Shedding in dogs: what really helps and what's a myth
Every year, it's the same ritual. The sofa is covered in hair, the vacuum cleaner is working overtime, and you secretly wonder if your dog will ever stop shedding. Shedding is part of dog ownership, but there are also many persistent myths circulating about it. It's time to set the record straight, based on twenty years of experience behind the grooming table.
Why do dogs shed?
Shedding is primarily driven by day length; this is the main and most constant trigger. When days lengthen in spring, your dog's body receives the signal to release its winter undercoat. In autumn, the same process occurs in reverse. Additionally, temperature and environment do play a role in the timing. In unusually warm or cold periods, or for dogs that live mostly indoors under artificial light and heating, I observe in the salon that shedding can start earlier, later, or be more spread out throughout the year. Breed, hormones, age, and general health further complete the picture. Each hair goes through a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding, and this process is entirely internal.
The myth: too much brushing leads to more undercoat
I still hear this regularly, and it's not entirely accurate as it's often explained. How much undercoat your dog produces is determined by the hair growth cycle itself; this process is internal and not initiated by brushing. What can happen with too much or too aggressive brushing is that more hair comes loose than necessary, for example, because hairs that are still actively growing are pulled out. This makes it seem as if shedding is ongoing or even worsening. So, this is not extra undercoat production, but a disruption of natural shedding due to overzealous brushing. The distinction is important: less or incorrect brushing won't solve this; the right frequency and technique will.
The myth: brushing causes overheating
This is actually the opposite. A loose, airy undercoat is insulating and actually helps your dog regulate its temperature, both in winter and summer. A matted or compacted coat, on the other hand, traps heat and moisture against the skin, making overheating more likely. Regular and correct de-shedding ensures air circulation to the skin, which is exactly what your dog needs during warm days.
What does help?
The key lies in the correct frequency and the right tools, not in brushing as much as possible.
Short hair: every two to three weeks is sufficient, unless it's shedding heavily. During the shedding period itself, this can be slightly more frequent, along with the Loose Fur Essential to remove loose dead hairs.
Medium and long hair: always start with the Essential Brush to loosen the entire coat, then check for knots with the Essential Duo Comb, especially behind the ears, under the armpits, and on the hind "pants". These are the areas where friction most quickly causes tangles.
Sensitive areas: use the Essential Mini Comb for these, it works more gently around the face and eyes.
Stop on time. As soon as noticeably less hair comes loose, the coat is done. Continuing to brush then serves no extra purpose and is only stressful for the skin.
A golden tip from the salon: work in layers. Start at the bottom of the paw, lift the coat layer by layer, and work your way up. This way, you reach the skin itself and prevent hidden tangles that you might otherwise only discover much later.
Why this is so important
As a groomer, my job is not only to provide you with the right tools but also to explain how and why they work. A healthy coat starts at home, with the right routine between grooming appointments. That's why I develop every Bricks&Broks product myself, test it first in my own salon, and only share advice that is truly substantiated. Twenty years of experience and staying up-to-date daily with new insights in the profession, I find that at least as important as the product itself.
If you have any doubts about the approach for your dog's or cat's coat, feel free to send a message, I'd be happy to help brainstorm.