10 Best De-shedding Tools for Dogs in 2020

All dogs shed to some extent, but some breeds are worse at this than others. If your dog is a big shedder, there’s no way to get around the grooming process without good de-shedding tools for dogs to remove most of the shed hair with ease.

Regular brushing helps to reduce shedding, but certain brushes are better at this than others. You’ll need to select the type of de-shedding tool to fit your pet dog’s needs.

For example, if your dog has a double coat or very wiry and long hair, there are specific best de-shedding tools for dogs of that kind.

We have tested several different brands here on Top Dog Tips and selected ten of our favorites that were most effective at removing most shed hair on dogs.

We’ll review and discuss those below, including these top five rated de-shedding dog tools.

Using the Deshedding Tools for Dogs to Effectively Remove Pet Hair

Some dogs shed more while others shed less. But no matter what breed you have, you’ll need to learn about dog grooming and de-shedding a dog, unless you don’t mind mountains of dog hair around your home.

Picking the best de-shedding tool for dogs that fits the dog’s coat puts you ahead of the game.

There’s a myth out there about hypoallergenic dogs that do not shed. Therefore, some future pet owners looking to adopt a dog seek out non-shedding breeds to avoid the hassle of de-shedding a dog and possibly any allergies that come with the dog’s hair and dander.

But the fact is that non-shedding dogs simply do not exist in nature, and every canine owner will have to deal with shedding hair sooner or later.

“There’s not really such a thing as a hypoallergenic animal.” – Dr. James Sublett at Northwestern University (source)

With that in mind, there are a few things you can do to minimize shedding in dogs. Here are a few tips.

How to Minimize Shedding in Dogs?

Make peace with the fact that you won’t be able to stop your dog from shedding altogether.

However, there is a way to minimize the amount of shed hair, and both veterinarians and professional groomers agree that the best de-shedding tool for dogs is the sole most effective way to do that.

This is all due to the dog’s skin and hair anatomy and how it functions in canines.

Here’s how you minimize shedding in dogs by using a good de-shedding brush.

For this example, let’s say you’re using our first rated best de-shedding tool for dogs from Furminator (you can use others, too).

How to use FURminator de-shedding tools for dogs:

1. Your dog’s coat must be completely dry (if you just bathed, wait a few hours)
2. Use a dematting tool or just your hand to remove mats and tangles (don’t use a brush!)
3. Start brushing from head to tail, angling de-shedding tool’s teeth in the dog’s coat direction.
4. Do not rush and move in a firm but gentle, and long strokes
5. Remove shed hair from the brush as needed, and continue brushing
6. Try brushing evenly all over the dog, taking care of the whole coat
7. Be particularly careful around the dog’s sensitive areas, like genitals, ears, and stomach
8. Depending on your dog’s coat and how often you brush, it takes anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes

A few things to keep in mind:

• Do not apply more than just a little bit of pressure since the tool is already designed to get into the dog’s coat and remove shed hair without too much pressure.
• Never brush against your dog’s natural coat growth going from the tail toward the head because it pulls his hair and hurts the dog.
• Do not start de-shedding a dog before removing all clearly visible mats and hair tangles because brushing through them will also pull the hair and hurt your pet.
• Be mindful of getting to your dog’s skin because the tool can scratch and hurt the animal. Try to work through the coat very evenly and don’t use it excessively in just a single area.
• The more often you remove the hair from the de-shedding brush, the quicker it’ll be over.
• Note that there will be a lot of hair around, so it’s recommended to de-shed a dog in an area that will be easy to sweep and vacuum all the hair after you’re done. Prepare for that.
• After you’re done, clear all the hair from the de-shedding brush and wash it with soap. Let it dry, and if you’re using the FURminator de-shedding tool, then put its protective cap back on.

What are De-shedding Tools for Dogs is Best for Which Dog?

Not all best de-shedding tools for dogs brands are created equal, and some will work better for certain breeds than others.

Ultimately, this is a straightforward question to answer by deducing dogs without the undercoat.

