The Truth About DE-Shedding: Why Your Dog Sheds — and How We Can Help

If you share your home with a dog, you’ll know the feeling: hair on the sofa, hair on your clothes, hair everywhere.Shedding is completely natural — but when it becomes overwhelming, it can also feel never-ending.

That’s where professional de-shedding comes in.

At Paw Shine Dog Groomers, our approach isn’t about stripping the coat harshly or using quick fixes. We focus on healthy skin, a comfortable dog, and less loose hair around your home — safely and gently.

Why do dogs shed?

Dogs shed for a few main reasons:

• Seasonal changes – many dogs “blow” their coat in spring and autumn.

• Coat type – double-coated breeds (like Huskies, Labs and Pomeranians) naturally release more undercoat.

• Health and stress – poor diet, stress, or skin issues can increase shedding.

• Normal renewal – just like humans lose hair, dogs regularly replace old hairs with new ones.

A key thing to remember:

You cannot stop shedding completely — but you CAN dramatically reduce it and make the coat healthier.

What is professional de-shedding?

De-shedding is a specialist grooming process that removes loose undercoat without damaging the top coat.

At Paw Shine, a de-shedding session usually includes:

1️⃣ Gentle bath with coat-appropriate shampoo2️⃣ Nourishing conditioner to hydrate skin and coat3️⃣ Blow-dry designed to lift out loose undercoat4️⃣ Careful brushing using professional tools5️⃣ Check of skin, ears, nails and overall coat condition

We work slowly, calmly and always welfare-first. If your dog needs breaks — they get breaks. Comfort matters.

Benefits of regular de-shedding

✔️ Less hair around the house✔️ Fewer knots and mats (which can become painful)✔️ Improved airflow through the coat✔️ Cleaner skin — less dander and trapped dirt✔️ More comfortable dog✔️ Better coat shine and condition

For many owners, the difference after a session is unbelievable — you’ll still see a little shedding (because that’s natural), but it becomes manageable instead of overwhelming.

Which dogs benefit most?

De-shedding is especially useful for:

• Labradors & Retrievers

• German Shepherds

• Huskies & Malamutes

• Pomeranians

• Border Collies

• Spaniels

• Double-coated mixes

Short-coated breeds like Staffies can benefit too — they shed more than people realise!

What you’re looking at here is the result of a single de-shedding session on a Rough Collie.All of that hair in the photo is loose undercoat that was already ready to fall out — it would otherwise have ended up on carpets, sofas, clothes and car seats.

We didn’t shave or damage the coat. Instead, we used gentle bathing, conditioning, blow-drying and careful brushing to lift out the dead coat while keeping the healthy top coat intact. The dog leaves feeling lighter, cooler and far more comfortable, and the coat can now breathe properly — while still doing its job of protecting the skin.

Regular de-shedding like this means less shedding at home, fewer mats forming, and a healthier coat overall — without compromising the dog’s natural protection.

How often should it be done?

Every dog is different, but as a guide:

• Every 6–8 weeks – most double-coated breeds

• Every 8–12 weeks – light to moderate shedders

• Seasonal “blow out” – extra sessions during spring or autumn

We’ll always advise what’s best for your dog after seeing their coat.

What you can do at home

Professional grooming makes the biggest difference — but a few habits help massively:

🪮 Brush regularly (we can recommend the right brush)🥩 Feed a good-quality, balanced diet💧 Keep your dog hydrated🚫 Avoid harsh shampoos that dry the skin🗓️ Keep on top of regular grooming appointments

And please, avoid cheap “de-shedding” tools that cut the coat — they can damage the hair shaft and cause more problems later.

De-shedding vs shaving — important!

A common myth is that shaving stops shedding.

It doesn’t.

Shaving a double-coated breed can:

⚠️ Damage the coat permanently⚠️ Interfere with natural temperature regulation⚠️ Increase the risk of sunburn and skin problems

De-shedding keeps the coat healthy and functional, instead of removing its natural protection.

Thinking about booking a de-shed?

If you’re tired of endless sweeping, or your dog is starting to mat and feel uncomfortable, a de-shedding session could make life easier for both of you.

We’ll assess your dog’s coat, talk through options, and make sure everything is done gently and safely.