Shedding is normal for most cats and dogs, and it often gets heavier when the seasons change. You cannot stop a healthy pet from shedding, but regular brushing catches loose hair before it ends up on your sofa, clothes and floor. Here is a simple routine that works for most homes.
Pick a brush for your pet's coat
- Short coats (many cats, Labradors, French Bulldogs): a rubber brush or grooming glove lifts loose hair and most pets enjoy the feel. Try the Rubber Grooming Brush or the Deshedding Grooming Glove.
- Medium and long coats: a slicker brush reaches the undercoat. The Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush has a button that pushes the collected hair off, so cleaning the brush takes seconds.
- Knots and tangles: work through them gently with a comb, starting at the tips. See the Detangling Pet Comb and Dematting Comb. If a mat is tight against the skin, ask a groomer to remove it.
How often to brush
A few minutes, two or three times a week, is enough for many pets. During heavy shedding, short daily sessions help more than one long session. Keep it calm and finish with a treat so your pet looks forward to it. Some cats like to groom themselves on a corner self-grooming brush between sessions.
Bath time
A bath can loosen a lot of dead hair, especially for dogs. Use a shampoo made for pets, and rinse well. A brush that connects to the shower, like the Pet Shower Sprayer Brush, lets you rinse and brush at the same time, which makes the job quicker. Brush again once your pet is fully dry. How often to bathe depends on the breed and coat, so ask your vet or groomer if you are unsure.
Cleaning up the hair that's left
Even with good brushing, some hair will land on fabric. A reusable roller like the 2-in-1 Pet Hair Roller or Sofa Pet Hair Roller lifts it from sofas and bedding without sticky sheets, and the Carpet Pet Hair Scraper pulls hair out of rugs and car seats. Washing your pet's blanket every week or two also keeps hair from spreading around the house.
When to ask a vet
Heavy shedding is usually normal, but bald patches, red or flaky skin, or constant scratching are worth a vet visit.
Browse brushes, combs and bath tools in our Grooming collection and hair removers in Clean-up.