Deshedding Tools That Collect Dog Hair

Many breeds of dogs have problems with shedding, some more than others. Shedding is simply a way of removing old or damaged hair to make room for new hair, or to adjust to the seasons. Owners of inside dogs need a way to keep the shedding under control so that dog hair does not take over the home. There are deshedding tools that can help to collect dog hair and make shedding less of a problem.

  1. Brush

    • A wide variety of dog brushes are available in many sizes and shapes, but there are three basic types. Slicker brushes have fine bristles that are mostly used for removing tangles and mats. Bristle brushes come with a variety of bristle length and spacing, specifically for different lengths of hair. Shorter hair needs shorter bristles that are close together, while long hair needs a brush with longer, more spaced out bristles. Wire pin brushes normally have rubber tips on the bristles and work well for medium to long hair dogs and dogs with curly coats.

    Rake

    • Dog rakes are used on dog's coats to remove dead hair and tangles from dogs such as chows and German shepherds. Most are shaped like a razor, with two rows of pins. Rakes must be used with only light pressure. The pins on the rake should roughly be the same length as your dog's hair. If the pins are too short, they can miss some of the undercoat and if they are too long, they can irritate your dog's skin.

    Grooming Vacuum

    • Some pet owners choose to keep their dog's shedding under control with a dog grooming vacuum or vacuum attachment. Vacuum's can be purchased specifically for pet grooming at most pet supply stores. You also can purchase an attachment for many brands of vacuum cleaners that simply hook up to your current vacuum. Most have a brush or a blade that goes gently through a dogs hair, while the excess hair is being suctioned up and away.

    Shedding Blade

    • Shedding blades are tools used for dog grooming that can catch hair that is ready to be shed. This tool is simply a piece of bent metal in the shape of a U with a handle on the end. Small, dull teeth are found on one side of the blade, and this is what catches the hair. A shedding blade is most effective on short haired dogs, but can be used on long haired dogs, too.