Spring is here — and if you’re finding dog fur on every couch cushion and outfit you own, you’re in good company. Most dogs shed more heavily in spring as they lose their winter coat, and for double-coated breeds, it can feel like a full-time job to keep up with.
The good news is that a few consistent habits make a real difference. Here’s how to reduce dog shedding and keep it manageable through the season.
1. Brush more frequently than you think you need to. During shedding season, even low-maintenance dogs benefit from brushing several times a week. Removing loose fur before it falls is the single most effective thing you can do — and it’s better for your dog’s coat health, too.
2. Use the right tool for your dog’s coat type. A slicker brush works well for many dogs, but double-coated breeds — Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and similar — need an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool to get to the loose fur underneath. Using the wrong brush means a lot of effort for minimal results.
3. Bathe your dog before you brush. A good bath loosens dead undercoat and makes brushing significantly more effective. Just make sure your dog is fully dry first — brushing wet fur can cause matting.
4. Look at their diet. Shedding that seems excessive — beyond normal seasonal changes — can sometimes indicate a nutritional gap. Omega-3 fatty acids support coat health and may reduce shedding over time. If you’re unsure what’s normal for your breed, your vet is the best resource.
5. Consider a professional de-shed treatment. For heavy-shedding breeds, or when you just can’t keep up, a professional grooming session can remove far more loose coat than home brushing alone. At Central Bark Aurora-Fox Valley on Route 59, our groomers use professional de-shedding treatments that can make a noticeable difference and possibly give you a few weeks of relief.
Now for the good news: Shedding season doesn’t have to take over your home. If you’re ready for backup, our grooming team is scheduling spring appointments now. And now through April 10, get a FREE de-shed shampoo upgrade (a $15 value)!
