If you share your home with a dog or cat, you know the struggle: fur on your clothes, tumbleweeds of hair drifting across the floor, and a lint roller in every room. Shedding is completely natural, but that doesn't mean you have to live buried in fur. In this guide, we'll explain why pets shed, how much shedding is normal, and — most importantly — seven proven ways to reduce shedding at home.
Why Do Dogs and Cats Shed?
Shedding is how pets get rid of old, damaged, or extra fur to make room for new growth. It's driven by a mix of factors: breed, season, daylight hours, hormones, diet, and overall health. Most dogs and cats “blow their coat” in spring and fall as they swap between a lighter summer coat and a thicker winter one.
Double-coated breeds — think Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and long-haired cats like Maine Coons — shed the most, because they carry a soft insulating undercoat beneath their topcoat. Short-haired pets shed too; the hairs are just smaller and harder to spot until they're woven into your sofa.
How Much Shedding Is Normal?
A little daily shedding, plus heavier seasonal shedding twice a year, is normal and healthy. What's not normal is sudden excessive shedding paired with bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching, or a dull, brittle coat. Those can signal allergies, parasites, poor nutrition, stress, or a medical issue — and are worth a vet visit.
The goal of good grooming isn't to stop shedding entirely (you can't), but to capture loose fur before it lands on your floor and to keep the skin and coat healthy so shedding stays under control.
7 Proven Ways to Reduce Shedding at Home
1. Brush regularly — the single most effective habit
Brushing is your number-one weapon against loose fur. It pulls out dead hairs before they can fall, distributes natural skin oils for a healthier coat, and prevents painful mats. Aim for a few minutes daily during shedding season and 2–3 times a week the rest of the year. Explore our full range of grooming & bath tools to find the right fit for your pet's coat.
2. Use the right deshedding tool for the coat
Not all brushes are equal. For lifting loose undercoat gently, a dual-sided deshedding glove is perfect for pets who dislike traditional brushes — it feels like petting. For thicker coats, a self-cleaning slicker brush reaches deep to remove the fuzzy undercoat that causes most shedding. Match the tool to your pet and grooming becomes faster and far more effective.
3. Bathe on the right schedule
A bath every 4–6 weeks (or as your vet advises) loosens and rinses away dead hair before it sheds. Use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo, and always brush before and after the bath. Over-bathing can dry the skin and actually increase shedding, so don't overdo it.
4. Feed a coat-friendly diet
A healthy coat starts from the inside. Diets rich in high-quality protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support strong hair follicles and less breakage. If your pet's coat looks dull or shedding suddenly spikes, talk to your vet about nutrition or a supplement.
5. Keep your pet hydrated
Dehydration leads to dry skin and more shedding. Many pets — especially cats — simply don't drink enough from a still bowl. A pet water fountain encourages more frequent drinking with fresh, flowing water, supporting skin and coat health from within.
6. Reduce stress
Stress and anxiety trigger extra shedding — you may notice your pet “blowing” fur at the vet's office. Enrichment toys, a consistent routine, and a calm environment all help. Slow feeders and puzzle toys are a simple way to keep pets relaxed and mentally engaged.
7. Control the environment
Regular vacuuming, washable pet bedding, and a good air filter won't reduce shedding at the source, but they'll keep your home comfortable and cut down on airborne fur and dander — a big win for allergy-prone households.
The Best Tools to Fight Shedding
If you only invest in a few things, start here:
- A deshedding glove or slicker brush for daily loose-fur removal.
- A self-cleaning brush so emptying trapped fur takes one click.
- A reusable lint remover for furniture and clothes between grooming sessions.
- A water fountain to keep skin hydrated from the inside.
Browse the complete MATERA PET grooming collection to build your shedding-season kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my dog or cat to reduce shedding?
Daily during spring and fall shedding seasons, and 2–3 times a week the rest of the year. A few minutes each day makes a dramatic difference.
Does bathing reduce shedding?
Yes — a bath loosens and washes away dead hair. Brush before and after, and don't over-bathe, which can dry the skin and increase shedding.
Can diet really affect shedding?
Absolutely. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and quality protein support a strong, healthy coat with less breakage and excessive shedding.
When should I worry about my pet's shedding?
See your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching, or a sudden, dramatic increase in shedding — these can point to allergies, parasites, or health issues.
The Bottom Line
You can't stop shedding, but you can control it. Brush regularly with the right tool, keep your pet hydrated and well-fed, manage stress, and stay on top of grooming — and you'll spend far less time chasing fur around the house. Ready to build your grooming routine? Start with our grooming & bath essentials.