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Shedding Season: A Gentler Brushing and Drying Routine

Remove loose coat without chasing every hair, protect the skin and know when shedding needs a different kind of attention.

3 min read Updated 10 September 2026

The practical answer

Aim for a comfortable, manageable coat. Work gently in sections and stop when the skin or dog needs a break; more hair in the brush is not proof of a better groom.

Check what kind of problem you have

Loose seasonal coat, tight matting and a new bald patch are different findings. Look at the skin and the pattern of hair loss before choosing a tool. PDSA notes that seasonal moulting can increase grooming needs, while a change in skin or coat is a reason to ask for advice. PDSA: grooming your pet.

Use a manageable sequence

Assess the coat and identify any tangled, sore or difficult areas.
Gently work a small section with a tool suited to the coat. Do not keep dragging through resistance.
If bathing is appropriate, follow the product instructions and rinse thoroughly.
Dry using a method the dog tolerates, paying attention to dense areas rather than only the surface.
Recheck with gentle brushing or combing, then stop before the session becomes repetitive or uncomfortable.

Do not let drying become an afterthought

The AKC’s drying guidance discusses towel and dryer approaches and the need to adapt them to the coat and dog. At home, get a demonstration before using unfamiliar equipment, and avoid directing forceful air at sensitive areas. American Kennel Club: drying your dog safely.

Watch for overworking

What you see	Change the approach
The same patch is brushed repeatedly	Move on or pause; reassess whether loose hair is still releasing gently.
The dog flinches or turns towards the tool	Check pressure, pulling and skin comfort.
Redness or irritation appears	Stop working that area and seek advice if it persists.
A compacted patch will not release	Arrange professional help instead of adding force.
Patchy hair loss or persistent itch	Ask the vet rather than treating it as ordinary shedding.

Choose tools by effect on this coat

Ask a groomer to show you how a tool behaves on your dog, including where it should not be used. A rake, comb or brush can be appropriate in one context and unhelpful in another. Do not assume that a product labelled “deshedding” is suitable for unlimited use across the whole body.

Set a realistic home target

Pick a small area for each session and record where the coat tends to compact. You do not need to eliminate every loose hair before stopping. Keep the schedule manageable and discuss a professional maintenance visit if the coat is consistently beyond what you can comfortably care for at home.

A good result

The coat is easier to manage without force.
The skin remains comfortable.
The dog can tolerate the routine.
Any unusual change has a clear follow-up plan.

Explore VUNRO grooming combs for checking a prepared coat, choosing the spacing your groomer recommends. Stop at resistance rather than using a comb to pull out compacted hair.

Sources and further reading

Guidance checked September 2026. The practical checklists and examples are VUNRO editorial guidance; the sources below support the underlying care or equipment principles.

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