The Best Shedding Brushes for Dogs: Reviewed

Written by Kellianne Matthews
Updated: December 19, 2022
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Brushing your dog is an important part of taking care of your furry friend. By brushing your dog’s coat regularly, you can help to cut down on shedding, remove dead hair, and help keep it healthy by distributing natural oils in their skin. All dogs need some form of grooming, although certain breeds and hair types require a little more work than others.

Shedding brushes for dogs are essential tools for every pet owner who wants to keep their furry friend looking and feeling healthy. All dogs breeds shed to some extent, and they all need help keeping their coats in good shape. Dogs with long or thick fur or that shed a lot need extra attention, as their hair can end up in every corner of your house if their coats are neglected. In addition, many types of dogs have coats that can get matted easily. Mats are not only uncomfortable for your dog, but they can cause sores and other serious skin issues.

Shedding brushes are specialized to not only help to remove excess fur and debris but to also promote a shinier coat and can even reduce the amount of shedding your pup experiences. Whatever type of dog you have, there’s a brush that’s perfect for controlling shedding, so you can keep your pup looking and feeling their best. From metal combs to rubber brushes, there are plenty of options available for all kinds of breeds and coat types. By investing in the right tools and techniques, you can ensure that your four-legged friend has the healthiest coat possible.

Choosing the right brush can be tricky, so it’s important to consider your pup’s individual needs. The best way to determine which brush is best for your dog is by consulting with a veterinarian or groomer who specializes in cutting and styling pet hair. They can help you identify the appropriate type of brush that works well with your dog’s coat and skin type. With the right brush, you can make sure that your pup is groomed properly, shed less fur, and looks their best!

You can help keep your dog’s coat fresh and shiny with a dog brush that removes dead hair and grooms their coat. We’ve gathered the best shedding brushes for dogs of all sizes and fur types to help you decide which one will do the job best for yours.

  1. Evolution Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs
    • Budget-friendly
    • The self-cleaning feature makes it easy to clean
    • Features a padded brush bed and curved design
    • Removes large amounts of hair while being gentle on your pet's skin
    • Features a non-slip rubber handle
    Check Amazon
  2. FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
    • This brush targets the undercoat
    • Won't dig into your pet's skin thanks to edge guards
    • Available for dogs and cats
    • Size options are also available 
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. PET MAGASIN Professional Dog Grooming Brushes (Pack of 3)
    • Set of three essential dog-grooming tools
    • Includes a double-sided grooming brush, long-toothed undercoat comb, and a rake
    • Includes a carrying pouch
    • Well-made and works well despite its low price
    • Rubber handles
    Check Amazon
  4. Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush - Double-Sided Undercoat Rake for Dogs & Cats
    • Dual-head design features 2 sides
    • One side for smooth dematting and the other side quickly thins and desheds
    • Skin-safe design won't scratch your pet
    • Easy-grip handle is non-slip for a comfortable grip
    • Includes a "paw tag" for your pet's collar or your keychain!
    Check Amazon
  5. Bodhi Dog Grooming Dog & Cat Shampoo Brush
    • Available in 7 colors
    • Purchase in packs of 1 or 2
    • Soft rubber tips gently and effectively remove dead skin and loose fur
    • Won't pull your pet's coat
    • Increases shampoo lather
    • Pets love the massaging action
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: Best Dog Shedding Brushes

#1 Best Overall: Evolution Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush

Don’t let the uncomplicated design or the low price fool you, the Evolution Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker is a fantastic tool for brushing your dog. The brush features an innovative self-cleaning feature that makes it cleaner and easier to use than other brushes. However, there is a bit of a learning curve, as you have to pull out the lever before you can retract the brush.

This brush is for small and medium dog breeds and has a padded bed and curved design that make it gentle on your pet’s skin. The brush also removes massive amounts of hair with its stainless steel bristles. Its non-slip rubber handle also makes it easy to hold while brushing.

