- The Best Dog Shedding Brush
- 1. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs
- 2. Hertzko Self Dog Cleaning Slicker Brush
- 3. Pet Neat Dog Grooming Brush
- 4. Pat Your Pet Dog Grooming Tool
- 5. DakPets Grooming Brush for Dogs
- 6. SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs
- 7. Glendan Dog Brush
- 8. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush
All dogs benefit from regular grooming as this keeps their coat healthy and clean. But with so many breeds out there, not all dogs’ coats are the same and they will all shed their fur at different rates – and amounts. And for double-coated pooches, excessive shedders or pets that undergo a seasonal ‘blow’ where they seem to shed their coat all in one go, sometimes a straightforward dog brush is not enough. Which is where the dog shedding brush comes into its own.
Designed to get deeper into the fur to reach the dog's undercoat where all those loose hairs, as well as trapped grime and dirt can lurk, deshedding tools will neatly give your dog’s shedding coat a helping hand. And by removing the fur as it sheds, it can help their human too, and stop their clothes, furniture or car looking like they’ve grown a fur coat on their own! So, if your dog is constantly leaving a fur trail around your home or you want to ensure they are getting a good, deep groom to reduce shedding without irritating their skin, a dog shedding brush should be on your shopping list. And to help, we've brushed up on some of the best dog shedding brushes you can buy.
The Best Dog Shedding Brush
1. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs
Key Features
Reaches undercoat without irritating skin
Stainless steel teeth with ergonomic handle
Fur ejector button for easy cleaning
For larger dogs with long hair
Designed for large, long-haired dogs, our best choice from Furminator is a great buy as it’s super easy and comfortable to hold and use. With the tried and tested Furminator formula, this deshedding tool effectively reaches into the undercoat to scoop out those loose hairs as well as dirt, without irritating your dog’s skin. You’ll be amazed how much hair quickly collects on the stainless-steel teeth, which you can easily remove with a push of the ejector button and pop the shedded hair into the bin. Ideal for larger dogs, this is a sizable shedding brush, but thanks to the ergonomic handle, you won’t feel the strain. And what we really like about this Furminator brush is its curved shape that gently follows the contours of your dog’s body for a smooth groom they will love.
2. Hertzko Self Dog Cleaning Slicker Brush
Key Features
Removes loose hair, tangles and dirt
Fine wire bristles massage the skin
Retractable bristles for easy cleaning
Non-slip handle with rubber grip
With the more conventional look of an ordinary dog brush, the Slicker Brush also feels like a conventional pad brush but thanks to the bristle design, it gets deep down to catch loose undercoat hairs. Made from pet-safe plastic, the brush head is large and has a mat of fine bent wires that do the deep clean job. Shorter haired breeds may feel more of the bristles than a dog with a longer coat, but the bristles also gently stimulate the skin as you brush for a massage-like feel. And once you are done, simply press the retract button on the comfort-grip handle and the bristles disappear into the head, leaving the collected fur on the pad for easy removal. The retracted bristles on the Slicker Brush are then kept safe and protected, which is pretty neat.
3. Pet Neat Dog Grooming Brush
Key Features
For both short and long hair coats
Rust-resistant stainless steel comb
Removable head for easy cleaning
Rubber coated, easy grip handle
This dog shedder from Pet Neat is a good choice for a multi-dog household as it works on dogs of all sizes, and on both short and long fur. It has a wide brush head, with a durable stainless steel teeth blade that scoops into the undergrowth to effectively remove up to 95% of loose hair. The teeth are long enough to hang on to those loose hairs, reducing the ‘fur cloud’ you can get with some shedding brushes. The rust-resistant metal comb can also be quickly removed with a click of a button for easy post-groom cleaning. The handle is on the chunky side, but its rubber coating is comfortable to hold. And as an extra bonus, you also get four free e-guides on grooming and dog care.
