The best deshedding brushes for dogs and cats
A poorly brushed pet has painful mats, dermatitis, more fleas and coats the house in hair. A brush matched to the coat type reduces shedding by 60-90% and is the cheapest gear for a long-haired pet. We compared the main options.
⭐ Top recommendations
FURminator DeShedding
Best for: Breeds with dense undercoat (Golden, Husky, Shepherd, Maine Coon, Persian)
- ✓ Removes 90% of dead undercoat
- ✓ Fur ejector button
- ✓ Very durable
- ✗ Don't use on woolly coats (Poodle, Bichon) - cuts hair
- ✗ Higher price
Kong ZoomGroom
Best for: Puppies, short-hair pets, bath time
- ✓ Painless - ideal for sensitive skin
- ✓ Great during bath
- ✓ Massages
- ✗ Doesn't detangle mats
- ✗ Doesn't remove dense undercoat
Ergonomic Slicker Brush
Best for: Medium to long hair, removes tangles
- ✓ Detangles without cutting
- ✓ Self-cleaning button
- ✓ Daily use
- ✗ Requires correct technique (thin skin can hurt)
- ✗ Not a replacement for undercoat rake on dense coats
Double-sided Steel Comb
Best for: Post-brush check - finds hidden tangles
- ✓ Detects tangles other brushes miss
- ✓ Extremely durable
- ✓ Dual function
- ✗ Not comfortable as main brush
Which brush by coat type
| Coat | Ideal brush | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Short smooth (Beagle, Pug) | Rubber glove or ZoomGroom | 2×/week |
| Short dense (Labrador) | FURminator + glove | 3×/week |
| Medium with undercoat (Golden, Husky) | FURminator + slicker + comb | Daily |
| Long smooth (Setter) | Slicker + steel comb | Daily |
| Woolly (Poodle, Bichon) | Slicker + comb - NEVER FURminator | Daily + monthly clip |
| Thick double (Chow, Samoyed) | Pro undercoat rake + slicker | 3×/week + monthly bath |
Correct brushing technique
- Always in the direction of hair growth
- Light pressure - the brush does the work
- Divide in sections (chest, back, legs, tail)
- 3-5 strokes per area
- Finish with steel comb to check for tangles
- Reward with treat for positive association
Signs you need professional grooming
- Mats that don't undo with brushing in 5 min
- Mat stuck to skin (dermatitis risk)
- Coat texture changed (rough, brittle)
- Pet resists strongly even with the right brush
- Shedding season (2× a year in undercoat breeds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FURminator hurt the dog?
Yes, if used on thin skin, puppies under 3 months or woolly coats. Always light pressure and never on irritated skin.
How often should I brush the dog?
Short: 2×/week. Medium with undercoat: daily. Long: daily + monthly bath. Shedding seasons: 2× a day.
Is a cat brush the same as a dog brush?
FURminator has specific versions by size. Slicker and comb are the same. Rubber glove works for both.
Can I brush during a bath?
Yes, rubber brushes (ZoomGroom) work great wet. FURminator and slicker: always dry.
Does daily brushing replace grooming?
Reduces the need, but woolly breeds (Poodle) need a clip every 4-8 weeks even with perfect brushing.