Manage seasonal shedding
De-shedding a dog: managing loose undercoat
Double-coated dogs release undercoat in cycles. Loose hair can compact beneath the guard coat, but aggressive scraping or routine shaving can create new problems.
3 min read · Reviewed 22 August 2026
Short answer
Use gentle, coat-appropriate brushing and a thorough wash-and-dry treatment to release loose undercoat. Work in short sessions and stop when skin becomes red or the tool drags.
Separate loose coat from healthy coat
A suitable tool should remove released undercoat without repeatedly scratching skin or cutting healthy guard hair. More force is not more effective.
- Check tool depth and pressure
- Work with coat growth
- Stop at redness or discomfort
Use washing and airflow
Coat-appropriate shampoo, careful rinsing and controlled drying help lift loose hair from a dense coat. Dry completely to avoid damp compacted areas.
- Rinse thoroughly
- Keep heat and airflow comfortable
- Brush after drying in sections
Know when shedding is unusual
Sudden bald areas, broken skin, severe itch, odour or a major change outside normal cycles can be medical. A groomer can report observations, but diagnosis belongs to a veterinarian.
- Normal shedding is usually distributed
- Patchy loss needs assessment
- Do not shave a healthy double coat automatically
Editorial review
Written by the Trimsalon Tilburg editorial team and reviewed on 22 August 2026. This article provides coat-care information and does not replace veterinary diagnosis.
Sources used
Frequently asked questions
Practical details
Will one de-shedding treatment stop all hair?
No. It removes currently loose coat; shedding continues as the growth cycle changes.
Should a double coat be shaved in summer?
Not as a routine solution. Ask for coat-specific advice unless matting or a medical reason changes the plan.
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