All dogs (except for hairless breeds) are going to shed. Some breeds and individual dogs are minimal shedders, while other breeds of dogs both long and short-coated are heavy shedders. If you have a dog that sheds a lot there are a few must-haves that you’ll want to have on hand to keep your dog looking their best and to prevent shredded fur from accumulating around your house. Here are our must-haves for living with shedding dogs!
#1 Proper grooming equipment for shedding dogs
The most important thing to have if you have a dog that sheds a lot is the proper grooming equipment. There are different types of brushes that are going to be best depending on the type of fur your dog has. For most dogs, a slicker brush will help you keep their coat in good condition. Pin brushes can also be helpful. If you have a dog with short fur a rubber curry brush is best for removing fur before it sheds. If you have a double-coated breed or dog with a thick undercoat, you’ll want also to have an undercoat rake or other brush designed to remove the undercoat. These brushes are designed to help remove dead coats, the fur that falls out and sheds all over your house without damaging the rest of your dog’s coat. If you have a medium or long-coated dog, it’s also helpful to have a small comb in your grooming supplies to help you gently detangle fur before it mats. If you aren’t sure what kind of brush is going to be best for your dog’s specific coat type, talk with your veterinarian, or your dog’s groomer to find out what style of brush is most effective for you to have at home.
#2 A good vacuum for shedding dogs
Shed happens and the easiest way to clean up fur from your carpets, flooring, upholstery, and vehicle is with a vacuum. If you have a dog who sheds a lot it’s worthwhile to invest in a quality vacuum or a couple of vacuums. A Roomba or other robotic vacuum that can run daily can help keep dog fur from accumulating around your house if you run it daily. In addition, you’ll want another vacuum that you can use to get into trouble areas like under furniture and in corners where dog hair can accumulate. It’s also helpful to make sure whatever vacuum you select is handheld or has an upholstery attachment that lets you easily vacuum fur from furniture or your car’s upholstery.
#3 Lint roller
If you have a shedding dog another must-have is a lint roller. Keep lint rollers stashed in your car, your suitcase, purse, or other bags to do a touch-up on the go if saying goodbye to your dog before leaving the house means getting fluff onto your clothes. If you can’t avoid hugging your dog before heading out the door you might also want to keep a lint roller in your bathroom or closet and do a quick lint roll of your outfit before heading out to prevent you from being as fluffy as your dog!
#4 Get into a routine
An at-home grooming routine between professional grooming appointments is a must-have for owners of shedding dogs. Regular grooming can help you to keep your dog’s fur in the best condition possible which will help reduce the amount of fur you find around your home and on your clothes. For many long-coated dogs, a regular grooming routine should include p
