8 Best Dog Deshedding Brushes, Combs and Tools: Our 2024 Guide
Quick Guide
- The different types of deshedding brushes, combs, and deshedding tools;
- Tips to reduce shedding;
- The overall best shedding tool;
- Other deshedding tools we recommend for dogs with long and short hair.
Unless you have one of the very few breeds that doesn’t shed (much), it’s a fact of life that if you have a dog, dog hair is in your future.
With some dogs you can count on full moults once or twice a year. Some dogs drop a steady stream of hair daily. Other dogs only seem to shed when you’re wearing your nice clothes for work. Whatever the case, all of your dog’s beautiful coat is going to come off sooner or later and land on your floors, furniture, and clothes – unless you take action. Deshedding brushes and combs can really make a difference and help you remove dead fur before it becomes a problem. We can tell you the eight best dog deshedding brushes and combs so that fur doesn’t end up where it doesn’t belong!
| Sneak Peak: Best Deshedding Brushes | |||
| Type | Brush | Price | Rating |
| Overall Best |
 |
$$$ |
A+
|
| Best Short Hair |
 |
$ |
A
|
| Best Long Hair |
 |
$ |
A
|
Different Types of Deshedding Brushes and Combs
Since shedding is such a common problem for dog lovers, there are lots of good dog deshedding treatments and tools. The best one for your dog usually depends on his coat type. Here’s a look at a few of the basic tools you can use to de-shed your dog.
Choosing the right brush for your pet is an important first step for even the most basic home grooming. – Docters Foster and Smith
Comb – A basic wide-tooth comb is a good place to start deshedding for many dogs. You can use metal or plastic.
Deshedding Tool – A dog deshedding tool is a general term that refers to tools such as slicker brushes, tools with blades or sharp teeth such as the Furminator and the Coat King, grooming rakes, and even rubber curry combs that can be used on shorthaired dogs.
Slicker Brush – A slicker brush has lots of fine wire pins set in a large pad. You run it lightly over the body of your dog. It’s a good tool to remove dead hair, especially undercoat. Slicker brushes come in different sizes to use on different size dogs.
Pin Brush – Pin brushes are especially good for dogs with medium or long coats. They are often used on dogs that have long “furnishings,” such as long hair on the chest, legs, stomach, and tail. They have long, straight pins from a cushioned brush head but they come in many sizes and styles. Depending on your dog’s coat and the kind of pin brush you choose, they could also be used for deshedding.
Rake – Grooming rakes have become common deshedding tools in recent years. Rakes have wide heads and teeth like a comb. They are good to use on dogs with very thick coats and can help remove shedding hair on these dogs.
Bristle Brush – Most good dog brushes have bristles that are either boar bristle or boar and nylon. Brushing your dog with one of these brushes on a regular basis is one of the best ways to help reduce shedding and keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Glove – A grooming glove (also called a hound glove) can be a very good way to remove dead hair from your dog. These gloves have been around for decades, though there are some new versions. Some of these gloves are mitts and others are gloves. Some have a rubber hand that makes them good for baths, while others have a slicker-type hand that makes them good for shedding. You can check a variety of grooming gloves to see which one (or more) might work with your dog.
Blade – Deshedding blades are another tool that have been around or a long time. They are also used on horses to remove dead, shedding hair.
Many of the tools discussed here come in various sizes and styles. You should try to choose tools that are designed for your dog’s size and coat type. For example, if you have a small, shorthaired dog, you probably don’t need a pin brush or a rake; but a grooming glove could be very handy. If you have a longhaired dog, you probably need a pin brush. Virtually every dog owner does need to have a good comb and bristle brush.
You do need to be careful with some of these tools because they feature sharp blades. The blades will dull over time and they can continue to be just as effective, especially with deshedding tools such as the Furminator and the Coat King. In fact, the tools can become more effective after they have lost some of their sharpness, but it takes some practice to use them. You’re not trying to cut out your dog’s dead coat. With these tools you drag the blades through the coat and they pull the dead fur out. We know people who open the package for a new Coat King or Oster Rake, which also has sharp blades, and immediately drag them on pavement for a few strokes, just to dull the blades slightly. You don’t have to do that, but do use caution with these deshedding tools, especially when they are new.
