If you've noticed tumbleweeds of fur rolling across the floorboards lately, you're not imagining it. Across Australia, spring is peak dog shedding season, and for many breeds it's the biggest coat "blow" of the year. The good news? With a simple routine you can keep your dog comfortable and your home (mostly) fur-free.
Why do dogs shed more in spring?
Dogs shed in response to daylight and temperature, not the calendar. As days get longer and warmer from September to November, double-coated dogs drop their thick winter undercoat so they can stay cool through an Aussie summer. A second, usually smaller shed often happens in autumn.
Breeds that shed the most include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Kelpies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Huskies, German Shepherds and Corgis. Even short-haired dogs like Staffies and Pugs drop plenty of fine hairs that weave into fabric.
Shedding is normal and healthy. But if you see bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching or a sudden change in coat, check in with your vet, as allergies, fleas, diet and stress can all cause excess hair loss.
How often should you brush a shedding dog?
The single most effective way to reduce dog hair around the house is to catch it on the brush before it lands on the couch.
- During shedding season: brush daily, or at least every second day, for 5–10 minutes.
- The rest of the year: 2–3 times a week is plenty for most dogs.
- Brush outside on the deck or in the backyard so loose fur blows away instead of settling indoors (bonus: birds love it for nests).
Work in the direction the coat grows, in short gentle strokes, and pay extra attention to the "fluff zones": behind the ears, the chest, the back legs ("pants") and the base of the tail.
Choosing the best brush for shedding dogs
A slicker brush is the go-to tool for most coats. Its fine pins reach through the topcoat to lift out loose undercoat and small tangles without pulling.
The frustrating part with ordinary slickers is cleaning them; you spend almost as long picking fur out of the pins as you do brushing. That's why we stock the Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. Brush as normal, then press the button and the pins retract so the whole mat of fur slides off into the bin. It has a non-slip handle, works on dogs and cats with short or long coats, and comes in green or yellow.
A few brushing tips:
- Go gently. Slicker pins should glide, not scratch. Use lighter pressure on thin-coated or sensitive dogs.
- Keep it positive. Short sessions with lots of praise or a treat build a dog that loves being brushed.
- Don't shave double-coated breeds. Their undercoat actually helps insulate them from Aussie heat and protects against sunburn. Regular brushing is the better way to keep them cool.
Make brushing easier for wriggly dogs
If your dog won't sit still, smear a little dog-safe peanut butter or yoghurt on a Peanut Lick Mat and stick it to a wall or tiles with its suction cups. Licking is naturally calming and keeps them happily occupied while you brush.
Getting dog hair off the couch, bed and car
Even with great brushing, some fur escapes. Here's how to deal with it:
- Furniture and car seats: a reusable roller beats sticky lint sheets that run out. The Reusable Pet Hair Remover Roller collects fur into a chamber you simply empty. No refills, no waste.
- Throw a washable blanket over your dog's favourite couch spot and wash it weekly.
- Vacuum little and often during peak shedding rather than one big clean on the weekend.
Stopping dog hair clogging the washing machine
Pet bedding, towels and your work clothes can come out of the wash hairier than they went in. Before washing, give items a good shake outside, then pop a Pet Hair Catcher for Washing Machine in with the load. It traps loose fur as the water moves so less ends up on your clothes and in the filter. Clean your machine's lint filter more often during spring too.
Support a healthy coat from the inside
A shiny coat that sheds evenly starts with diet:
- Feed a complete and balanced food suitable for your dog's age and size.
- Ask your vet about omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish oil), which can support skin and coat health.
- Keep fresh water available at all times. Hydrated skin is healthier skin, especially as temperatures climb.
- Keep up with flea prevention, as fleas peak in warm weather and cause scratching and hair loss.
Bathing during shedding season
A warm (not hot) bath with a dog-specific shampoo can help loosen dead undercoat, so you get more out in one brushing session. Always brush thoroughly once your dog is completely dry. Avoid bathing too often (every 4–6 weeks is enough for most dogs), since over-washing strips natural oils and can make skin dry and itchy.
Your spring shedding checklist
- Brush daily during the shed, 2–3 times a week otherwise
- Use a slicker brush and brush outside when you can
- Never shave a double-coated breed
- Roll fur off furniture and car seats regularly
- Use a hair catcher in the wash
- Feed a quality diet, keep water topped up, stay on top of fleas
- See your vet if shedding comes with sore skin, bald spots or itching
Get the whole fur-free routine in one go
Want everything in one place? Our Fur-Free Home Bundle brings together the Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, the Reusable Pet Hair Remover Roller and the Pet Hair Catcher for Washing Machine, so you can tackle fur on your dog, your furniture and your laundry, and save compared with buying them separately.
Use code WAGLY10 for 10% off your order, with free shipping Australia-wide. Happy brushing, and here's to a less hairy spring! 🐾