The best deshedding brush depends on your pet's coat. Short-haired dogs and cats do best with a rubber or fine-tooth deshedding brush used gently, while double-coated and long-haired pets need an undercoat rake or a slicker brush that reaches the dense fur near the skin. A self-cleaning design makes any of them faster to use.
Shedding peaks in spring and fall, when many dogs and cats "blow" their coat. Choosing the right brush, and using it the right way, removes loose hair before it ends up on your sofa, clothes and car seats.
What is the difference between deshedding brushes?
- Slicker brush: fine bent pins that lift loose fur and small tangles. Good for most coats. A self-cleaning slicker brush releases the fur with one click.
- Undercoat rake: long teeth that reach the thick undercoat of double-coated breeds. Our double-sided deshedding rake has one side for tangles and one side for loose undercoat.
- Deshedding brush with angled bristles: removes loose hair across the whole coat, like our retractable self-cleaning deshedding brush.
- Rubber brush or bath gloves: gentle for short coats and sensitive pets, and useful at bath time, such as silicone bath massage gloves.
Which brush for short-haired dogs?
Short coats (Labrador, Beagle, Boxer, Pug) shed a lot of small hairs. Use a slicker brush or a rubber brush once or twice a week, and more often during shedding season. Avoid pressing hard: short coats leave the skin close to the bristles.
Which brush for long-haired and double-coated dogs?
Double-coated breeds (Husky, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Pomeranian) have a soft undercoat under longer guard hairs. Start with an undercoat rake to remove the loose undercoat, then finish with a slicker brush. Never shave a double coat to stop shedding: the coat protects against both cold and heat.
Which brush for cats?
Most short-haired cats only need a soft slicker brush or a self-cleaning cat brush a few times a week. Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll) need brushing almost every day to prevent mats. Some cats also enjoy a wall-mounted self-grooming brush they can rub against on their own.
How to brush without hurting your pet
- Brush in the direction the hair grows, with short, light strokes.
- Work in small sections, from the neck to the tail.
- Be extra gentle on the belly, legs and behind the ears.
- Stop if you see redness or if your pet pulls away, and try again later.
- Keep sessions short at first and reward with a treat.
Do not try to brush out large mats: they can pull the skin. Ask a groomer to remove them safely.
How often should you brush?
For most pets, two or three times a week is enough. During spring and fall shedding, brushing daily for a few minutes makes a big difference. Brushing before a bath also helps the shampoo reach the skin.
Keeping your home free of pet hair
Even with regular brushing, some hair will escape. A reusable pet hair remover roller works well on sofas and clothes. Read our guide on how to remove pet hair from furniture, car and clothes.
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Frequently asked questions
Can brushing stop shedding completely?
No. Shedding is natural. Brushing removes loose hair before it falls around the house, which greatly reduces the amount you see.
Is a deshedding tool safe for every dog?
Used gently, yes, for most dogs. Be careful with very short or thin coats and sensitive skin, and avoid long sessions on the same spot.
When should I see a vet about shedding?
If you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching or sudden heavy shedding outside the usual seasons, ask your vet.
Written by Hicham, Zootly. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian or groomer.