4. Pat Your Pet Dog Grooming Tool
Key Features
Rake-style design to deshed and detangle
Rust-free stainless steel teeth
Gently massages to boost blood flow
Ideal for medium to longer coats
Don’t be put off by the garden-tool looks of this Undercoat Rake from Pat Your Pet, this deshedder works on your pooch’s undergrowth like a pro! The deshedding tool’s dual head has two rows of curved metal teeth, one set rounded for detangling fur and massaging the skin, the other smooth cut for removing loose hair and dirt from your dog’s undercoat. Best used on medium-longer haired dogs, you simply rake through their fur and watch the loose hair collect on its prongs. You may need to go slowly the first few times to get used to the raking action but once you have the hang of it, this well-built deshedding tool for dogs will soon be an important part of your pooch’s grooming kit.
5. DakPets Grooming Brush for Dogs
Key Features
Replaceable stainless steel tooth comb
Quick release mechanism
Non-slip rubber handle
Can be used on long and shorter coats
This substantial deshedder is a good choice for both cats and dogs as the head is sturdy but won’t irritate your pet’s delicate skin. The comb style tool is made from heavy duty stainless steel with well-spaced teeth to catch and remove loose hair from your pet’s undercoat. It is also gentle enough to be used on shorter haired canines as it effectively lifts surface hair and dirt. The whole brush is lightweight, which is easy on the hand, but means you do need to have a firm grip on the ergonomically designed handle when you brush. And you also need to get used to some of the optimum angles you have to hold the Furbuster to get the best results for your dog.
6. SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool for Dogs
Key Features
Shaped poplar wood handle
Wave patterned scraper blade
Tiny teeth capture hair without snagging
Ergonomically designed grip handle
With its waved toothed blade designed to act as a hair scraper, the SleekEZ has proved successful for horses, dogs and cats and comes in a choice of sizes. The medium works well on most dogs and gives them the sensation of being petted as they are groomed. The SleekEZ works by being carefully dragged over the top of your dog’s fur, with the tiny teeth in a wave pattern on the scraper blade edge reaching into their coat to catch loose hair as well as dirt and dander. The SleekEZ is best used outdoors as the fur balls up and falls away but it is a very satisfying way to groom your pet, even when they are in full fur blow! While this may not be so effective on very long coats, for most dogs the SleekEZ is a fur-removing dream.
7. Glendan Dog Brush
Key Features
Ideal for everyday grooming
Square pad of deep-cleaning bristles
Rotating head to change orientation
Comfort grip to reduce wrist strain
For everyday brushing, the Pet Slicker Brush from Glendan can step it up when it comes to their undercoat and shedding hair. This may not be the largest brush in our review but for performance and versatility it scoops our best value prize. Made from durable plastic, with a rubber grip on the handle, you get a rectangle brush head with a pad of wire bristles that both massage and deep sweep your dog’s coat. You can also change the orientation of the brush, thanks to its 360-degree rotating head. You will need a separate cleaning comb to scrape the fur off the bristles as there is no self-cleaning device, but you get an excellent deshedder for your money.
8. Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush
Key Features
Good value 3-piece grooming kit
Self-cleaning deshedding brush
Stainless steel, flexible bristles
Includes comb and nail clippers
For all your dog’s grooming needs, at whatever stage their coat is at, you can’t go wrong with this great value set from Ruff ‘n Rufus. With a self-cleaning slicker brush to whip away those deep, shedding hairs, there’s also a steel comb to tackle tangles and nail clippers to keep their paws looking neat. As a ‘one-stop-shop’ to grooming, this set is also surprisingly robust, made from durable plastic and rust-free stainless steel. The deshedder brush is satisfying to use, with its large multi bristle pad that reaches down into the coat and massages as it sweeps the under-fur clean. And the retractor button is handy too; with a quick press, the bristles retract into the pad, leaving the fur and dirt on the surface for easy removal.
Best Dog Shedding Brush Buying Guide & FAQ
Why Use a Dog Deshedder?
A regular grooming routine is the best way to keep your dog's coat and skin in tip-top condition and getting the right tools will give you the best results. Your dog will shed for a host of reasons, depending on their breed and coat type, including changes in temperature and even their diet. And if your pooch is prone to excessive shedding or has a coat which ‘blows’ every season, then a special de-shedding brush is a handy tool to have.
