Shedding season: How to properly brush and groom your dog
It’s that time of year again: the days are getting longer or shorter, and suddenly the sofa seems to take on a new, furry texture. Shedding season is a challenge for both dogs and their owners. But brushing is much more than just a battle against dust bunnies in the house. It’s proactive health care and a precious time for bonding.
Properly brushing and combing your dog does far more than just ensure a shiny coat. Careful grooming supports healthy skin, prevents matting, and strengthens the bond between human and animal. However, brushing haphazardly risks skin irritation or painful pulling.
Before brushing your dog, determine its coat type: smooth, short hair; long hair; rough coat; or a combination with a dense undercoat. A short-haired dog with little undercoat usually benefits from a soft rubber brush or a grooming glove that removes loose hair and dust while massaging the skin. Long-haired dogs, on the other hand, need a combination of brush and comb that reaches down to the undercoat without damaging the skin. For dogs with an undercoat, special undercoat brushes are useful, as they remove loose undercoat while protecting the topcoat. Using a brush that is too soft will only groom the surface – knots and loose undercoat will remain in the fur and can cause problems later.
The technique
Proper brushing starts with patience. Many people make the mistake of only brushing the topcoat. The real problem – the loose undercoat – often remains untouched and becomes matted.
The correct technique for brushing and combing a dog is just as important as having the right tools. Always brush in the direction of the coat’s growth, using calm, even movements and without excessive pressure. Pay particular attention to sensitive areas such as the armpits, behind the ears, the hindquarters, and the groin, as knots can form there quickly. For longer coats, it’s best to work in sections: Part the coat into layers with your hand or a comb and brush from the bottom up until you’ve reached every layer. First, gently loosen any mats with your fingers, then carefully work them out with a comb or a dematting brush – forcibly pulling the brush through them will hurt the dog and can cause breakage.
For particularly long-haired dogs, the “layer method” is recommended: Lift the coat with one hand and brush the underlying layer until the skin is visible. This is the only way to reach the undercoat where dirt and loose hair collect.
The Most Common Mistakes
Despite good intentions, dogs and their owners often make common mistakes when grooming their pets. A common error is choosing the wrong brush: hard wire brushes on sensitive, short-haired skin can cause micro-injuries, while a brush that is too soft is hardly effective on a long-haired dog with a dense undercoat. Brushing too infrequently, especially during shedding season, is also problematic. If loose undercoat remains in the fur, it can mat, hindering air circulation to the skin and promoting heat buildup, itching, or skin inflammation. Another mistake is brushing against the grain, which can be uncomfortable or even painful for many dogs and can damage hair follicles. Wetting already matted fur is also risky: moisture tends to tighten knots, making them difficult to remove later.
Another common grooming mistake is using clippers on dogs with a dense undercoat when their fur is perceived as too warm in summer. Simply shaving off the undercoat can impair the dog’s natural thermoregulation and sun protection. It’s more beneficial to regularly brush out the loose undercoat so that air can reach the skin and the dog can better regulate its own temperature.
Even experienced dog owners often fall into the same traps:
- Too much pressure: Dogs’ skin is more sensitive than human skin. Applying too much pressure with wire brushes can lead to “brush fire” (red streaks and irritation).
- Dry brushing curly hair: In breeds like poodles or water dogs, it can lead to hair breakage. A special conditioning spray can help in this case.
- Neglected areas: Matted hair forms most quickly behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the inner thighs. Those who avoid these areas risk painful knots that often only a professional can remove.
The right tools:
Not every brush is suitable for every dog. The choice of equipment determines whether grooming becomes a spa treatment or a chore.
- Slicker brush: The all-rounder for almost all coat types, removing loose hair and light mats.
- Undercoat rake: Indispensable for breeds with a thick undercoat (e.g., Golden Retriever, German Shepherd). It pulls out loose undercoat without shortening the topcoat.
- Rubber grooming brush: Perfect for short-haired dogs (e.g., Boxers, Beagles). It massages the skin and gently removes loose hair.
- Comb with rotating teeth: Ideal for checking after brushing whether all knots have really been untied.
Bathing and Grooming – Secret Weapons During Shedding Season?
A frequently asked question is: Should you bathe your dog during shedding season? The answer is a clear yes – but with care. A warm bath helps loosen the dead hair in the undercoat. However, it’s important to use a moisturizing dog shampoo to avoid damaging the skin’s natural protective barrier. If you gently massage your dog with a rubber curry comb while lathering, you’ll be amazed at how much loose fur ends up in the drain.
When is a professional needed?
A visit to the dog groomer is particularly advisable during shedding season. Professionals use powerful hair dryers, also called “blowers.” These literally blow the loose undercoat out of the dog, something that’s hardly possible at home. They also know exactly which areas should be trimmed, plucked, or simply thinned.
Besides brushing and combing, there are other ways to maintain your dog’s coat. A balanced diet with high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals is the foundation for a healthy, shiny coat. Regular checkups with a veterinarian or animal naturopath can help detect skin problems, parasites, or allergies early. While brushing, it’s a good opportunity to check the skin for redness, dandruff, ticks, or small wounds. This way, coat care becomes preventative healthcare, not just cosmetic.
Regular brushing isn’t a necessary evil, but a health check. Choosing the right technique and tools will save your dog from itching and matting – and create little moments of well-being at the same time.