How to Brush and De-Shed Your Dog's Coat

Short answer

Brush regularly with a tool matched to your dog's coat — a bristle brush or grooming glove for short coats, and a slicker brush plus an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool for double coats. Brushing removes loose hair and controls shedding, but it manages shedding rather than stopping it; sudden heavy shedding with bald patches or irritated skin is worth a vet visit.

Sourced from veterinary authorities · not a diagnosis · anything risky goes to a vet.

Who this is for

Adult dogs of any coat type needing routine coat care and shedding control.

When this doesn’t apply

Making a dog stop shedding entirely, which isn't possible for most breeds
Shaving a double-coated dog to reduce shedding, which can damage the coat — ask a groomer or vet
Dogs with bald patches, inflamed skin, or sore spots, which should see a vet first

Step by step

Identify the coat type
Short single coat (e.g., Beagle, Pug) versus longer or double coat (e.g., Pomeranian, Collie, Corgi) determines the tools you need.
Pick the right tool
Short coats: natural-bristle brush or grooming glove. Double coats: slicker brush plus an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool.
Brush short coats
Brush against the direction of hair growth to loosen dead hair, then with the growth to remove it, repeating to spread natural oils.
De-shed double coats
Work in the direction of hair growth with a slicker and undercoat rake, using gentle pressure, especially during seasonal shedding.
Work in sections and watch the skin
Go section by section and stop if you see redness or mats; don't press hard with bladed tools.
Optional shedding-control bath
A bath with a shedding-control shampoo can help release loose hair and keep the coat in good condition.

What changes the answer

Coat type — short single coat versus double coat
Season, since many dogs shed more heavily in spring and fall
Skin and coat health — bald patches or inflamed skin mean see a vet
Diet and overall health

Common mistakes

Using the wrong tool for the coat type
Pressing too hard with a bladed de-shedding tool and irritating the skin
Shaving a double coat to try to stop shedding
Ignoring bald patches or red skin instead of seeing a vet

Sources

Dog Shedding: What to Expect and How to Manage It — American Kennel Club · Tier 2 · verified 2026-07-20

Common questions

Can I stop my dog from shedding?

No — shedding is natural. You manage it with regular brushing and the right tools, but you can't stop a normal shed.

What's the best tool for a double coat?

A slicker brush combined with an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to reach loose undercoat hair.

How often should I brush?

Regularly, and more often during heavy seasonal sheds. Short coats generally need less frequent brushing.

My dog suddenly sheds much more or has bald spots — is that normal?

Excessive shedding with bald patches, inflamed skin, or a sudden increase can indicate a health problem. Have your vet check it.