Choosing a deshedding tool is easier when you start with your pet’s coat. Smooth coats, double coats, long silky coats, and curly coats each shed in their own way, and no single brush does it all. This guide matches common brush types to coat shapes and explains how to use them safely for dogs and cats.
Know your pet’s coat
Before you buy anything, take a close look at the texture and length of your pet’s hair. The coat type determines which tools remove loose hair without pulling or irritating the skin.
- Smooth or short coat: Short, sleek hairs that lie flat against the body. These pets shed surface hair year-round, often in small amounts, but they usually do not have a dense undercoat.
- Double coat: A soft, dense undercoat beneath a longer, coarser outer coat. Common in many dogs, this coat sheds moderately most of the year and heavily during seasonal changes.
- Long or silky coat: Long strands that can tangle easily, sometimes combined with a fine undercoat. Brushing should remove loose hair and help keep the coat from matting.
- Curly or wiry coat: Tight curls or a stiff, rough texture. These coats tend to shed less visibly but still need regular brushing to prevent tangles and remove hair that gets trapped.
For a complete look at what belongs in your grooming kit, see this overview of deshedding tools.
| Coat type | What it looks like | Best tool types |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth | Short, flat-lying hair | Rubber brush, grooming glove, soft bristle brush |
| Double | Soft undercoat plus coarser topcoat | Undercoat rake, slicker brush, deshedding blade used gently |
| Long or silky | Long hair that can tangle | Slicker brush, wide-tooth comb |
| Curly or wiry | Curls or stiff texture | Slicker brush, comb, occasional rubber brush |
Slicker brushes
A slicker brush has a flat or slightly curved pad filled with fine, short wire pins. It is one of the most versatile grooming tools for coats with an undercoat or longer hair. The pins reach into the top layer and lift out loose hair and small tangles without scraping the skin when used with light pressure.
Use a slicker brush on double-coated dogs, long-haired dogs, and many long-haired cats. Work in small sections, follow the direction of the hair, and avoid dragging the bristles hard against the skin. If your pet has a long or double coat, consider a slicker brush with gentle, flexible pins. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean the brush and whether it is meant for your pet’s coat length.
Undercoat rakes
An undercoat rake is a loop or row of teeth, sometimes with small rotating tips, designed to pull loose undercoat from deep within a double coat. It is especially helpful during heavy shedding periods when thick clumps of soft hair come loose.
Hold the rake at an angle and comb through the coat in the direction of hair growth, working one section at a time. Do not dig or press hard, and avoid areas where the skin is thin, such as the belly or inner legs. If you are shopping for this tool, look for an undercoat rake with rounded tips that match the size of your pet.
Deshedding blades: use gently
A deshedding blade looks like a loop of metal with short, serrated teeth. When pulled through a double coat, it lifts out loose undercoat that would otherwise end up on your floors and furniture. It works quickly, but it also comes with a warning: overuse or too much pressure can cut or thin the outer coat and irritate the skin.
Use a deshedding blade only on areas with a full undercoat, such as the back and sides of a double-coated dog. Keep your strokes light and smooth, and limit use to a few times each week during the heaviest shedding. Never run the blade over the head, legs, tail tip, belly, or any area with matted hair. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and stop if your pet shows any signs of discomfort. If you add this type of tool to your grooming set, choose one with a guard if available.
Rubber brushes, bristle brushes, and grooming gloves
Rubber brushes and grooming gloves have soft nubs that catch loose surface hair while gliding over the coat. They are perfect for smooth-coated dogs and many cats, especially pets that are nervous around metal pins or that dislike being brushed. The nubs also provide a gentle massage, which most pets enjoy.
A bristle brush is another simple option for smooth or short coats. The bristles glide over the skin and pick up dust and loose hairs while helping distribute the coat’s natural oils. Use a soft-to-medium bristle brush on short-haired dogs and cats, and finish with a rubber brush to catch anything left behind.
These tools do not reach deep into the undercoat, so pair them with a slicker or rake when your pet has a heavier coat.
Seasonal shedding routine
Double-coated dogs often shed much more heavily in spring and fall as the undercoat changes with the season. Smooth-coated and single-coated pets tend to shed more evenly all year. Your routine should follow the coat and the season.
During heavy shedding, brush your dog more often, sometimes daily. Start with an undercoat rake or a deshedding blade to lift the deep loose undercoat, then switch to a slicker brush for the upper coat, and finish with a rubber brush to collect any remaining surface hair. Be gentle and take breaks so your dog stays comfortable.
Never shave a double-coated dog without professional advice. Shaving can disrupt the normal structure and growth of the coat, and it does not stop shedding. If you are thinking about shaving for summer or for easier grooming, talk to a professional groomer or your veterinarian first.
While you are building a brushing routine, make sure your other grooming supplies are easy to find. A simple grooming kit with the right tools makes the whole process quicker and calmer. Grooming sessions are also a natural time to check your dog’s paws; if you are unsure how to approach nail care, see how to trim your dog’s nails at home.
Cats
Cats groom themselves constantly, but they still benefit from brushing. A rubber brush or grooming glove is often the best starting point for a short-haired cat. Long-haired cats may need a slicker brush with gentle pins to keep their coat from tangling.
Keep sessions short and calm. Brush in the direction of the hair, and stop if your cat becomes restless. Undercoat rakes and deshedding blades are designed mainly for dogs, so only use them on a cat if the product is specifically labeled for cats and your cat tolerates it. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s instructions or ask a groomer.
FAQ
How often should I brush my dog’s coat?
It depends on the coat type and the season. A smooth-coated dog may need brushing only a few times a week, while a double-coated dog may need daily brushing during heavy shedding. The most important sign is the amount of loose hair you see; if your hand comes away covered in hair, it is time to brush.
Can a deshedding blade cut my dog’s coat?
Yes. If you press too hard or use it too often, a deshedding blade can break or thin the outer coat and irritate the skin. Use light strokes on the back and sides, and switch to a slicker brush or undercoat rake for everyday grooming.
Should I shave my double-coated dog in summer?
Do not shave a double-coated dog without first getting professional advice. Shaving can change the coat’s normal growth pattern and may not reduce shedding. Talk to a groomer or your veterinarian about the best way to manage your dog’s coat in warm weather.
Can I use dog deshedding tools on my cat?
Only if the tool is designed for cats. Rubber brushes and grooming gloves are safe for most cats, but undercoat rakes and deshedding blades are often too harsh for feline skin. Start with the gentlest tool and watch your cat’s reaction.
If your pet has irritated skin, bald patches, or excessive scratching, contact your veterinarian before using any grooming tool.
Matching the tool to the coat is the best way to keep shedding under control and grooming comfortable for your pet. Start with the gentlest tool that fits the coat, keep your strokes light, and stay consistent through seasonal changes. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for each tool, and contact your veterinarian for any skin or health concerns.