Here’s the only thing you should know:

The below top-rated best de-shedding tools for dogs that look like a brush will work perfectly well for all dogs that have a good undercoat.

For the breeds that lack undercoats, it’s best to use regular dog brushes and/or a de-shedding glove (mentioned below) to remove shed hair on them.

Note that most dogs have a serious case of undercoat, and only a few breeds should not be treated with a dog de-shedding tool.

Here’s a list of breeds for whom you don’t need a dog de-shedding tool (unless using a grooming brushing glove):

American water spaniel, Bedlington terrier, Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Chinese crested, Coton de Tulear, Curly-coated retriever, Dandie dinmont, Glen of Imaal terrier, Havanese, Irish water spaniel, Kerry blue terrier, Komondor, Löwchen, Maltese, Poodle, Portuguese water dog, Puli, Soft-coated wheaten terrier.

With all of this out of the way, you’re ready to choose your dog’s de-shedding tool and start de-shedding your dog with significantly less hassle than you’re use to.

Below we’ve reviewed and ranked the best de-shedding tool for dogs brands and explain how they differ from each other. Take a look and make your pick.

Top 10 Best De-shedding Tools for Dogs

1 FURminator deShedding Tool
by Furminator 

The Furminator deShedding Tool is my pick for the best de-shedding tool for dogs. This is a tool you use to remove loose hair.

It has stainless steel teeth that reach deep through the topcoat.

The tool has a fur ejector that makes it easier to dispose of hair, so this feature spares you the unpleasant part where you manually pull clumps of removed hair from the comb.

Five sizes are designed for different dog sizes and hair lengths. Dogs weighing 51-90 pounds with coats less than 2 inches long should get the large Furminator deShedding Tool for Dogs.

Not a few dog owners were bowled over at how the Furminator actually worked. It removed hairballs from their dogs which they had just bathed and brushed clean before de-shedding.

So, that’s the reason why you find shed hair all over – dogs have tons of loose undercoat hair that ordinary combs can’t actually reach.

They’re just there trapped in your dog’s coat, waiting to get loose and cover your every space when you’re not looking.

Get to them with one of the best dog de-shedding tool brands first, like the  Furminator, and make your dog feel much better with a lighter, cleaner, and shinier topcoat.

PROS: Stainless steel teeth Equipped with an ejector button to remove hair without having to use your fingers Available in five sizes Features patented technology that claims to reduce shedding by up to 90% Ergonomic handle

CONS: The teeth of this tool may be too sharp and scratch certain breeds Be wary of the seller that you’re buying from, as a lot of reviewers were disappointed to receive a knock-off after ordering online

 

2Furblaster Dog Brush & Cat Brush
by DakPets 

The DakPets Furblaster dog de-shedding tool is the second most popular best de-shedding tool for dogs brand that came into the market a few years ago and quickly gained popularity among pet owners.

It’s cheaper than the FURminator, but the design is similar in many ways. In fact, DakPets Furblaster also promises to reduce your dog’s shedding by up to 95% in as short as 10 minutes.

This is a handy and sturdy stainless tool for removing loose and shed hair. After you bathe your dog and dry his hair, use this de-shedder to comb through his coat.

This effectively removes loose, dead hair, so there won’t be a need to pick tufts of fur all around the house.

The 4-inch rust-resistant blade is detachable and has a blade cover that protects it to stay in top condition longer.

This attaches and detaches from the DakPets Furblaster Dog Brush & Cat Brush handle with a quick-release mechanism that works with a button press.

The handle of this best de-shedding tool for dogs is easy on the hand, has a strong grip, and is very durable.

Dog owners have made this their all-around dog de-shedding comb and standalone grooming tool, and they’re thrilled about it.

It has simplified pet grooming and house cleaning, and that’s saying a lot. It has not only solved going crazy over shed hair – it has helped immensely in preventing mats and allergies.

It’s simply unbelievable how an unassuming and inexpensive tool could do so much for pets and their owners.

While twice as cheaper as the best dog de-shedding tool from FURminator, the DakPets brush similarly accomplishes almost the same thing.

