The Truth About Shedding: What Groomers Wish You Knew

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Shedding Is Normal — But It Doesn’t Have to Take Over Your Life

If you share your home with a dog, you’ve probably accepted that fur is part of the décor. But there’s a difference between normal shedding and the kind that leaves you wondering if your vacuum is plotting revenge.

As a groomer with nearly a decade of experience, I can tell you: shedding is one of the most common concerns owners bring up. The good news? While you can’t stop shedding entirely (and you shouldn’t try), you can manage it so your dog stays comfortable and your home stays cleaner.

Why Dogs Shed

Shedding is a natural process where old or damaged hair falls out to make room for new growth. The amount and frequency depend on:

• Breed & Coat Type – Double-coated breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds shed heavily, especially seasonally. Short-haired breeds like Beagles shed year-round but in smaller amounts.

• Seasonal Changes – Many dogs “blow” their coats in spring and fall to adapt to temperature changes.

• Health & Nutrition – Poor diet, allergies, or skin conditions can increase shedding.

• Age – Puppies often shed their soft puppy coat as they mature.

Common Myths About Shedding

Myth 1: Shaving your dog will stop shedding.

False — shaving doesn’t stop shedding; it just makes the hairs shorter. For double-coated breeds, shaving can damage the coat and affect temperature regulation.

Myth 2: Only long-haired dogs shed.

False — short-haired dogs can shed just as much, if not more, than long-haired breeds. The difference is the hair length and texture.

Myth 3: Frequent bathing causes more shedding.

Not necessarily — the right bathing schedule with proper products can actually reduce shedding by loosening dead hair.

How Grooming Helps Control Shedding

Professional grooming can make a huge difference in managing loose hair:

• Deshedding Treatments – Special shampoos, conditioners, and tools remove undercoat hair before it ends up on your couch.

• High-Velocity Drying – Blasts out loose fur after a bath.

• Thorough Brushing – Reaches the undercoat and removes hair that regular brushes miss.

• Seasonal Grooming Plans – Extra sessions during heavy shedding months.

At-Home Maintenance Between Grooms

You can help keep shedding under control with a few simple habits:

• Brush Regularly – Use the right brush for your dog’s coat type. For double coats, an undercoat rake or slicker brush works best.

• Feed a Balanced Diet – Omega-3 fatty acids support skin and coat health.

• Vacuum Often – A pet-specific vacuum can make cleanup easier.

• Wipe Down Coats – A damp cloth or grooming wipe can remove loose hair between brushes.

When Shedding Might Signal a Health Problem

While shedding is normal, excessive or patchy hair loss can be a red flag. Contact your vet if you notice:

• Bald spots

• Red, irritated skin

• Excessive scratching or licking

• Sudden changes in shedding patterns

A Groomer’s Deshedding Routine

Here’s what typically happens during a professional deshedding session:

1. Assessment – Checking coat condition and skin health.

2. Bath with Deshedding Shampoo – Loosens dead hair.

3. Conditioner – Adds moisture and helps release undercoat.

4. High-Velocity Blow Dry – Removes loosened fur.

5. Thorough Brushing & Combing – Gets the rest of the undercoat out.

6. Final Check – Ensuring the coat is smooth, healthy, and tangle-free.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Even with the best grooming routine, your dog will still shed — it’s part of being a dog. The goal isn’t to eliminate shedding, but to manage it so it’s not overwhelming for you or uncomfortable for your pet.

Closing Thoughts

Shedding is a fact of life for most dog owners, but it doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With the right combination of professional grooming and at-home care, you can keep your dog’s coat healthy and your home fur free-ish.

If your dog’s shedding is driving you crazy, book a de-shedding session — you’ll be amazed at how much hair we can remove in one visit.