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Hair, hair, everywhere! Sound familiar? If you find yourself constantly vacuuming because of your dog’s massive amounts of shedding, then you’ve come to the right place.
Article Overview
- What Is A Dog Hair Remover?
- Why Use A Dog Shedding Brush?
- Best Deshedding Tools
- Best Pet Hair Vacuum
- Tips To Reduce Shedding
- Dog Hair Brush vs Dog Shedding Brush
What Is A Dog Hair Remover?
Whereas dog brushes simply groom your dog’s fur, a dog hair remover physically extracts excess hair.
Nothing can remove 100% of the shedding. However, many of these brushes we reviewed below claim to remove up to 90% of your dog’s shedding fur.
Why Use A Dog Shedding Brush?
- Removing excess hair helps canines stay cooler during the warmer months
- They keep the house and your clothes hair free
- A dog shedding brush can eliminate tons of clean up time (read our article on best dog vacuums to learn more about the best tools for cleaning up hair)
- It keeps pet’s coat looking spiffy
Best Deshedding Tools
We chose the best deshedding tools based on price, customer reviews, brush quality, ease of use and more.
FURminator Review
The FURminator claims to reduce shedding up to 90%. It comes in a variety of sizes for both short and long-haired dogs, making it easy to find the best style for your pet.
Unlike others in this article, the FURminator has a “FURejector” button, which is a button to easily remove the loose hairs from the tool, so you don’t have to hassle with cleaning it. FURminator also offers a shampoo designed to reduce shedding.
The extra feature of this tool comes with a higher price tag, and many buyers report the brush breaks, which isn’t a good thing given its more expensive price point. However, this brush is overwhelmingly raved about by many more consumers than the competition.
Author’s Experience
I’ve been using this on my hound mix for more than 2.5 years and love it. It works great for her coat. I make sure I am gentle when I brush her and let the brush do all the work. The FURejector is convenient at helping remove all the hair collected.
Pros | Cons |
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Price
- Extra Small Tool (short hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Small Tool (short hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Small Tool (long hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Medium Tool (short hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Medium Tool (long hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Large Tool (short hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Large Tool (long hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Giant Tool (short hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Giant Tool (long hair) – Check Amazon for availability.
Oster Shedmonster Review
The ShedMonster by Oster is our second choice for the best dog brush for shedding. It offers two different brushes depending on your dog’s coat: fine/short hair or medium/long. It’s used to de-shed, de-mat and de-tangle pet fur all in one brush.
The ShedMonster also claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%. This brush works great on Labrador Retrievers and other breeds with thicker undercoats.
Author’s Experience
I’ve used this brush on labs before and it works great. I like how sturdy the brush is. It does a good job deshedding and I’m not as worried about applying too much pressure to it as I am sometimes with the FURminator because the teeth aren’t as sharp on it.
Pros | Cons |
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Price
- Fine or short coats – $17.48
- Medium to long coats – Check Amazon for availability.
FurGOpet Review
Pet owners are raving about the FurGOpet. It successfully removes your dog’s undercoat and loose hair to decrease the amount of shedding.
The FurGOPet comes in two sizes: one for smaller pups under 20 pounds and cats and one for larger dogs. The smaller one is blue and the larger one is yellow.
Both are a great value (around $20) and have great reviews for being reliable brushes. Like the others, it also claims to decrease shedding by 90%.
Pros | Cons |
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Price
- Smaller Dogs (less than 20 pounds and cats) – Check Amazon for availability.
- Larger Dogs – $12.75
Honorable Mention: Pet Portal Slicker Brush
We had the chance to test out this brush in exchange for an honest review of the product. We tried it out on a short-haired dog around 20 pounds and it seemed to do a good job of removing some of the excess hair.
A great feature is that the bristles retract with the click of a button, which makes cleaning a breeze (just wipe away the hair). However, the dog was very squeamish and didn’t like the feel of the sharp stainless steel bristles.
There are some reports of the brush pins bending easily and then not retracting back properly. Overall, it’s a good brush with a comfortable handle, but perhaps better used on dogs with thicker coats.
Pros | Cons |
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Price
- Small to Medium: $27.99
- Medium to Large: Check Amazon for availability.
Best Pet Vacuum To Clean Up Shedding
Now that you’ve got your dog’s coat cleaned up, unfortunately, the floor and sofa are covered in hair! Based on our personal experience, we highly recommend this handheld Black & Decker Pet Hand Vacuum. It always gets all our dog’s hair cleaned up around the house in no time.
If you are looking for a canister, upright or stick vacuum instead, check out our full pet vacuum reviews to find the best way to keep your house clean.
Can You Stop A Dog From Shedding?
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for dog shedding, but there are some non-shedding dogs. You can help eliminate a good portion of the loose fur on your shedding dog by following these tips.
When the weather cooperates, we suggest that you use these shedding tools outside. This will keep the hair you brush off away from your couch or carpet (which defeats the purpose, right?).
Dog Hair Brush vs Dog Shedding Brush
Doesn’t a dog hair brush do the same thing? No.
