Most dogs and cats with double coats go through one or two heavy shedding periods a year, usually as the seasons change. Here's how to manage it without it taking over your home.
Increase brushing frequency, not just intensity
During peak shedding, brushing every other day works better than one long weekly session. Shorter, more frequent sessions remove loose undercoat before it has a chance to spread, and they're easier for your pet to tolerate.
Use the right tool for the job
A slicker brush or de-shedding comb reaches the undercoat in a way a standard brush often can't. Pair this with a clipper pass on longer-coated breeds to keep the outer layer tidy while the undercoat sheds out.
Groom outside or over an easy-to-clean surface
Shedding season is the time to take grooming to a porch, garage, or a spot with a hard floor. It saves considerable cleanup time compared to grooming on carpet or upholstery.
Diet and hydration play a role
A coat in good condition, supported by proper nutrition and hydration, tends to shed more predictably and less excessively than a coat under nutritional stress. If shedding seems unusually heavy or patchy, it's worth a quick vet check to rule out an underlying issue.
Don't skip grooming because it feels endless
It's tempting to let brushing slide when it feels like the shedding will never stop. In practice, skipping sessions just lets loose fur build up into mats, which makes the eventual catch-up groom harder on both of you.