Deshedding tools for dogs
A deshedding tool is built to pull out loose, dead undercoat rather than just smooth the top coat the way a standard brush does. It is most useful on double-coated breeds that blow their coat seasonally, and considerably less useful on a short, single-coated dog with little undercoat to remove.
How deshedding tools differ from a normal brush
Most deshedding tools use a row of fine teeth or a blade edge designed to reach through the top coat and lift out loose undercoat hair without cutting the coat itself. A standard slicker or bristle brush mostly works on the surface, tidying and removing surface debris rather than getting into the denser undercoat underneath.
That deeper reach is exactly why deshedding tools need a lighter hand than a normal brush — pressed too hard or used too aggressively, they can irritate the skin or pull at healthy coat rather than just the loose hair that is ready to come out.
Which dogs benefit most
Double-coated breeds that shed heavily in spring and autumn get the most out of a deshedding tool, since that is exactly the loose undercoat it is designed to remove in bulk. Short, single-coated breeds with little undercoat generally do not need one and are better served by a standard brush.
If you are not sure what coat type your dog has, a groomer or your vet can advise, and starting gently on a small area first is a sensible way to see how your dog's coat and skin respond before a full grooming session.
How often to use one
During a heavy seasonal shed, several sessions a week can make a real difference to the amount of hair ending up on floors and furniture. Outside of shedding season, once every week or two is usually enough to keep on top of loose coat without over-grooming.
Stop and check your dog's skin if you notice redness, soreness or your dog reacting uncomfortably to the tool, since this usually means it is being used too firmly or too often for that area. A gentle, regular routine works better than one intense session.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Ancol Ergo Wooden Handle Slicker Brush
A stainless steel slicker brush on a wooden handle, for short, long, wiry and curly coats
From£6.99
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Ancol Ergo Double Sided Comb
Ancol Ergo Double Sided Comb: a SGL grooming comb for combing the coat
£8.79
Ancol Ergo Soft Bristle Brush
A soft bristle brush for dogs, for gentle grooming around the ears and face
£7.79
Ancol Ergo Grooming Glove
A rubber grooming glove for dogs, for removing loose hair on wet or dry coats
£9.79
Wahl Pet Grooming Scissors with Finger Rest
Stainless steel finishing scissors with ergonomic offset handles — perfect for tidying around eyes, ears, mouth, and paws.
£5.49
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Slicker Brush for Dogs — Detangling & De-shedding
An ergonomic slicker brush with anti-scratch pins that works through tangles and removes dead hair from top and undercoat.
From£9.99
Groom Professional Curved Soft Slicker Brush
A professional-grade curved slicker brush with soft pins, designed to groom delicate and soft-coated pets without discomfort.
From£8.99
Round-Tipped Deshedding Rake Comb
A double-sided undercoat rake with rounded stainless-steel blades that gently cut through mats and remove loose hair. The non-slip ergonomic handle makes deshedding dogs and cats quick and comfortable.
From£8.99
Self-Cleaning Deshedding Slicker Brush
A deshedding grooming tool for dogs and cats that lifts loose undercoat and eases out tangles, with a self-cleaning button that releases the trapped fur in one press.
£25.99
Common questions
- Do deshedding tools work on all dog breeds?
- They work best on double-coated breeds that shed a dense undercoat seasonally. Short, single-coated breeds have little undercoat to remove, so a standard brush usually does the job just as well for them.
- Can deshedding tools hurt my dog?
- Used too firmly or too often, they can irritate the skin, so a gentle hand and short, regular sessions work better than one aggressive one. Stop if your dog seems uncomfortable or you notice any soreness.
- How is a deshedding tool different from a slicker brush?
- A slicker brush mostly works on the surface of the coat, while a deshedding tool is designed to reach the denser undercoat underneath and lift out loose hair specifically, rather than just tidying the top layer.
- How often should I use a deshedding tool during shedding season?
- Several times a week during a heavy seasonal shed makes the most difference, dropping back to roughly weekly the rest of the year. Watch your dog's skin and back off if they seem sore or irritated.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.