Grooming and coat
Should I use a deshedding tool on my dog?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A deshedding tool can be helpful for double coated breeds during a heavy seasonal shed, but it should be used gently and not more than once or twice a week, since overuse can thin the coat or irritate the skin. It is not suitable for curly, wire, or very thin single coats.
What these tools do differently
Deshedding tools use a row of small, closely spaced teeth to pull dead undercoat out in larger amounts than a standard brush, which is why they can look dramatic in demonstrations. On the right coat type, used correctly, this speeds up managing a coat blow considerably compared to brushing alone.
Where they can cause problems
Used too often, pressed too hard, or used on a coat type they are not designed for, these tools can cut live guard hairs rather than just removing dead undercoat, which over months can leave a coat looking patchy or thinner than it should be. They are generally not recommended for curly, wire, or single layer thin coats.
Using one safely
Light, even pressure, following the direction of hair growth, and limiting sessions to once or twice a week even during a heavy shed keeps the risk low. Stopping if the skin looks red or the dog seems uncomfortable, and checking the tool is appropriate for your specific coat type before buying, avoids most problems.
Key takeaways
- Deshedding tools work well on double coats during a heavy seasonal shed but only with light, even pressure.
- Overuse can cut live guard hairs and thin the coat over time.
- These tools are not suitable for curly, wire, or single layer thin coats.