Deshedding a shorthaired dog can be every bit as challenging as deshedding a longhaired dog! Most people assume that dogs with long coats shed more but that’s not always true. Length of coat has very little to do with your dog’s shedding. Labrador Retrievers and Pugs, for example, are both breeds that are notorious shedders. The German Shorthaired Pointer, with a short, fine coat, can seem to shed profusely year-round. Some of the factors that determine how often and how much your dog sheds include weather, hormones, genetics, diet, health, and the type of coat he has.
5 Tips to reduce shedding between brushes
Dogs shed to get rid of old, dead hair so it’s not really possible to stop them from shedding completely. Your dog has to lose the old hair so he can grow new, healthy fur. In some cases, dogs will also shed if their fur is damaged or their skin is irritated from skin problems; from taking certain medications; or from some diseases.
Along with using deshedding tools there are some other things you can do to reduce your dog’s shedding, even if your dog is shedding a lot. Here are our best tips to help your dog with shedding.
- Brushing your dog is the number one way to help reduce your dog’s shedding. It loosens and removes dead hair before it falls out – and before it turns into tumbleweeds and dust bunnies in your house. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog and check him for lumps and scratches on a regular basis. Plus, brushing your dog is good for your dog’s skin.
- You can also bathe your dog a little more often when he’s shedding to cut down on the dead fur that falls from his coat. Bathing your dog helps loosen dead fur so it comes out easily when he’s dry and you’re brushing him. If your dog is having skin problems, a medicated shampoo can be a good idea. For dry, itchy skin, an oatmeal shampoo is often recommended. There are also some shampoos that are recommended specifically to help with deshedding.
- Feeding your dog a healthy diet will also keep your dog’s coat in good condition so he only sheds old, dead fur. A good diet helps ensure that your dog will grow back a shiny, healthy coat.
- Control parasites and skin problems. If you live in an area where there are fleas or ticks, make sure your dog gets an appropriate flea and tick treatment. Talk to your vet about which treatment is best for your dog. If your dog has any other skin problems, see your vet for help. Parasites and skin problems can cause your dog to itch and scratch, leading to excessive shedding of his coat.
- See your veterinarian regularly. Dogs can have many diseases and illnesses that affect their skin and coat. Taking your dog to the vet regularly for his checkups is a good way to spot problems early so they don’t become big problems.
Other things you can do to cut down on dog hair in your house include covering your furniture with slipcovers or throws; vacuuming often; and removing shed hair as soon as possible. Once hair works its way into your furniture or carpets, it’s much harder to remove.
Overall Best Dog Brush for Shedding
FURminator deShedding Edge Dog Brush
An all-time favorite for deshedding dogs, the Furminator Deshedding Edge Dog Brush comes in small, medium, and large so there’s a size that’s suitable for all kinds of dogs. It also comes with blades for short or longhaired dogs so you have lots of options. The curved stainless steel edge lets the tool reach beneath your dog’s topcoat so you can remove undercoat and loose hair. The handle is comfortable and fits in your hand. According to the manufacturer, using this tool regularly can reduce shedding by up to 90 percent. Many other products have imitated the Furminator but it’s still a favorite with dog owners.
| Our 2024 Picks for Best Shedding Brushes | |||
| Type | Brush | Price | Rating |
| Overall Best |
|
$$$ |
A+
|
| Best Short Hair |
|
$ |
A
|
| Best Long Hair |
|
$ |
A
|
| #4 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
| #5 |
 |
$$ |
A-
|
| #6 |
 |
$$ |
A-
|
| #7 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
| #8 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
Best Short Hair Dog Shedding Brush
Safari Soft Slicker Brush for Dogs
There are lots of slicker brushes available but we like the Safari Soft Slicker Brush. It comes in small, medium, and large so it’s good for all kinds of dogs. Slicker brushes are a good choice to remove dead hair on shorthaired dogs. It has tiny stainless steel pins that make it easy to remove any shedding hair. Soft slicker brushes, like this one, fit in a rubber bed that has some “give” so they aren’t as hard as other slickers. Used regularly, this slicker brush will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and reduce shedding. Safari has been making quality dog grooming products for years.
