De-shedding
De-shedding is a grooming technique that uses specialised tools to remove loose undercoat hair from double-coated breeds, dramatically reducing shedding around the home during shedding seasons.
Also known as: undercoat removal, shedding control.
Double-coated breeds — Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Huskies, German Shepherds, Pomeranians — have two coat layers: a coarse outer coat and a softer undercoat. The undercoat sheds heavily twice a year (spring and autumn), and without management, the loose hair coats furniture, clothes and floors. De-shedding sessions use rake-style tools (FURminator, undercoat rake) and a forced-air dryer to lift and pull out the dead undercoat hair without damaging the outer coat.
A full de-shedding session can pull out a surprising volume of hair — often more than a regular brushing produces in a month. Done at the right time (early in the shedding cycle), one or two sessions can cut visible shedding around the home by 60–80% for several weeks.
De-shedding is not for single-coated breeds like Poodles, Shih Tzus or Maltese. Those breeds don't shed in the same way and don't have an undercoat to remove. Using de-shedding tools on them can damage their topcoat.
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