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Best Dog Brush for Shedding: FURminator or ZoomGroom
How We Found the Best Dog Brush for Shedding
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When it comes to selecting the best dog brush for shedding, the two most common answers are FURminator and ZoomGroom. But are there any other options? We try to answer the question and select our best pick.
Dogs naturally lose old and damaged hair by shedding. Yes, shedding is a normal process for your furry friend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce it. You can reduce the amount and frequency of shedding by regular brushing. And for that, you need the best dog brush for shedding.
We picked both the FURminator and the Kong ZoomGroom. We believe the ZoomGroom is the best overall product since it works on dogs with short and long hair. You shouldn’t use the FURminator on dogs with short hair. With that in mind, there are other options for short hair dog shedding.
Our Reviews
Best Overall
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1. Kong ZoomGroom
Kong plays an important part in the life of your dog. The company has products for every need of your puppy. Their ZoomGroom brush is just magnificent—it removes loose hair like a magnet while also stimulating blood circulation and the distribution of natural oil.
The best part about this brush is you can use it on every dog. No matter if your dog has short hair or long hair, the ZoomGroom will do the trick. Some brushes and rakes, like the FURminator, are not suitable for short-coated dogs.
Available in two colors and two sizes, you can use the ZoomGroom with shampoo for a complete odor removal treatment.
Why do we like it?
- Works with a shampoo
- Works on dogs with different coat lengths
- Removes loose hair like a magnet
Best Premium
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2. The Pet Portal Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
This brush also works for long-haired and short-haired dogs. But the best feature is the self-cleaning option. After you finish brushing, just press a button, and it will remove hair from the brush. Using the brush requires minimal effort, and it’s comfortable for your puppy.
Made with comfort and enjoyment in mind, it takes about a minute to clean your dog. The slicker brush features a clever self-cleaning feature.
Recommended by pet owners and professional groomers, it’s gentle on the skin and has flexible bristles for effective brushing.
Why do we like it?
- Self-cleaning feature
- Flexible bristles
- Comfortable for the dog
Best Budget
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3. FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
There are more than 18,000 reviews of the FURminator deshedding tool on Amazon. That’s all you need to know about the popularity of the brush. The only downside is you can use it only for dogs with a thick undercoat. It doesn’t work on dogs with short hair.
With the ergonomic handle and steel edges, the brush will reach the deepest parts of your dog’s coat and it will remove loose hair and undercoat. The tool features a button release for easy use.
You can get a brush for both small and large dogs. If your dog’s coat is longer than 2 inches, the FURminator works like a charm.
Why do we like it?
- Best undercoat rake
- Steel edges
- Reaches the deepest parts of the coat
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4. GoPets Dematting 2-Sided Comb
This might be the best dog comb for dematting. We love it because it’s flexible and multi-purpose. It has two sides, and you can use the one you need. For example, the lower density side works like a dematting rake, while the higher density side works as a detangler and deshedding tool. You can use the higher density side for faster-thinning results and control shedding.
It works for both cats and dogs, and you can remove mats and tangles. It’s an ideal gift for your furry friend. And the best part is, your dog will love it. They get a more comfortable and pleasant grooming experience because it’s designed to work for dogs with sensitive skin and prevent pulling.
Thanks to the non-slip silicone gel-filled handle, the brush fits perfectly in the hand, and you can hold it however you like.
Why do we like it?
- Double-sided
- Works for cats and dogs
- Prevents pulling and helps with sensitive skin
- Non-slip silicone gel-filled handl
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5. JW Pet Company Double Row Undercoat Rake
Designed to loosen lightly matted parts of the coat, this tool helps lift out dead and shedding hair from the undercoat while leaving the outer coat safe and secure. There are two rows of round-tipped teeth that take care of the underlayer of the hair.
With a non-slip ergonomic handle, you’ll be more comfortable grooming. Suitable for all dog breeds, it’s a pleasant experience for both you and your dog.
Why do we like it?
- Two rows of round-tipped teeth
- Lifts out dead and shedding hair from the undercoat
- Pleasant grooming experience
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6. DarkPets Deshedding Brush
This is another type of FURminator brush. Developed by pet grooming experts and made from non-irritating materials, it can reduce shedding in young and old dogs. It also features a heavy-duty, replaceable stainless steel pet comb and safe blade cover.
The durable rubber handle provides a non-slip grip. All in all, it’s a versatile standalone pet tool for grooming. You can use it to quickly remove loose dog hair.
The brush protects the topcoat while promoting soft and smooth skin. Last, but not least, the company offers a full refund or a replacement if you are not happy with the results.
Why do we like it?
- Made with non-irritating materials
- Replaceable pet comb
- Full refund available
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7. Oster ShedMonster Brush
This brush reduces shedding by up to 90% and comes in three versions. You can get a brush for a short coat, long coat, or for a cat. Of course, you’ll have to buy each separately. If you have more than one dog in the house, the brush can be more expensive.
With that in mind, it helps to remove tangles and loose fur. Designed with stainless steel curved teeth that penetrate deep into the coat, it also features an ergonomic, non-slip grip handle. The smooth edges protect your dog’s skin from irritation.
Why do we like it?
- Three versions available
- Protects skin from irritation
- Reduces shedding by 90%
Why do dogs shed?
