Course 14 of 20 · Problems

Shedding and Undercoat

Normal shedding, blowing coat, deshedding tools, and when shedding needs a vet.

12 lessons. Published 29 October 2026. Work through the lessons in order; each one builds on the checks in the one before it.

1. Lesson 1. What is shedding, and what is blowing coat?

   Shedding is normal hair loss and renewal, while blowing coat is heavy seasonal undercoat release in double coated dogs.

2. Lesson 2. How do you tell normal shedding from a coat problem?

   Tell normal shedding from a coat problem by pattern, skin health, regrowth and behaviour, and refer sudden or patchy change to a vet.

3. Lesson 3. Which tools remove loose undercoat, and which damage coat?

   Remove loose undercoat with a comb, slicker used gently, undercoat rake and deshedding tool in moderation, avoiding blades that cut guard hair.

4. Lesson 4. How do you deshed a double coat in sections?

   Deshed a double coat in small sections, from ends to skin, with a comb and rake, checking skin and stopping for soreness.

5. Lesson 5. How do you deshed a short coat?

   Deshed a short coat with a rubber brush or glove, gentle combing and regular wiping, avoiding blades that damage short hair.

6. Lesson 6. How often should deshedding be done in shedding season?

   Deshed more often in shedding season, in short frequent sessions matched to coat type, with rest days and skin checks between sessions.

7. Lesson 7. How do you manage hair in the home during heavy shedding?

   Manage hair in the home during heavy shedding with regular grooming, washable covers, frequent vacuuming and realistic expectations.

8. Lesson 8. What does a bath do to shedding, and when does it help?

   A bath loosens dead hair and cleans the coat, helping shedding when followed by thorough drying and brushing, but it never stops shedding.

9. Lesson 9. How do you check skin while deshedding?

   Check skin while deshedding by parting coat in sections, looking and feeling for change, and recording anything abnormal for a vet.

10. Lesson 10. What should you never do to a shedding double coat?

    Never clip, shave, blade or over bath a shedding double coat, and never force deshedding through mats or sore skin.

11. Lesson 11. How do you keep a shedding routine the dog tolerates?

    Keep a shedding routine tolerable with short sessions, rewards, gentle tools, a predictable order and breaks before stress builds.

12. Lesson 12. When is heavy shedding a vet question?

    Heavy shedding is a vet question when it is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by skin, appetite or behaviour change, not when it is seasonal and even.

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