How to Reduce Pet Shedding: Dogs & Cats

You put on your favorite black sweater, sit down for thirty seconds, and stand up wearing half your cat. There's fur on the sofa, fur on the rug, fur drifting across the kitchen floor like tumbleweed, and somehow, fur in your coffee.

Shedding is a normal part of life with most dogs and cats, but living in a fur cloud isn't inevitable. Here's why pets shed, how to tell when it's a sign of something more, and a simple routine to reduce pet shedding at home, with no stress for you or your pet.

Why Pets Shed

Hair grows in cycles. Each hair grows, rests and eventually falls out to make room for a new one, so a certain amount of shedding every day is completely normal.

Many pets also shed more at certain times of year as their coats adjust to the seasons. According to the American Kennel Club, "for dogs that shed seasonally, the heaviest shedding usually occurs in spring and fall." Double-coated breeds, like Huskies, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, can release huge amounts of soft undercoat during these periods.

When Shedding Isn't Normal

Heavy shedding is usually just a grooming job, but sometimes it's a clue. Book a vet visit if you notice:

Bald patches or thinning fur
Red, flaky, scabby or irritated skin
Constant scratching, licking or chewing at the coat
A dull, dry or brittle coat
A sudden change in how much your pet is shedding

The AKC notes that "excessive or unusual hair loss can point to underlying problems," including allergies and other health conditions, so it's always worth getting it checked.

The 5-Minute Brushing Routine

The single best way to reduce shedding is to catch loose fur on the brush before it lands on your furniture.

How often to brush

Short, smooth coats: about once a week.
Long or double coats: several times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. The AKC notes that heavy shedders may need brushing "several times a week or even daily during peak shedding periods."
Cats: short-haired cats benefit from a weekly brush; long-haired cats usually need more frequent sessions to prevent mats.

Choose the right tool

Many pets dislike stiff brushes but love being stroked, which makes a grooming glove a great place to start. The Fur Magnet is a 2-in-1 deshedding and massage glove that gently lifts loose fur while your pet enjoys a relaxing massage. The PetJoy Magic Mitt goes one step further: one side grooms and traps loose fur, and the other side sweeps pet hair off your clothes and furniture.

At bath time, a soft silicone brush like the Spa-Paw Scrubber helps work shampoo through the coat and loosen dead hair.

Make it a treat, not a battle

Keep early sessions short, even one or two minutes, and stop before your pet gets fidgety.
Brush in the direction the fur grows, with gentle strokes.
Reward with praise and treats, or keep your dog busy with a lick mat. See our lick mat guide and recipes.
Brush outside or on an easy-to-sweep floor during peak shedding.

Bath Time for Dogs

An occasional bath can help release loose undercoat. The AKC notes that "bathing your dog with a shedding-control shampoo can help remove loose hair and maintain coat condition." Always use a shampoo made for dogs, rinse thoroughly and dry completely, then brush once the coat is dry to catch the fur the bath loosened.

Most cats groom themselves and rarely need a bath. Regular brushing does the job for them.

Food and Water Matter Too

A healthy coat starts on the inside. Feed a complete, balanced diet suited to your pet's age and size, and make sure fresh water is always available. If your pet's coat looks dull or they shed more than usual, ask your vet before adding supplements.

Win the Fur War at Home

In the washing machine: toss a few Fluff-Free Laundry Paws in with your laundry. These reusable sponges trap fur, lint and dander during the wash cycle.
In the dryer: clean the lint trap after every load so loose fur has somewhere to go.
On the sofa: cover your pet's favorite spots with a washable throw, and wash it weekly.
On upholstery: a slightly damp rubber glove swept across fabric rolls fur into easy-to-pick-up clumps.
On the floor: vacuum little and often during shedding season rather than once in a big battle.

Cats and Hairballs

Cats swallow loose fur when they groom, and some of it comes back up as hairballs. Regular brushing means less loose hair to swallow. If your cat has frequent hairballs, retches without bringing anything up, or seems off their food, check in with your vet. For more on cat quirks, read 9 Cat Mysteries Finally Solved.

Less Fur, More Cuddles

You'll never stop a healthy dog or cat from shedding completely, and you wouldn't want to. But five minutes of brushing a few times a week, the right tools and a couple of laundry tricks can take you from fur cloud to cozy home. Your black sweater will thank you.

Make grooming the best five minutes of their day. The Fur Magnet lifts loose fur while giving a relaxing massage. Browse Grooming Essentials for the full kit.

Join the PetJoy Pack. Sign up for our newsletter for weekly pet-care tips, new arrivals and members-only offers, and take 30% off your first order with code WELCOME30.

Sources: American Kennel Club, Dog Shedding: When Dogs Shed Most and How to Manage It

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're worried about your pet's skin, coat or health, please talk to your veterinarian.