PROS: Claims to reduce shedding by up to 95% with just 10 minutes of brushing Stainless steel, rust-resistant blade Detachable blade for easy cleaning The ergonomically designed handle is comfortable with a rubber grip

CONS: The head of this dog de-shedding tool broke off after a few months of use, but we could get a replacement.

 

3Wooden Design deShedding Brush
by Furry Fido 

While the Groom Ninja de-shedding tool was the first to bring this type of wooden design brush to dogs, they were quickly overtaken by the new and improved product from Furry Fido.

It’s unbelievable how tumbleweeds of hair get churned much faster than you could ever chase them.

This brings you again to the merits of owning the best de-shedding tool for dogs that works to address the issue of shed hairs at the very root.

Remove shed hairs when they’re loose and dump them where you want them. The FurryFido de-shedding brush will be your perfect tool.

This is more like a comb that has a chunky handle and closely spaced teeth. The 5-inch wide handle of the DeShedding Brush by FurryFido is made of basswood, making this a durable, non-slip, and light handheld tool.

The evenly distributed teeth that run along one side of the whole length of the handle are made of stainless steel. Since this is a solid rectangular thing without sticking parts, it’s easier to wield around the pet’s body.

Hence, pets seem to like it for its naturalness instead of having a strange tool touching their body. If the regular dog de-shedding brush is not good for your canine, then this may be.

Dog owners stand by this third-best dog de-shedding tool as well.

Similar to what we’ve noticed, many pet owners who are now customers of Furry Fido confirm that it removes such an unbelievable amount of loose hair from their dog that they think they could make a whole new dog out of the piled hair.

Some of them even prefer this over one of the best de-shedding tools for dogs we’ve mentioned above.

They’re understandably so excited because it’s the first time that there’s a significant change in their home’s fur issue after the long list of combs, brushes, de-shedders, and detanglers they’ve used.

Day after day, they’re actually seeing and inhaling fewer to no hair, and that’s something to be really thrilled about.

PROS: 5-inch wide handle Stainless steel teeth Made of basswood, which is durable and lightweight

CONS: This de-shedding tool for dogs did not remove as much hair as we have anticipated. Some dogs seem sensitive to the feel of this brush, so we warn you not to push down too hard.

 

4Pet Deshedding Tool and Grooming Brush
by MIU COLOR 

Like the de-shedding brush brands from FURminator and DakPets, the MIU Color Pet Deshedding Tool works like a regular grooming brush, except that it reaches deeper through the undercoat than any traditional brush or comb could.

It’s not only a de-shedder – but it also works to remove mats and tangles.

Two sizes (4-inch and 5-inch wide stainless blades) are available in two colors to suit your small, medium, or large pets. Handles vary in length for the two sizes.

You might be interested to know they used that non-toxic and only environmentally-friendly material in the manufacturing of the MIU Color Pet Deshedding Tool And Grooming Brush.

Many pet owners compare this to top-brand de-shedding tools and endorse it for its functionality, good quality, and much lower price. However, there’s little improvement in the MIU COLOR de-shedding brush compared to DakPets and especially to all the features offered by the FURminator de-shedding tool.

The main selling point of this brand is a slightly different size and low price.

This fourth best de-shedding tool for dogs works so well, even on broken or rough coats.

Pet owners are happy about how this little thing has turned their dog’s hair healthier and their grooming routine simpler.

Dogs, too, seem to like it. After a short introduction, they don’t act so averse to it anymore.

In fact, after a few sessions, they tend to associate the de-shedder with the massage and quality time that comes with it.

PROS: De-sheds and works to remove mats and tangles Available in 2 sizes and 2 colors Made with non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials Claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%

CONS: It doesn’t remove as much fur as the models we’ve used in the past The teeth on the brush are too sharp for some breeds/coats and may cut into the pet’s skin if too much force is used

 

5Magic Pro Deshedding Tool
by HappyDogz 

The motto of FURminator and DakPets de-shedding tools for dogs is not to let your dog, or its shed hairs, take over your home.