Pros and Cons of the Evolution Self-Cleaning Dog Slicker Brush

ProsCons
It has a non-slip rubber handle for better gripping.The self-cleaning function is not as straightforward as other options; you have to pull out the lever before retracting the brush.
The brush has stainless steel bristles that are easy to clean.
The self-cleaning feature makes it easy to clean while you are brushing your dog.
It has a padded bed and a curved design that help the brush to be gentle on your dog’s skin.
Best Overall
Evolution Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs
  • Budget-friendly
  • The self-cleaning feature makes it easy to clean
  • Features a padded brush bed and curved design
  • Removes large amounts of hair while being gentle on your pet's skin
  • Features a non-slip rubber handle
Check Amazon

2. Best Shedding Brush for Long-Haired Dogs: FURminator Deshedding Tool

The FURminator Deshedding Tool is one of the best shedding brushes for long-haired dogs. Its thick, ergonomic rubber handle makes it easy to grip and use, and the stainless steel blade design removes huge amounts of dead fur. In fact, many reviewers recommend using this shedding brush outside because you’ll end up with huge piles of fur. Customers with heavy-shedding dogs report over and over again how well this tool cleans off their dog’s undercoats and helps during shedding season.

The FURminator has two options: one that is good for short-hair dogs, and one for long-hair dogs. When the bristles are full, you just press the ejector button on top to release the hair from the device, and you’re ready for another round! When using the FURminator, be sure to brush slowly and feel your dog’s skin for anything that is not flat so that you do not scrap off scabs, warts, or moles.

In addition, if your dog has tangles and mats, it is best to bathe and brush them out with a different type of brush before using the FURminator. The FURminator is designed to help remove loose, dead hair and is not suitable for pulling out mats. If you use it on matted fur, you can hurt your dog.

Some customers reported that the ejector button can sometimes be finicky, and a few had buttons that didn’t work at all.

Pros and Cons of the FURminator Deshedding Tool

ProsCons
This brush helps to get rid of loose fur in a dog’s undercoat, which is especially helpful during big shedding seasons.If your dog is tangled and matted, you’ll have to do some prep work before using the FURminator.
It has a thick, ergonomic rubber handle for an easy and comfortable grip.Some customers had trouble with finicky ejector buttons that didn’t always work well. A few reported that theirs didn’t work at all.
The stainless steel blades are built to last, and do an excellent job removing large amounts of extra hair.You need to use the brush very slowly so that you don’t accidentally scrape off any moles, warts, or scabs.
The ejector button on top of the brush is easy to use; just press down and it releases the collected fur from the blades.
Best Overall
FURminator Long Hair Dog Deshedding Tool
  • This brush targets the undercoat
  • Won't dig into your pet's skin thanks to edge guards
  • Available for dogs and cats
  • Size options are also available 
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Budget Kit: Pet Magasin Grooming Brushes

The Pet Magasin Grooming Brushes is a great budget buy with a complete kit that comes with three different tools! It includes a double-sided grooming brush, an undercoat rake, and a dematting tool. The three-pack also comes with a carrying pouch.

The double-sided grooming brush has nylon bristles on one side and round-tip metal bristles on the other, so you can use it on both short hair and long hair. The undercoat rake is great for helping to remove loose hair from your dog’s undercoat, especially during shedding season. The dematting tool helps to break up mats and tangles in your dog’s hair.

Our reviewers were impressed with the quality of these brushes, especially for the price. Each was well-made and worked on dogs with short, medium, or long hair. The brushes have rubber handles for better grip and a simple and easy-to-use design. The brushes use stainless steel and are made to last.

This is an excellent starter kit for those wanting to groom their dogs themselves or to help keep their dog’s hair tidy until their next grooming appointment. However, if you are unfamiliar with how to use each specialized brush, they can be hard to get used to. Each brush is made specifically for a certain task and can cause problems if you try to interchange them.

Pros and Cons of the Pet Magasin Grooming Brushes

ProsCons
This kit comes with three different brushes, each made specifically for a different use.If you’re unfamiliar with the different types of brushes, there can be a bit of a learning curve.
Each brush has a rubber handle for better grip.If you use the wrong brush for the wrong job, it can cause problems and hurt your dog by pulling their hair wrong.
The set comes with a carrying pouch to store the brushes in.
The brushes work for dogs of all hair types.
Each brush is high-quality and well-made.
These brushes are much cheaper than buying just one brush of another brand.
Best Budget Kit
PET MAGASIN Professional Dog Grooming Brushes (Pack of 3)
  • Set of three essential dog-grooming tools
  • Includes a double-sided grooming brush, long-toothed undercoat comb, and a rake
  • Includes a carrying pouch
  • Well-made and works well despite its low price
  • Rubber handles
Check Amazon

4. Best Undercoat Rake: Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush

For a two-in-one undercoat rake that really works, try the Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush. This dual-sided brush features one side for smooth de-matting, while the other side thins and de-sheds your dog’s hair. The blades are rounded but still sharp enough to cut through mats in your dog’s fur without damaging their delicate skin. It is especially useful for dogs with double coats or long and fluffy fur.