Dog hair brushes help keep the hair in good condition. The hair brush also removes dirt and spreads natural oils throughout your pup’s coat keeping your furry friend healthy.
Brushing also gives you time to check your dog for fleas and make sure the coat is in beautiful condition. For this reason, it’s important to groom your dog regularly, too. Should you run into matted hair in your dog, we have a guide to take care of the problem.
Which dog shedding brush do you find most effective and why?
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We have
Pekingese and have never found a brush that actually works. So we have to trim our dogs every couple months. The under coat just can’t be removed. These these Pekingese pups have perfuse coats and it is impossible to keep them groomed. Any ideas. That will actually work?
Thanks
We’ve read reviews for the Furminator stating it’s a great brush for a Pekingese.
Hi, I have a 4yr old mixed (German Shephard & Pitbull). After reading your review and some of the comments, still not sure what would be the best item to purchase for his short hair shedding. Thank you in advance for your help.
I would recommend trying the Furminator for your GSD/Pit Bull mix. If you find that it isn’t cutting it, you can attempt to return it within Amazon’s return window.
I have two Eng Bulldogs and the Furminator works great de-shedding their short coats. Q: Can the dogs skin underneath the fur sufferer any damage with normal use (apprx twice week) with the Furminator? The metal teeth are very sharp and I try not to press down at all when combing them.
If you aren’t applying pressure to the brush while combing, your dog shouldn’t suffer any skin damage. If your dog seems comfortable during the brushing, it should be fine. If you’re concerned, you can speak to your vet about it.
I HAVE A DALMATIAN WHICH ONE WOULD BE BEST FOR HIS COAT AND HELP THE SHEDDING.?
Lucy, any of the brushes we mention above should work for your Dalmation but just make sure you get one for short hair and larger dogs. You might also try a de-shedding shampoo or conditioner.
I have a mix pup. I was told she was mix of black lab, Shar pei, ridgeback, pitbull. So she has a thick coat (lab), coarse on top (ridgeback) soft on sides. She has what I call a turkey neck because of all the excess skin (Shar pee) the pitbull part I think is reflected in her body stance and shape and strength! With that all said, what kind if brush or brushes should I use? Also, the ridgeback in her gives her a real coarse back, can I use the same brushes for this and should I comb in both directions (with and against the fur?) She sheds like crazy and has sensitive skin as well. Help. Thanks.
Jen & Phantom Stoney
Would you say she has a thick undercoat? If so, I’d go with the Shedmonster. If not, I’d probably go with the Furminator. If you end up not liking the one you choose, you can try returning it.
Just bought the Shedmonster and I couldn’t be happier! Really wish I’d bought one at first, as this is my 3rd type to try. Couch saver!
Hi, Kimberly. I have a 12 year old black lab and she sheds like crazy! Which brush it the best for removing that hot undercoat as I live in South Carolina? Thank so much.
I’ve used the Shedmonster and Furminator on labs before and they worked great. I have used the same Furminator on my hound mix for 2.5 years and it’s done great. She doesn’t have the thick undercoat that a lab has though. I think either of these brushes would work well for your lab, but I’d probably lean toward the Shedmonster since the Furminator has been reported of breaking when used on thicker coats.
Thank you for great articles. As a pet trainer i appreciate someone else gathering all this information and making it easier to access, especially in such a great and easy to read platform!
Doesn’t the Furminator cut the coat – despite the claims? The teeth edges seem sharp, and there are mixed opinions online.
I can’t decide which tool to get for my mixed breed. The Kong curry works well, but it doesn’t seem to reduce shedding, as she still leaves tufts of hair everywhere whenever she shakes or is touched.
I use the Furminator on my dog and it doesn’t cut her coat. I’ve been very pleased with it. She is a hound mix and for her coat type, it works great. We originally purchased the Shedmonster but it didn’t work well for her.
I have a Chi mix and she sheds quite a bit, but my Chiweenies shed really bad all year round. So Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are not nonshedding dogs. Although our Pure Breed Dachshunds shed very little, and every Chihuahua I’ve seen that’s not hairless really sheds badly. I’ve been told by Groomers that FURMENATORS aren’t as good as some other types talk to Groomers and Groomers at Petco or Pet Smart and they will tell you and show you what they use and Prefer. So I’m going to order from Amazon the best ones recommend to me at this point and put Salmon Oil on their dog food every day. It decreases shedding too after being on it for a few months.
I have a Golden Retriever that needs a brush after her bath. I don’t know what to buy?
Hi Glenda, the Shedmonster is great for long hair and will de-shed, de-mat and de-tangle your dogs hair.
Lenna
I have an American bully who sheds like know other which brush would work best for him? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi, I’m a professional groomer.
I have a pit bull, the only brush that works well on her is a rubber curry brush. I like Top paw or Kong brand.
I have a short haired white Rat Terrier Besenji mix 30 pounds. She sheds an incredible amount all the time. She does not have a lot of hair and you can see her pink skin on a lot of her body except her back. What tool would work best on her? Do frequent baths help? Should you brush her wet or dry and how often. The brushes look look they could hurt? My husband hates all the white hair everywhere.