The HappyDogz Magic Pro Deshedding Tool shares those same beliefs and has manufactured another one of the best de-shedding tools for dogs in a similar concept, yet very different (unlike the MIU COLOR one).

It certainly works better than your vacuum cleaner. There’s truly more to removing loose hair before they’re shed than scouring your home for already shed hair.

The Magic Pro has the usual razor-shape de-shedder style with a handle and a head that holds the 3-inch or 4-inch row of stainless steel teeth. This best de-shedding tool for dogs is available in two sizes.

We went out to see what other customers thought about this fifth-best de-shedding tool for dogs on our list, and it’s clear that even with other better brands out there, many dog owners are wowed by this product.

They love how this removes the dog’s downy fur undercoat and how it does that efficiently.

It pulls on loose hairs. It’s not for cutting hairs, though, so you’d probably need other tools or the groomer for that purpose.

The HappyDogz Magic Pro Deshedding Tool is very durable. It comes covered by a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee for replacement or refunds if it breaks, which seems very unlikely.

Some dog owners who have wrist issues found this de-shedding tool really easy to use, which really says something about its user-friendliness, and preferred this concept over the best de-shedding tools for dogs ranked above it.

It removes loose hair as it glides through the coat. Since this works so gently and effortlessly, dogs tend to accept it and even learn to like it more quickly than they do other grooming tools.

For that, it has earned countless paws up and this spot in our Top 10 list.

PROS: Claims to reduce shed hair up to 95% with just a few minutes of brushing Available in 2 sizes Backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s guarantee

CONS: It isn’t as effective as others in this price range It may be too harsh for course-haired breeds, as it pulls the hair that is still attached.

 

6Groom Ninja Cleaning Brush Tool
by Groom Ninja 

There are indeed many de-shedding tools out there that could get the job done, and most of them are in the form of a de-shedding brush (the regular stuff).

But it’s also true that those tools are not dogs’ most favored items in the house. Groom Ninja was designed to remove shed hair from dogs without making the grooming and de-shedding experience unpleasant to them.

You’ve already seen something extremely similar – the third-best de-shedding brush from Furry Fido mentioned above.

This is shaped like a comb that you can use to follow the dog’s contour more naturally.

The hand curves around it and feels more like the hand’s extension rather than a tool.

This handmade dog de-shedding tool is made in the USA, whereas most other already mentioned best de-shedding tools for dogs are made in China.

The handle is made of poplar wood, while the saw-toothed blade is made of carbon. Three sizes are available – small, medium, and large with respective widths of 3”, 5.25”, and 8”.

The Groom Ninja is covered by a 1-year guarantee and is also very reasonably priced.

When pet owners received this product, they were surprised to see that nothing but a hacksaw blade wedged beautifully in a well-carved handle.

It could very well be that, but they were more surprised after trying it because it worked so well.

It removed a lot of loose hair yet did so very gently, so much so that their dogs acted like they were just being petted.

More powerful de-shedding tools actually removed more hair in a shorter time but were also more unpopular among dogs.

PROS: Offers a more natural feel than the traditional de-shedding tools for dogs Made in the USA The handle is made of poplar wood, and the blade is made of durable carbon Available in 3 sizes Covered by a 1-year guarantee

CONS: We did not think this brush removed as much hair like other brands This de-shedding tool for dogs will be too harsh on the skin of some dogs

 

7Dual-Sided, Stainless Steel Shedding Blade
by Safari 

The Safari Dual-Sided Shedding Blade is made in the same principle as the previous item on this list – with a hacksaw-like blade, except that this is dual-sided.

There are sturdy handles on both ends of the blade. Holding each handle, you then run it along with your dog’s hairy parts like a rake.

When de-shedding legs and chest, you may clasp the handles together with the metal lock and use it with the blade looped.

One side of the blade is fine-toothed, while the opposite side is coarse-toothed.

The blade is stainless steel, while the handles are made of durable plastic.

This is perfect for medium to large dogs or other large animals because it covers a wider area each time it is run through the animal’s whole length.