A coat blow is when your dog switches from their winter to summer coat by ‘blowing’ or shedding the old hair away. A deshedder can help to remove the old hair and hurry up the whole shedding process to leave them looking neat. Deshedders work by using metal bristles to reach your pet’s undercoat and safely removing all the loose, dead hair as well as helping to gently stimulate their skin and coat.
Things to Consider When Buying a Dog Brush For Shedding
Here are the key things to look for when buying a dog brush for shedding fur:
Your dog’s coat type - the teeth on the brush or comb must to be suitable for your dog’s breed and coat type. Too long or too short for their fur and they can pull or scrape the skin, or even not reach those inner loose hairs. Head over to our review of dematting comb for more options.
Material - the handle, body and teeth of the deshedder should be durable enough for regular use and made from materials that won’t harm your dog’s coat or skin. Look for hardwearing, chew-proof material for the body, such as pet-safe plastic, with a slip proof handle. The best materials for the teeth or bristles of the brush are stainless steel.
Design – while you want the deshedder tool to be durable, it also needs to have a lightweight and ergonomic handle so that it's comfortable for you to hold and use, without causing strain on your hand or wrist.
Size – the size of the deshedder needs to be appropriate to the size of your pooch and the type of fur they have, whether that's long or short. The brush head needs to be large enough to get through the fur but small enough to be able to use quickly and efficiently around the whole of your dog’s body.
Ease of use - especially if you have wriggly or grooming-adverse pooch, your deshedding tool should be easy to hold and use. And once you have groomed your pet, you need a deshedder that's also easy to clean as you don’t want to have any hair or dirt left on its bristles. Look for deshedder tools with easy clean teeth or bristles, including retractable teeth that leave the loose dirt and hair in your hand, ready for the trash can.
Dog Hair Brush vs Dog Shedding Brush
When it comes to a conventional dog hair brush and a deshedding brush, there are a few fundamental differences:
- A dog hair brush is a basic grooming tool that works on the topcoat of your dog’s fur. While it is good at sweeping off the loose surface hair and dirt and works well with very short-haired breeds, a dog brush cannot really get down into a dog s undercoat, especially if your pet is a long-haired breed or has a double coat.
- A dog shedding brush can reach deeper into your dog’s fur as you groom him, getting to those loose undercoat hairs and deeper grime, dead skin and dirt. The bristles can also give your dog s undercoat and skin a beneficial massage as you groom, helping to stimulate blood flow for healthier skin, reduce shedding and disperse the natural oils for glossy fur.
Our Top Pick
With its stainless steel teeth and ergonomic handle, the Furminator deshedding brush for dogs is the ideal tool for long-haired breeds. Designed for larger dogs, these tools have all the quality of the Furminator brand, and are tough on loose fur yet kind on your pooch's skin. Add in its ejector button for quick fur disposal and we think this is one of the best brush for dogs that shed you can buy.
Related Post: Dog Grooming Gloves
FAQ
Q: Can I stop a dog from shedding?
Shedding is perfectly normal and keeps your dog’s coat healthy and appropriate to the time of year. But it can be managed by regular grooming using the right brushes that can also help to reduce shedding. However, if your dog is an excessive shedder, or he loses his coat out of season, it's worth taking him for a vet check-up. His diet, his living environment, stress and even underlying health conditions can cause excessive shedding, so you need to find the cause.
Q: How often should I use a dog shedding brush?
How often you use a dog shedding tool depends on how heavy your pet is shedding and also their fur and skin type. For dogs who shed regularly, it's important to brush them several times a week to keep their fur healthy, brushing daily during the heavy coat blow of the key shedding seasons. For light shedders, once or twice a week should be sufficient. And no matter how often you use a dog shedding brush, always go gently over their more sensitive areas, such as their ears and tail.
Q: How do I take care of my dog deshedding tool?
Your deshedder should withstand plenty of use but to extend the life of your deshedding tool and keep it safe and hygienic for your pet, it's essential to keep it clean. Always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on how to care for your deshedder but as a general guide, rinse the tool with warm water after every use to remove loose fur and allow to thoroughly dry before storing it away, ready for your dog’s next grooming session.