Hi. I have a rat terrier mix as well and am a professional pet stylist. The shedmonster or a Coat King brush (Similar to shedmonster) and a rubber curry, such as Kong or Top Paw brand, would be best. Since her hair is already pretty thin, I would probably go with the rubber curry first and see how that works for you and her. It will be nice and gentle for her skin and coat. You can use the curry brushes wet or dry, but i would not use the shedmonster or coat king wet. As for bathing, what works for each pet can be a bit different. I would start with bathing every 6-8 weeks if the only issue is shedding hair, and adjust accordingly. Too much bathing can strip their oils and make them dry/itchy or bring on other unwanted skin issues. Yet, some pups need more regular bathing to help wash away allergens or keep other skin conditions under control. Hope this helps!
Could this be some health or nutrition problem? In my experience heavy shedding is seasonal, not year-round. Limit her exposure to the sun, definitely, and I would have my vet take a look. Maybe it as simple as changing type of food or adding a supplement. Hope this helps.
I have a Rat Terrier too of almost 5 pounds and mine is just like Cynthia’s. The same things she described above happen to mine. On my side, my dog is so tiny that I am looking for an effective tool that helps me with the deshedding. I have hair every day everywhere. I think it is something of the breed, not a sickness, because I’ve done everything and in eleven years that I have her the shedding is the same. What tool would be good?
Personally, I use the FURminator on my dogs. It is pricey but I’ve had it for years and it is particularly useful on my hounds who shed the most out of my pups.
My heart breaks for the dog in the video. He obviously is scared or sad. I have never seen a dog keep his head hung so low. This video is sad to watch!
I think its because he is a very eldery dog..
I have a pekingese and a Samoyed. Any recommendations.
I haven’t personally felt the coats of either of those breeds, but here’s my experience. We initially purchased the Shedmonster for our coonhound mix. It didn’t perform too great on her but is amazing on Labrador Retrievers. My conclusion is that the Shedmonster is great for dogs with thicker undercoats. The brush we now use on our dog is the Furminator and it does better on our dog than the Shedmonster does. Our dog doesn’t have a thick coat like a lab but still has some shedding. I’ve also used the Furminator on labs before and it performs well. I recommend taking this information into consideration as well as the pros/cons listed above and see which brush makes the most sense for your dogs’ coats. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Furminators used to have changeable teeth but no more. Now if it is dropped and teeth get chipped, the handle and all must be replaced. Pure greed.
We changed from the Shedmonster to the Furminator because our dog Sally doesn’t have a thick undercoat like labs or other heavy shedders have. The Shedmonster didn’t work great on her and while we were at a family member’s house we tried out their brush and it worked out great. Fortunately, we haven’t had any issues with it chipping or breaking. Have you found another brush to use instead?
I tried the Slicker brush to try one on our dogs and to have a few friends try on their dogs. 50% like it fine and the other 50% are freaked out by the feel of the wire bristles. In our house, one dog loves it the other hates it. We will keep using it though because I do really like that you do not have to touch the fur so much!
Try not to press down on the skin, it will work well without doing it. The dogs that don’t like it will tolerate it then. Just don’t make it hurt. I use these for grooming from Chihuahuas to Pomeranians in my doggie business.
We purchased the ShedMonster when we adopted our dog in February. As it starts getting warmer I’ve noticed her shedding more and more so I started using the brush more. So far it’s worked well but doesn’t seem to collect tons of hair. However, I’m used to brushing labrador retrievers and collecting a ton of hair. We purchased the brush for medium to long hair for her (she’s a hound mix, 50 lbs). Her coat is similar length to a lab’s but she doesn’t have the thick undercoat that they have. I’m not sure if we got the wrong type of brush for her or if she’s just not shedding tons. Will update you further as we head into the spring/summer months and she starts shedding more.
Would love an update because I have a lab/golden retriever/mutt mix (mostly looks like a yellow lab but her hair is a little longer than typical labs, but not as long as typical golden retrievers) and she sheds a ton!!! After reading your reviews, I was about to buy the shed monster, but then I saw your reply so it made me hesitant…how’s your dogs shedding doing now that it’s getting hotter? Are you still using the shed monster? Thanks for the reviews!
We had a Lab/Golden also but she looked like a black Golden Retriever and was as sweet as a dog could be – like our present Borador (half black Lab/half Border Collie. They both like to be “Furminated” as it is soothing to them.
Haha I love the way you worded that, “they both like to be “Furminated””. Sally is the same way, I think she finds it pretty soothing. When she sees her hair come out of the brush she’s always confused on what it is lol.
Hi Brittany, now that we’ve had our dog longer we’ve had much better results with the Shedmonster. For starters, our dog just doesn’t shed as much as other dogs, so we only brush her about once a week and sometimes every other week. I’ve realized that the Shedmonster isn’t collecting much hair because there isn’t much to be collected. Not the brushes fault, just needed to learn about my dog’s coat a bit more. I would still recommend the Shedmonster. Hope this helps! 🙂