The brush’s ergonomic, easy-grip handle won’t slip, so de-matting your dog will be faster and easier for you both. It’s also very comfortable, so you won’t need to massage your hands after brushing your dog. This brush is an excellent choice for a quick and effective grooming session to brush out your dog’s undercoat and any mats or tangles they may have. Plus, you’ll receive a bonus paw tag that you can add to your keychain or your dog’s collar!

Since this is an undercoat rake, it is best to brush your dog out as best as you can before using it. While it can cut through thick knots in your dog’s fur, if you have an especially fluffy pup the brush can get stuck and/or take longer to use. In addition, unlike brushes like the FURminator, the Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush does not collect the hair, so you may have fluffballs floating around you while you brush your dog.

Pros and Cons of the Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush

ProsCons
This brush is dual-sided, so you can use it for de-matted, thinning, and de-shedding your dog’s fur.The brush does not hold onto or collect the fur that is brushed off your dog, so be prepared to catch floating tufts of hair as you work.
The blades are sharp enough to cut through tough tangles and mats.If you are not careful, the brush can get stuck in very fluffy and thick hair.
The blades are also rounded to protect your dog’s skin from damage.
It has an ergonomic, easy-grip handle that won’t slip and will save your hands from pain while grooming your dog.
The brush is easy to use and can quickly and effectively remove hair, so you don’t have to keep your dog sitting for too long.
It comes with a cute pet tag that you can add to your keychain or your dog’s collar.
Best for Dematting
Pat Your Pet Deshedding Brush - Double-Sided Undercoat Rake for Dogs & Cats
  • Dual-head design features 2 sides
  • One side for smooth dematting and the other side quickly thins and desheds
  • Skin-safe design won't scratch your pet
  • Easy-grip handle is non-slip for a comfortable grip
  • Includes a "paw tag" for your pet's collar or your keychain!
Check Amazon

5. Best Shampoo Brush: Bodhi Dog New Grooming Pet Shampoo Brush

If you enjoy bathing your dog yourself, we recommend using a proper bathing brush like the Bodhi Dog New Grooming Pet Shampoo Brush. The Bodhi Pet Shampoo Brush, the winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards, has soft rubber tips that help massage your dog as it lathers up the shampoo. It’s gentle, won’t pull their hair, and is excellent for dogs with sensitive skin.

Suitable for wet or dry hair, you can use this brush to help manage your dog’s shedding. The teeth of the brush remove hair without pulling it too hard like many other brushes do. It is a sturdy bath brush that can help you bathe your dog in half the time. In addition, many dogs like this brush because it massages their skin as well.

While not recommended for long-haired dogs, this bath brush will be fine for your short- or medium-haired pooch. While it is a good size for both big and small dogs, a few customers reported that a smaller version would be a bit easier to use.

Pros and Cons of the Bodhi Dog New Grooming Pet Shampoo Brush

ProsCons
This brush was the winner of the 2020 Family Choice Awards.A few customers reported that it was a bit big and that a smaller one would make brushing easier.
The brush can be used on wet or dry hair.This brush is not recommended for long-haired dogs.
It has soft rubber tips that help to lather up shampoo and massage your dog’s skin.
Many dogs love the feel of the massaging bristles of the brush.
It works great for dogs with short- and medium-length hair.
The brush is gentle and does not pull your dog’s hair.
It is sturdy and works well for dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Using the brush can cut down on how long your dog is in the bath.
Best Shampoo Brush
Bodhi Dog Grooming Dog & Cat Shampoo Brush
  • Available in 7 colors
  • Purchase in packs of 1 or 2
  • Soft rubber tips gently and effectively remove dead skin and loose fur
  • Won't pull your pet's coat
  • Increases shampoo lather
  • Pets love the massaging action
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Criteria: What to Look for in a Shedding Brush for Dogs

Brushing your dog is the only way to remove mats and keep their fur healthy. It’s also a good way to keep all that dog hair from taking over your rugs and furniture. When looking for the best shedding brush for your dog, here are some important things to consider:

  • Quality
  • Type of hair
  • Brush type and style

Let’s take a look at each of these in detail.

