How to handle shedding season like a pro

Shedding is one of those quiet, persistent parts of pet ownership — you wake up with fur on your pillow, find a tumbleweed of hair under the couch, and wonder if your lint roller has a pulse of its own. It’s normal, and with a few steady habits you can make shedding season much more manageable for both you and your pet. Below are clear, empathetic, real-world tips to help you cut down the mess and keep your companion comfortable.

Understand what “shedding season” means

• Many dogs and cats have heavier shedding in spring and fall. That’s their body adjusting coat thickness for the coming weather — not a sign they’re unhappy.
• Single-coated breeds (short-haired labs, for example) shed more evenly year-round. Double-coated breeds (think Huskies, German Shepherds) blow their undercoat seasonally and produce much more loose hair.
• Sudden, patchy, or itchy shedding could be a sign of allergies, parasites, or nutritional deficiencies. If your pet’s shedding suddenly looks different, check with your vet.

Build a simple grooming routine

Consistency beats intensity. Short, regular sessions are easier on your pet and more effective than one long, stressful marathon.

Daily (5–10 minutes)

• Brush high-shedding pets once a day during peak season. Use gentle, steady strokes and speak soothingly.
• Focus on places hair mats first: behind ears, under armpits, and around the tail base.

Weekly (20–30 minutes)

• Use a deshedding tool or undercoat rake for double-coated breeds to remove loose underfur. Work in sections and avoid digging at skin.
• Check for mats, ticks, redness, and bumps. This is a good time to inspect ears and paws.

Monthly

• Consider a professional groomer for heavy shedders once or twice a season. They can safely remove large amounts of undercoat and advise on coat health.
• Trim nails and evaluate grooming tools. Replace worn brushes or broken rakes.

Bathing tips

• A bath can loosen hair, but don’t overdo it — too frequent bathing strips natural oils. For most pets, once every 4–8 weeks is fine unless your vet recommends otherwise.
• Use a rinsing conditioner or a product formulated to reduce loose hair. Thorough rinsing is key — leftover soap can dry the skin and increase shedding.
• Towel or blow-dry on a low, comfortable setting while brushing. The dryer helps loosen extra hair if your pet tolerates it.

Choose the right tools

• Slicker brush: great for removing surface hair and smoothing coats.
• Undercoat rake or deshedding tool: essential for double-coated breeds to get loose underfur.
• Rubber brush or curry glove: ideal for short-haired breeds and for massaging skin while catching loose fur.
• Wide-tooth comb: helps gently untangle mats.
• Lint rollers, sticky sheets, or a clothing brush: quick fixes for clothes.
• Microfiber cloths and damp sponges: useful for wiping furniture and removing hair more efficiently than a dry cloth.
• A vacuum with good suction and a pet-hair attachment (HEPA filters help with allergens). A robot vacuum can reduce daily maintenance — think of it as a small, helpful assistant.

Home hacks that actually work

• Place washable throws on frequently used furniture. Toss them in the wash weekly rather than trying to vacuum upholstery daily.
• Keep an old rubber glove nearby. Rubbing a damp glove over upholstery lifts hair into a ball you can pick up easily.
• Use a damp microfiber mop on floors — it picks up hair better than a broom.
• Freeze a pumice stone and swipe it gently across carpets to collect fur (test in a small area first).
• Create “hair zones” — encourage pets to rest on easier-to-clean surfaces like hardwood or a washable mat during peak shedding.

Nutrition and health matters

• A balanced diet with adequate protein and healthy fats supports skin and coat health. Omega-3 supplements often help, but talk to your vet before starting any supplements.
• Keep parasite prevention current; fleas and mites can cause excessive shedding.
• Hydration counts: dry skin leads to more breakage and shedding.

Handling mats and tangles

• For small mats: try a dematting tool or a slicker brush combined with a detangling spray. Hold the fur near the skin to avoid pulling.
• For big, stubborn mats: a groomer’s expertise is safer than trying to cut them yourself. Cutting can easily nick skin and cause pain.
• If your pet hates grooming, build tolerance slowly: short sessions, treats, and gentle praise. Over time they’ll associate grooming with calm, positive moments.

When to call the vet

• Significant, sudden hair loss, bald patches, or sores.
• Skin that’s flaky, greasy, red, or extremely itchy.
• Lethargy or other changes in behavior coinciding with hair changes.

These can be signs of underlying issues that need medical attention.

A little perspective and patience

Shedding can feel relentless, but it’s usually a natural process. Think of it like spring cleaning your pet’s wardrobe — a bit messy, but part of their rhythm. Small, regular investments in brushing, bathing, and home upkeep will pay off in less hair on your clothes, fewer clumps under the couch, and a happier pet.

If you’re ever overwhelmed, remember: you don’t have to handle it alone. A groomer can do a lot of the heavy lifting, and your vet can guide you if something feels off. With a steady routine, the right tools, and a little patience, shedding season becomes manageable — and sometimes even a peaceful bonding routine between you and your pet.