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If you share your home with a dog, you already know: hair gets everywhere. On the couch, on your black jeans, in the corners of every room. Shedding is a completely natural process — dogs lose old or damaged hair to make room for new growth — so you can’t stop it entirely. But you can reduce how much of it ends up around your home.
Here are nine practical tips that make a real difference.
1. Brush Regularly — With the Right Tool
Brushing is the single most effective way to control shedding. Every hair you remove with a brush is a hair that won’t land on your floor. Short-coated dogs usually need brushing about once a week, while double-coated breeds (Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers) do best with 2–3 sessions a week — and daily brushing during shedding season.
Not sure which brush fits your dog? Read our guide: Best Dog Grooming Brushes: How to Choose the Right Brush for Your Dog’s Coat.
2. Use a Deshedding Tool for Double Coats
Regular brushes mostly work on the top coat. If your dog has a thick undercoat, a deshedding tool or undercoat rake reaches deeper and removes the loose fluffy hair that causes most of the mess. Use it gently, once or twice a week, and never on irritated skin.
3. Bathe Your Dog — But Not Too Often
A bath with a gentle dog shampoo helps loosen dead hair, especially when followed by a good brush-out once your dog is dry. Some shampoos are specially formulated for shedding seasons. However, bathing too often can dry out the skin, which may actually make shedding worse. For most dogs, every 4–8 weeks is plenty unless your vet recommends otherwise.
4. Try a Grooming Glove or Rubber Brush
Grooming gloves with soft rubber tips are great for short-coated dogs and for dogs who don’t enjoy being brushed. It feels like petting, so most dogs relax — while loose hair sticks to the glove.
5. Feed a Balanced, Good-Quality Diet
A healthy coat starts from the inside. Complete, balanced dog food with enough protein and healthy fats supports skin and coat health. Some owners also add omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) to support a shiny coat. Always talk to your vet before changing your dog’s diet or adding supplements, especially if your dog has health conditions.
6. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to dry skin. Make sure fresh water is always available. If your dog doesn’t drink much, a pet water fountain can encourage more drinking — many dogs prefer moving water.
7. Protect Your Furniture
If your dog is allowed on the sofa or bed, a washable, waterproof furniture cover saves a lot of cleaning time. Just shake it out or toss it in the washing machine once a week.
8. Use the Right Cleaning Tools
Some hair will always escape. These tools make cleanup much faster:
- Reusable pet hair remover rollers for sofas and car seats — see on Amazon
- Lint rollers for clothes before you leave the house — see on Amazon
- A vacuum with a pet hair attachment for floors and stairs — see on Amazon
9. Know When Shedding Is Not Normal
Seasonal shedding (usually spring and autumn) is normal. But contact your vet if you notice:
- Bald patches or very thin areas
- Red, flaky, or irritated skin
- Constant scratching, licking, or chewing
- Sudden, heavy hair loss outside the normal season
These can be signs of allergies, parasites, or other health issues that need professional care.
Quick Weekly Routine
| Task | How often |
|---|---|
| Brushing (short coat) | 1× per week |
| Brushing (double coat) | 2–3× per week, daily in shedding season |
| Deshedding tool | 1–2× per week (double coats) |
| Bath | Every 4–8 weeks |
| Wash furniture covers | 1× per week |
| Vacuum | 2–3× per week |
Final Thoughts
You can’t stop a healthy dog from shedding — but with regular brushing, the right tools, a good diet, and a simple cleaning routine, you can keep it under control. Start with the brush that matches your dog’s coat, stay consistent, and you’ll notice far less hair around your home within a few weeks.
Related: How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh with Pets · How to Bathe Your Dog at Home
