Short answer: regular brushing is the most effective way to reduce hair around the house – at least once or twice a week, and every day during shedding season. A bath with a suitable shampoo and conditioner, followed by full drying, helps the loose undercoat come out faster. Shedding can't be stopped, but it can be managed.
Is it normal for a dog to shed?
Yes. Many dogs lose hair year-round, and double-coated breeds – such as the Siberian Husky, the German Shepherd and the Labrador – shed their undercoat more heavily around twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. In a warmer climate, or for dogs that live mostly indoors, shedding can be more even or almost constant. It's similar with cats – for those that live indoors only, shedding is usually more even throughout the year.
The goal isn't to stop the process but to remove the loose hair in a controlled way, before it ends up on the sofa.
Five steps that work
1. Brush regularly
The most important step. For double coats, use an undercoat rake and a slicker brush, reaching down to the undercoat without pressing on the skin – a surface brush alone isn't enough. For short, smooth coats, a rubber grooming glove is handy. During shedding season, brush every day.
2. Bathe with a suitable shampoo
De-shedding shampoos and conditioners help loosen the hair that's ready to fall out during bathing. At the height of shedding, a warm-water bath followed by full drying is especially helpful. Brush once the coat is completely dry – or while blow-drying.
3. Don't skip the conditioner
Conditioner makes brushing easier, reduces static, and helps the brush glide through the coat without breaking the hair.
4. Pay attention to diet
Coat quality also depends on a complete, balanced diet. If you think a skin and coat supplement is needed, discuss it with your vet – supplements don't stop normal shedding.
5. Keep to a schedule
Short, regular sessions are more effective than one big clean-up once a year. Set a brushing reminder in the care plan in your account (My Pets).
When shedding is a sign of a problem
- Hair loss in patches rather than evenly
- Redness, itching or sores on the skin
- The hair is brittle and dull
- Shedding starts suddenly and out of season
In these cases the cause may be a skin condition, parasites, a hormonal issue or another health problem – see a vet.
Suitable products
Browse brushes and combs, dog shampoos and conditioners and masks. Supplements are in the supplements category – discuss the choice with your vet. You'll find guidance for your breed on the Breeds page.
Frequently asked questions
Does clipping or shaving help with a double coat?
No. Shaving doesn't reduce shedding, and it removes the insulating layer that protects against cold, heat and sun. After shaving, the undercoat can grow back faster than the topcoat, leaving the coat uneven and differently textured. Regular brushing is the better approach.
How often should I bathe during shedding season?
You don't need to bathe more often than usual for the breed – for example, the Siberian Husky is usually bathed just a few times a year, and the Labrador that lives mostly indoors every 4–6 weeks. One warm-water bath at the height of shedding, followed by full drying and brushing, helps the loose undercoat come out. Use a conditioner after the shampoo.
Do the same methods apply to cats?
Yes. For cats, regular brushing has an added benefit – it reduces the amount of hair a cat swallows while grooming itself, and so reduces hairball formation. Long-haired cats, such as the Persian and the Maine Coon, need more frequent brushing.