Quality

Since you will be needing to brush your dog regularly, it is important to get a quality brush that is gentle and made to last for many years. Some brushes even come with a manufacturer’s guarantee or warranty.

Type of Hair

Each dog and each dog breed has a different type of hair, and there are various brushes made for specific coat types. Soft bristle brushes, grooming gloves, and curry brushes, for example, work best for dogs with short hair and smooth coats. Pin brushes and slicker brushes, on the other hand, work best for dogs with medium-length and long hair. A de-shedding brush is especially helpful for dogs with undercoats and shed a lot.

Brush Type and Style

There are so many different styles of brushes on the market, each made for a specific type of hair, coat, and/or purpose. Here are some of the common types that you may see:

  • Pin brush: These grooming brushes have firm metal pins that are widely spaced. You’ll want one that has rounded ends on the pins, however, so that the brush is soft against your dog’s skin.
  • Bristle brush: A regular dog grooming brush has nylon bristles that are soft and that you can use on fur of any length.
  • Slicker brush: This wire-bristled brush is designed for dogs with long hair or mixed fur. However, you must use it very gently to avoid scratching your dog’s skin. Try to find a slicker brush that feels soft against your skin; you don’t want one that has sharp or scratchy bristles.
  • Rakes: Rake brushes are great for dogs that shed in large clumps (such as seasonal blowing). These help to remove loose hair easily and quickly, which in turn helps to prevent clumps of hair from matting in your dog’s coat. The best rakes remove dead hair without cutting your dog’s fur or skin.
  • Matting rake: This is a specially designed rake for matted fur. The blades only cut when they sense an obstacle, so you can remove the mats without cutting out large chunks of fur.
  • Curry brush: These brushes are made of softer plastic or rubber, and help to remove loose hair and dirt from your dog’s coat.
  • Grooming gloves: These are gloves made of silicone or rubber with soft bristles built into the palms. You just run your hands gently over your dog’s body to brush their hair. Often the hair collects along the bristles and can be easily removed in one, felted piece.

Up Next…

  • We Found the 7 Best Dog Shampoos — Bath time with your dog should be an enjoyable experience. We’ve found the best dog shampoos that will ensure your dog smells and feels good afterward.
  • The Best Dog Grooming Shears — Are you wanting to shear your dog yourself? Here’s a list of some top grooming shears to help you do your best with your beloved pooch’s coat.
  • We Reviewed the 8 Best Dog Beds — Just like humans, dogs love a bed to call their own. Read our review of the 8 best dog beds you can choose from to fit your dog’s needs.

About the Author

Kellianne Matthews is a writer at A-Z Animals where her primary focus is on anthrozoology, conservation, human-animal relationships, and animal behavior. Kellianne has been writing and researching animals for over ten years and has decades of hands-on experience working with a variety of different animals. She holds a Master’s Degree from Brigham Young University, which she earned in 2017. A resident of Utah, Kellianne enjoys creating, exploring and learning new things, analyzing movies, caring for animals, and playing with her cats.

The Best Shedding Brushes for Dogs: Reviewed FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Is it hard to brush a dog?

It is not difficult, but you must use the right brush and the right technique. It also depends on what type of dog you have. A large, long-haired dog with a double coat will take more work than a small dog with short hair. In addition, some dogs are not used to being brushed, so you may need to take it a little at a time and help your dog warm up to the idea. Let your dog see and inspect the brush before you use it, so that it does not startle or surprise them. Never force your dog if they are in pain or obvious discomfort. When you brush your dog, set aside time to do a thorough job. If you are worried, talk to a veterinarian or professional groomer for help.

How often should you brush a dog?

You should brush most dogs at least twice a week. If your dog has an undercoat, you may find yourself brushing more often to control the shedding. A double-coated dog will also need extra care in the spring and summer months to control the blowing coat.

Is a shedding brush good for short hair?

Yes. Even dogs with short hair shed, and some short-haired dogs have thick undercoats.

Are dog brushes expensive?

There are brushes in all price ranges, and a good dog brush doesn’t need to break the bank to be effective. We tried to include affordable brushes on our list to fit any budget, including a three-piece kit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.