Each pass of the blade of this shedding tool gently removes loose fur and does not tug or cut hair instead of other de-shedding tools.

The Safari Dual-Sided, Stainless Steel Shedding Blade also effectively removes dandruff and dead skin, massages the skin, and makes hair look a lot healthier.

While it’s called a blade, it’s not sharp at all. So it would help if you didn’t have qualms about using it because it won’t hurt your dog.

It’s a flexible metal with teeth that’s used much like a brush when looped or a rake when extended. The first time you use it, expect tons of hair on the floor, so it’s best to use this outdoors.

Subsequent uses will result in smaller heaps of hair, which only shows that it’s working each time you use it.

PROS: Double-sided brush head – on side is fine-toothed, while the other is course-toothed Stainless steel blades and durable plastic handle Covers a wider area than most other top-rated de-shedding dog tools Available in 2 sizes

CONS: Only suited for large, extra-large breeds It didn’t remove as much hair as the other top de-shedding tool for dogs we tried.

 

8Gentle Deshedding Glove
by True Touch 

So far, the items that made it to our Top 10 list are all metal-toothed types. In this sense, the next product is unique because it’s non-metallic.

This best de-shedding tool for dogs takes de-shedding to a whole new level. The True Touch Deshedding Glove is, well, a glove.

What could be gentler than the human hand but a glove? So don’t be amazed if your neighbor’s dog gets ecstatic whenever it gets a de-shedding – your neighbor probably uses True Touch!

This de-shedding glove is made of black mesh polyester material for the back of the hand and wrist and soft silicone material with 180 bristles covering the palm part.

A hook and fastener tighten the wrist part for a better fit. You use the True Touch Deshedding Glove like you would run your hand through your pet’s hairy body.

Loose hair would then get stuck in the soft silicone bristles forming a thin layer of hair as shed hair accumulates.

You may peel off the hairy layer with your free hand and dispose of it directly to the bin.

If it looks like there’s more hair to remove, you may go on stroking your dog and repeat the process. Meanwhile, you need not worry about your dog trying to escape this best de-shedding tool for dogs.

For all you know, Big Mutt doesn’t really care about going anywhere. This is great to use, very gentle, and washable. It’s perfect for travel, too, since no metal may set off security alarms beeping.

PROS: Glove design is easy to use and much more comforting to dogs than traditional de-shedding tools. Soft silicone material with 180 bristles covers the palm of the glove The hook and fastener tightens to fit virtually any size hand

CONS: We were not happy at the amount of hair that this glove removed; we expected it to remove much more. This glove is not ideal for pet owners with very large or tiny hands.

 

9King Komb 3 Blade Tool
by King Kanine 

Here’s one for combining the best of both metallic and non-metallic de-shedding features.

The King Komb starts with a cylindrical handle and base made of plastic and rubber. Along one length is three rows of stainless steel blades.

These are saw-toothed non-cutting blades, which remove downy undercoat, loose hair, and dander.

On the opposite side of the cylindrical base are two rows of chunky rubber teeth for lathering shampoo or massaging.

This best de-shedding tool for dogs is sold in two colors. One size works for all breeds and sizes and also works for cats and horses. According to users, this is one awesome de-shedder that doubles as a shampoo applicator and massager.

Unlike some de-shedding tools they’ve tried, however, this does not collect the removed hair. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to use the King Komb outdoors, where you could sweep hair more easily afterward.

Constant use of this product has helped pet owners keep tons of hair off surfaces in their homes and from the air they breathe.

They even liken this to a razor in its efficacy of removing hair and dander, but without the edge of a razor.

Their pets are not averse to it, and that makes the task of bathing, grooming, and de-shedding a much simpler matter.

PROS: One side has three rows of stainless steel blades for removing the downy undercoat, dander, and loose hair. One side has two rows of chunky rubber teeth for massaging and lathering shampoo. Suitable for all breeds and sizes Available in 2 sizes

CONS: Does not collect removed fur When you’re using the massaging side, the metal teeth of the other side hurt your hand.