Dog hair grows all the time (it’s the same as with humans). When their hair stops growing, it breaks off. It’s the natural life cycle. Shedding depends on breed, season, and health, and some dog breeds shed more than others. Dogs shed more during blowout season when they change their winter and summer coat. And in some rare cases, health issues can cause shedding.
One of the common misconceptions is that shedding depends on the coat’s length. Note, for example, some dogs with a short coat, like the Jack Russell Terrier, shed excessively. Haircuts can result in less shedding over a period of time, but that’s due to volume. Haircuts are common in long-haired dogs.
How much shedding is normal?
With that in mind, you are probably wondering how much is normal. And when should you sound the alarm? Well, most dogs shed excessively during the spring and fall. That applies for double-coated breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, and Golden Retriever.
It might seem like heavy shedding, but that’s normal for them. When you brush a breed like a Husky, for example, you can get enough hair for a sweater. To understand what’s normal, you have to observe your dog for a while. If you notice excessive shedding, and it’s not a blowout season, talk to a vet.
Scary Causes of Hair Loss in Dogs
While shedding is normal, some underlying issues might cause it. Let’s talk about some of the possible causes of hair loss in dogs.
Allergies
Like human allergies, dust and pollen can cause hair loss. Flea bites are another common dog allergy. Remember, your dog is not allergic to the flea—he is allergic to the saliva and reacts to that. Food allergies manifest by itching and hair loss.
Hereditary causes
Genetic inheritance to health conditions can cause hair loss as well. Two of the most common are black hair follicular and mutant alopecia. The former happens when puppies lose their dark hair. Mutant alopecia happens at six months when blue and fawn-colored hair falls.
Parasites
Fleas and mites are dangerous parasites that can cause hair loss. Mites produce mange, and the most common types of mites are demodectic, sarcoptic, and cheyletiellosis.
Stress
Psychological abuse and stress can cause excessive hair loss. It’s important that your dog is happy and healthy. Make sure he gets walks and playtime.
Does Food Matter?
We often say “you are what you eat.” Well, food plays a huge role in the dog’s health as well. A common way to reduce shedding is to feed him quality food. Avoid food made of fillers and grains. Look for a food that lists meat as the main ingredient. While it might cost more upfront, it’s better for your dog long term.
You can ask your vet to recommend some supplements as well. Common supplements for a shiny coat include olive oil and flaxseed oil.
How Can I Reduce Shedding?
We said before that you can’t stop shedding. It’s a normal process. What you can do, however, is reduce it. The best way to reduce shedding is to use the best dog brush for shedding.
With that in mind, you can choose between bristle brushes, slicker brushes, and rakes. Bristle brushes work as the best dog brush for short hair. Slicker brushes work on dog breeds with medium and curly hair. Rakes, such as the FURminator deshedding edge dog brush, work on dogs with long hair and thick undercoats.
You should also use deshedding tools, especially before spring and winter. Dogs that live indoors shed year-round. For the best dog brush for short hair shedding, look for a rubber curry comb.
Don’t forget to bathe your dog. Regular baths encourage loose hair to fall. But be careful—don’t overbathe your dog. That can cause dry skin and result in hair loss.
When Is It Time to See the Vet?
Shedding is normal, but at a given moment, it might be a sign of something else. For example, if you notice any of the below symptoms for a few days, talk to a vet.
- Skin irritation, including rashes and redness
- Open sores
- Dull and dry hair that pulls out easily
- Scratching
- Bald spots
- Constant foot licking
How to Keep Your House Clean
Using the best dog brush for shedding will reduce hair loss. But there will still be hairs in the house. How can you keep your home clean? Now that’s a question owners ask. For starters, stop stressing.
You can protect couches and chairs with blankets that catch stray hairs. Get a good vacuum cleaner that works on wood, tiles, and carpet. Use attachments to clean cushions and dust-collecting areas of the home.
A regular dusting broom will be enough for wood and tiled flooring. Add a wet paper towel to help pick up loose hair. You can use lint rollers to remove hair from clothing and curtains.
And of course, get a good air filter to trap hair particles that get into the air.
Which Dogs Shed the Most/Least?
If you want to reduce shedding, you should be careful about which breed you choose. If shedding is an issue, look for breeds that shed the least. Here are the biggest shedders:
- Akita
- Chow Chow
- Siberian Husky
- Saint Bernard
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Alaskan Malamute
And while there is no such thing as a non-shedding dog, there are breeds that shed the least. They are often called hypoallergenic dogs.
- Dachshund
- Airedale Terrier
- Maltese
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Poodle
- Chinese Crested
- Bichon Frise
Conclusion
Shedding is normal for most dogs. But what’s normal? And what’s excessive shedding? We hope we helped you answer those questions. With that in mind, you can see there are more options than the FURminator Deshedding Tool and Kong ZoomGroom.
However, at the end of the day, these two might be the best. ZoomGroom works on all dog coat types. And you can use it along with a shampoo. The FURminator is inexpensive and great for dogs with an undercoat.
Aleksandar
My name is Aleksandar, and I am a storyteller by professional. I’ve got a BA in journalism in 2009. I write ever since. Now, I am here to help you find the best grooming products for your furry friend.
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