How to Reduce Shedding in Dogs: Keep the Fur (Mostly) Off Your Couch

There’s a certain kind of love that comes with dog ownership, wet noses, happy tail wags, and… fur. Everywhere. On your couch, in your car, floating through the air like dandelion fluff. If you’re constantly lint-rolling your life, you’re not alone.

Shedding is totally natural, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept a fur-covered existence. Whether your pup sheds seasonally or year-round, there are ways to manage the mess without compromising their health or comfort.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to reduce shedding in dogs with easy-to-follow tips, helpful grooming routines, and insight into when it’s time to bring in the pros. Ready to reclaim your furniture (and sanity)? Let’s dive in.

It Starts with the Right Brush—and the Right Routine

The secret to controlling shedding often lies in using the right tool for your dog’s coat type. However, just as there are different hair lengths in breeds, there are different brushes for you to use. Here’s what brush type to consider for different hair lengths

• Short-haired breeds (like Labs or Pugs): Use a rubber curry brush or grooming glove
• Double-coated breeds (like Huskies or German Shepherds): Go for an undercoat rake or deshedding tool
• Silky or long coats: Use a slicker brush to gently detangle and remove loose fur

While brushing, make sure to brush in the direction of hair growth, and be consistent. A quick daily session can cut down dramatically on loose hair in your home. Also make sure that your pet is completely dry before burshing to avoid tangling or matting.

Diet Matters More Than You Think

In some cases, dogs shed due to a poor diet with low nutrition. In this kind of shedding, the dog usually grows a dull coat. Take it as a sign to improve your pet’s diet with the essential fatty acids, high-quality protein, and vitamins it’s missing.

Invest in proper high quality pet food. And we’re not talking about buying expensive pet food marketed using buzz words, but rather observing the content of the pet food before buying. Look for ingredients like Omega 3, Omega 6 fatty acids, real meat, and nutrients like biotin, zinc and vitamin E.

Many local grooming salons and pet food stores, including services like Adogable Pets Services, offer curated selections of healthy dog food designed to support coat health from the inside out.

If you’re already feeding your dog quality food and still struggling with shedding, talk to your vet. Allergies or underlying conditions might be to blame.

Bathe Smart, Not Too Often

Another great tip on how to reduce shedding, is through regular baths. A bath help loosen dead hair and remove dander. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, or the skin can dry out making shedding worse.

Stick to bathing every 4–6 weeks and always use a dog-specific shampoo (strictly not human ones!).. For heavy shedders, a de-shedding shampoo or conditioner can make a noticeable difference. Pro groomers often include deshedding treatments as part of their packages.

When to Call in the Pros

If your home still looks like a fur storm hit it even after trying everything, it may be time to call a professional groomer. These groomers have the right tools, like high-velocity dryers, to get that loose hair out. They also possess better knowledge of pet products and can work based on what works best for your pet. Additionally, they can also provide other services after they’re done shedding. This could include nail trimming and tartar scaling to give your pet that clean look it was missing.

If you’re not a fan of leaving your pet at a salon due to their anxiety, you could consider mobile grooming services that come to you and reduce your dog’s stress in the process.

Take Control of Shedding—One Brush at a Time

Learning how to reduce shedding in dogs starts with small, consistent steps, and the results can be a game-changer for both your home and your pup’s comfort. From better brushes to balanced nutrition, every little tweak adds up.

And when you need a hand, consider the experts at Adogable Pet Services. We offer professional grooming, coat care, and deshedding treatments trusted by pet parents throughout Riverview and beyond. Feel free to reach out to us to book an appointment.