Shedding Dog Tools

Unwanted dog hair is a common complaint among pet owners. Most dog breeds shed to some degree. Some breeds have more hair or thicker undercoats and shed more often. Dogs breeds such as the samoyed have a double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a courser topcoat. These double-coated breeds shed profusely twice a year. Shedding occurs to remove old, damaged or excess hair, allowing new hair to come in or to adjust for seasonal changes. Shedding tools can help manage this unwanted hair.

  1. Slicker brush

    • A slicker brush has fairly firm, slightly curved wire bristles set into a padded base. Use slicker brushes to remove tangles and dead hair from the dog. This shedding tool will smooth the coat, eliminate tangles and can help remove fleas and other parasites. Slicker brushes are perfect for brushing in between baths to maintain a smooth coat and reduce shedding. Dog slicker brushes keep dogs healthy by maintaining a clean, vibrant coat and helping disperse the natural oil throughout the dog's fur.

    Shedding blade

    • Use a shedding blade every time a dog begins to shed their coat. A shedding blade quickly and safely and removes dead fur. It works by gently and effectively stripping away and collecting dead hair before it can be shed. A shedding blade has a teardrop shape for use on smaller areas but can be unfastened to make one long straight blade to work on larger areas.

    Matt breakers/Dematting rake

    • Dematting and mat breaker tools come in different sizes and number of blades. Their purpose is to remove mats and tangled hair in longer-haired dogs while minimizing hair loss. Four to six blades extend from the base and specifically designed tines rake out mats as the fur passes through the blades. The cutting edges and tines are recessed for safety.

    Undercoat rake

    • Undercoat rakes are used to thin the undercoat of double-coated breeds. This shedding tool consists of double rows of stainless steel teeth used to remove dead or shedding hair from the innermost layer of hair. In doing so, it leaves the top coat undisturbed. An undercoat rake is particularly useful during shedding season when the undercoat may shed out in clumps. These clumps can make the dog uncomfortable while leaving unsightly hair everywhere.

    Grooming mitt

    • The love glove or grooming mitt is used to conveniently remove dead or unwanted hair while gently massaging the animal. The glove fits over the right hand and fastens with a Velcro strap. Soft rubber tips gently remove dead hair off a dog, cat or even the carpet and furniture. Use the right tool for the dog's coat. Many dogs require more than one tool to achieve the desired results.