Autumn brings cooler weather, cozy sweaters—and a big seasonal shed for many dogs. Fall is the time dogs blow out their summer undercoat to grow a thicker winter coat, which means more fur on your floors, furniture, and lint rollers. With the right fall grooming plan, you can reduce shedding, prevent matting, and keep your dog comfortable as temperatures drop. Below are expert tips for deshedding in fall, a safe grooming routine, recommended tools, and signs it’s time to call a professional groomer.

Why deshedding in fall matters

Dogs naturally adjust their coats for seasonal temperature changes. For double-coated breeds (like Huskies, Australian Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers), fall deshedding is the process of removing loose undercoat so the new, insulating coat can grow in correctly. Benefits include less loose hair around the house, reduced matting and skin irritation, improved skin and coat health through better airflow, and easier application of flea/tick treatments and topical meds.

When to deshed: timing and frequency

Start in early fall (September–October) for most temperate climates—this is when the undercoat begins to change. Frequency: once every 1–3 weeks during heavy shedding windows; less often for low-shedding breeds. Short-haired breeds still benefit from weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils, but they rarely need intensive deshedding tools. Watch your dog: if you see clumps of loose fur, dandruff, or matting, increase brushing frequency.

Safe deshedding tools and how to use them

Choose tools designed for your dog’s coat type and use gentle technique to avoid skin damage.

Tools we recommend

• Undercoat rake — for double-coated breeds to pull loose undercoat.

• Slicker brush — removes surface hair and small tangles.

• Deshedding tool (e.g., Furminator-style) — effective for removing loose undercoat when used carefully.

• Rubber curry brush — great for short-haired breeds; also stimulates skin oils.

• Wide-tooth comb — for checking and removing remaining tangles.

• High-velocity dryer (for grooming pros) — blows out loose undercoat after bathing.

How to brush safely

1. Start with a quick comb-through to find mats.

2. Use the slicker brush or rubber curry to remove surface hair.

3. For heavy undercoat, follow up with an undercoat rake or deshedding tool—work in the direction of hair growth and use light pressure.

4. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb to catch any missed tangles.

5. Reward your dog frequently—keep sessions short (5–15 minutes) for stressed pups.

Safety tip: Never use a deshedding tool aggressively on matted fur. Mats should be softened (grooming spray) and carefully worked out, or professionally removed to avoid painful skin damage.

Bathing and drying: what to do in fall

Don’t over-bathe. Frequent bathing strips natural oils. For most dogs, a bath every 6–8 weeks is sufficient unless dirty. Use a moisturizing, pH-balanced shampoo formulated for dogs; consider an oatmeal or sensitive-skin formula if your dog has dry skin. Conditioner can help if the coat is dry or brittle—rinse well. Dry thoroughly: damp undercoat can trap moisture and cause skin issues. If you use a high-velocity dryer, it helps remove loose undercoat and prevents matting. Always use a lower heat setting and monitor your dog’s comfort.

Signs you should see a professional groomer or vet

Contact a grooming professional or veterinarian if you notice large mats close to the skin that can’t be brushed out, red or scaly skin beneath the coat, excessive scratching, hot spots, or bald patches, or a sudden change in shedding pattern or coat condition (which could indicate medical issues such as allergies, thyroid problems, or parasites). At PUPS Pet Club, our groomers evaluate skin and coat health as part of every service and can recommend treatment or a grooming schedule tailored to your dog.

Quick fall deshedding checklist

• Brush your dog 1–3× per week during heavy shed (short sessions).

• Use an undercoat tool for double-coated breeds—gentle strokes only.

• Bathe only when necessary; follow with thorough drying.

• Trim hair around problem areas (armpits, behind ears) to reduce matting.

• Schedule a professional groom if you see mats, irritation, or excessive dandruff.

DIY vs professional grooming: when to choose each

DIY is good for weekly maintenance, short brushing sessions, and keeping light shedding under control. Professional grooming is best for heavy seasonal blow-outs, persistent mats, complex coat types (e.g., Pomeranians, Malamutes), or if you prefer a worry-free, thorough deshed with specialized tools and drying.

Products we trust

• Undercoat rake (medium/long teeth)

• Deshedding tool with a rounded edge guard

• Gentle, moisturizing dog shampoo and conditioner

• Dematting spray for stubborn tangles (use carefully)

• Slicker brush with rounded tips

Always patch-test new products and follow manufacturer guidelines.

How PUPS Pet Club can help

Our professional groomers offer fall deshedding services, including signature deshed treatments, full baths with conditioning, and high-velocity blowouts that remove loose undercoat safely. We assess skin health, recommend ongoing at-home maintenance, and will only trim or de-mat when it’s comfortable and safe for your dog. Book a deshed consult at your nearest PUPS Pet Club location to get a personalized grooming plan and keep your home fur-free this fall.

FAQs

Q: Will deshedding make my dog shed less overall?
A: Regular deshedding removes loose undercoat and reduces overall loose hair, but your dog will still go through seasonal shedding cycles. Maintenance keeps it manageable.

Q: Is deshedding bad for my dog’s coat?
A: When done properly, deshedding is safe and healthy. Aggressive or incorrect use of tools can cause skin irritation—use gentle motions and stop if the dog shows discomfort.

Q: Can all breeds be deshedded?
A: Yes—technique and tools vary by coat type. Double-coated breeds typically need undercoat tools, while short-haired breeds benefit from rubber curry brushes.

If you’d like, we can prepare a personalized fall grooming plan for your dog—tell us breed, age, and coat type and we’ll recommend a schedule and services at PUPS Pet Club.