Best Long Hair Dog Shedding Brush
Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush
Andis is a top name in dog grooming products. We like this Andis Premium Large Pin Pet Brush for brushing and grooming longhaired dogs. With regular grooming you can minimize shedding in your longhaired dog. It has an ergonomic, soft-grip handle to make grooming more comfortable for you with less hand fatigue. Removes tangles, dirt, and loose hair. The pinhead bristles won’t irritate your dog’s skin but they will stimulate your dog’s hair and skin follicles. This brush will also help spread natural oils throughout the coat and promote the growth and health of your dog’s fur.
5 More Really Good Brushes for Shedding
SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool
The SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool has become a sensation among dog owners and groomers. It comes in small, medium, and large sizes so it can work on any size dog. The shedding blade has a unique and exclusive tooth pattern that will work on all kinds of animal – horses, livestock, cats, and dogs. It effectively and quickly removes loose topcoat and undercoat, along with dirt and dander. The handle is extra comfortable to hold and use. It’s made from poplar wood that’s treated so if you happen to leave the SleekEZ outside, it will still be okay. This tool won’t cut or damage your dog’s coat. The only kind of dog coat it won’t work on are dogs that have long, human-like hair, such as Afghan Hounds. The SleekEZ will also remove pet hair from upholstery, carpeting, pet bedding, and more.
Oster Coarse Rake for Dogs and Cats, 18 teeth
Similar to the Mars Coat King, the Oster Coarse Rake, 18 teeth, removes dead undercoat and gives your dog a finished, well-groomed appearance. Aluminum with solid stainless steel blades so it’s rust-resistant and easy to keep clean. This particular rake has 18 teeth so it’s perfect for breeds with minimum undercoat and short coats such as Beagles and Labradors. Other coat rakes, with more teeth, can pull out more undercoat on dogs with more hair. I have a Mars Coat King with 26 teeth/blades for use on my Setters – some undercoat, straight or wavy topcoat. Only the furnishings are long and these blades are not used on furnishings; only on the body. It removes undercoat very quickly. If you have a dog with a very thick coat, you could opt for a rake with fewer teeth. The teeth on this Oster model are designed for safety. They have rounded ends that glide through the coat without irritating your dog’s skin. One possible advantage that the Oster Rake has over the Mars Coat King (if you are trying to decide between them) is that the Oster Rake has a metal handle. The Mars Coat King has a wooden handle – which is tempting to puppies and dogs as a chew toy. I’ve had to replace my Coat King a couple of times because dogs thought they were tasty. Otherwise, the two products seem very similar.
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Deshedding Tool
With a curved four-inch stainless steel comb blade, the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Deshedding Tool has become popular with dog owners because it is self-cleaning. Once it picks up dead hair, it’s easy to automatically eject the fur. It’s designed to contour to your dog’s body to remove loose hair, dander, and undercoat. According to the manufacturer, it reduces shedding by 95 percent if used regularly. Hertzko has some other self-cleaning products for shedding which are popular so you might want to check them out, too.
Wahl Large Dog & Cat Slicker Brush
Wahl is another company that’s been making grooming products for many years. We like their Wahl Large Dog & Cat Slicker Brush. The firm pins in this brush work to remove loose hair, dirt, and dead undercoat without damaging your dog’s topcoat. It helps to significantly reduce your dog’s shedding. The pins are stainless steel so they are strong and durable. Recommended for dogs with medium and long coats. The large head size covers a large section of coat. The soft-grip handle makes it easier for you to hold the brush and produces less hand fatigue.
FURminator Curry Comb For Dogs
Great for dogs with short and medium-length coats, curry combs can be used to brush the coat and loosen dead fur, then wipe it away. The Furminator Curry Comb for Dogs removes dust and loose hair from your dog. It features molded rubber teeth to stimulate the production of natural coat oils and promote good skin health. The ergonomic handle is secure and comfortable in your hand. The curry comb’s anti-microbial plastic also helps keep germs and bacteria to a minimum. You can use this curry comb any time on your dog. Many people like to use them on shorthaired dogs instead of a brush.
Conclusion
Dogs are going to shed. There’s very little you can do to prevent shedding. Fortunately, there are a lot of great dog deshedding treatments and tools available to help you reduce shedding problems. Consider what kind of coat your dog has and which tools will work best for him. Make sure he is getting a healthy diet and seeing his veterinarian on a regular basis for checkups and any small problems that crop up. And, use flea and tick prevention. If you follow these suggestions, you should have very few problems with shedding.
