because it does not have any pins or teeth to remove dead undercoat hairs, a grooming glove will not prevent shedding; rather, it is intended to catch already shed hairs and to polish guard hairs in the dog's outer coat. Grooming gloves are also called "grooming mitts."

    Pumice Stone

    • A pumice stone is made of lava rock or other porous stone. Brushing a dog with a pumice stone will remove dead hairs from the dog's outer coat, both aiding with shedding control and polishing the dog's coat. Pumice stones are also referred to as "groomers' stones."

    Rubber Curry Brush

    • A rubber curry brush is used to loosen dead hair in a dog's coat. The brush is oval in shape; it is made of hard rubber with rubber "bristles."

    Slicker Brush

    • Some short-coated dogs shed year-round. These dogs benefit from frequent use of the slicker brush -- a flat or slightly curved-handled brush with flexible metal pins for bristles. Slicker brushes are available in several sizes and with fine or medium pins. Fine-pinned brushes should be used on breeds with very short hair and a small amount of undercoat, such as dalmatians or chihuahuas. Dogs such as Labrador retrievers or other dogs with slightly longer and thicker coats benefit from slicker brushes with medium pins.

    Undercoat Rake

    • Undercoat rakes are typically used to groom double-coated dogs with thick fur, such as Siberian huskies and samoyeds. These tools come in a variety of styles depending on the groomer's needs, but all have rows of teeth designed to remove the dead undercoat hairs without damaging the outer guard hairs. Specialized undercoat rakes, called deshedders, are marketed under a variety of names and are readily available in most pet supply stores.