De Shedding Tool for Dogs: 6 Picks Matched to Coat Type

The best de shedding tool for dogs depends on the coat, not the brand: a stainless-steel undercoat tool such as the FURminator suits double coats, a wide undercoat rake such as the Maxpower Planet suits thick or long coats, and a rubber curry brush such as the Metopets suits short coats and bath time. If you can only buy one tool for an average family dog, a two-sided rake like the GoPets 2-in-1 is the most flexible, because it handles loose undercoat and light tangles in a single pass. This guide is research-based: we did not personally use these tools, and specs are taken from listings or marked “not listed”.

“De shedding” is a loose term. In practice it covers six different kinds of tool that work in six different ways, and buying the wrong one is the main reason owners say a deshedding product “did nothing”. The sections below explain each type, name one pick per type, and then give a matrix that matches your dog’s coat to a tool.

Our top picks

Top pickFURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for

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Also greatFURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for

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Also greatFURminator Medium Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for

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Also greatSleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall for Most Dogs: GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding and Dematting Comb (rake with two sides)
• Best Undercoat Edge Tool: FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for Short Hair
• Best Value Rake: Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake (extra-wide, double-sided)
• Best for Bath-Time Shedding: Metopets Rubber Curry Brush
• Best Shedding Blade: BOTH WINNERS Dual-Sided Shedding Blade
• Best Quick Daily Brush: Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush

Comparison Table: Six Types of De Shedding Tool

1. GoPets 2-in-1 Deshedding and Dematting Comb: Best Overall

• Double-sided rake: one side for deshedding, one for dematting
• Listed for dogs and cats
• Handle material, tooth length and weight: not listed in the title we reviewed
• Typically used on medium to long coats

Best for: mixed coats and owners who want a single, flexible tool. Skip if: your dog has a very short coat or a delicate single coat.

A two-sided rake is the Swiss-army-knife of dog grooming. One side has shorter or tighter teeth to lift loose undercoat; the other has wider or longer teeth for opening small tangles. This gives the GoPets a wider range than a pure shedding tool: you can use it on a retriever in spring, then on the feathering of a spaniel in autumn. The reason raking works is that the teeth move through the topcoat and catch undercoat that is already detached, rather than pulling living hair from the skin.

Technique matters more than the tool. Hold the dog’s skin steady with your free hand, make short strokes in the direction of growth, and work in small sections from the back toward the sides. Do not press down. If the rake catches a tangle, stop and loosen it with your fingers or a comb first.

Pros:

• Two sides for different jobs
• Suits a wide range of coats
• Works for dogs and cats

Cons:

• Specs thin in the listing
• Not for severe mats
• Costs more than a basic rake

2. FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for Short Hair: Best Edge Tool

• Stainless-steel deshedding edge
• Large size for bigger dogs; small and medium sizes also sold
• Short-hair version; long-hair versions sold separately
• Easy clean-up button to release hair

Best for: large short-coated or medium-coated dogs that blow their coat twice a year. Skip if: your dog has a single coat, sensitive skin or mats.

The edge tool is the most powerful of the six for taking out loose undercoat. The narrow, fine teeth reach under the guard hairs and take away the soft, short hair that causes drifts in the house. For a large Labrador, Shepherd or Rottweiler, a large head covers more of the coat per stroke, which cuts total time. The trade-off is that an edge tool can irritate skin if overused, so limit sessions to ten to fifteen minutes and use only a few passes in each area.

Be careful with the coat version. The short-hair model is intended for coats with hair under about 2 inches. On a long-haired dog it will not reach enough undercoat; for those dogs choose the long-hair model from the same maker or a rake.

Pros:

• Strong undercoat removal
• Size options by dog weight
• Easy to clear

Cons:

• Highest cost of the group
• Needs light pressure
• Not for tangled or matted coats

3. Maxpower Planet Dog Grooming Rake: Best Value Rake

• Extra-wide double-sided head
• Marketed for deshedding and dematting, for dogs and cats
• Blue handle; tooth count and length: not listed
• Low cost

Best for: large dogs with long or thick coats, such as Golden Retrievers, Shepherds and Newfoundlands. Skip if: your dog is small or has a short coat.

Extra-wide rakes cover large areas quickly, which is helpful for big dogs where time and patience are the limiting factors. The listing describes a double-sided head, which usually means a closer-toothed side for fine undercoat and a wider-toothed side for coarser fur. For a household that just needs a dependable tool for seasonal shedding, this is a straightforward option.

The width is both its strength and its weakness. On a small or medium dog the head can feel clumsy, so choose a narrower rake for them. Wash the rake in warm soapy water occasionally and dry it fully to avoid rust or residue on the teeth.

Pros:

• Covers large areas fast
• Double-sided
• Budget cost

Cons:

• Clumsy on small dogs
• Few published specs
• Teeth may snag on tight tangles

4. Metopets Rubber Curry Brush: Best for Bath-Time Shedding

• Rubber curry brush for short-haired dogs
• Removable screen
• Can be used wet as a bath brush or dry
• Dimensions: not listed

Best for: short-coated dogs and bath-time grooming. Skip if: your dog has a thick undercoat.

A curry brush is gentler than any rake. Its rubber nubs grip loose hair and move it to the surface, where you can wipe it away. In the tub, a curry brush mixes shampoo into the coat and loosens a surprising amount of dead hair at the same time, which is why groomers often start with it. It also doubles as a massage tool. Dogs that dislike metal brushes often tolerate rubber.

Use circular strokes with light pressure. In the shower, rinse the brush often so hair does not clog the nubs. After use, remove the screen and rinse both parts.

Pros:

• Gentle and versatile
• Great for bathing
• Low cost

Cons:

• Not effective on heavy undercoat
• Rubber wears over time
• Hair scatters in dry use

5. BOTH WINNERS Dual-Sided Shedding Blade: Best Shedding Blade

• Stainless-steel blade with two sides
• Soft-touch grip
• Marketed for all dog coat types
• Length and weight: not listed here

Best for: large short-coated or medium-coated dogs during or after a bath. Skip if: your dog dislikes being scraped or has sensitive skin.

A shedding blade is a flexible loop of metal that you drag along the coat. It does not cut hair; the thin edge slides under loose hair and carries it away along with excess water. For that reason it is popular for wet coats after a bath, and it is borrowed from horse grooming. Used outdoors, it can remove a pile of loose hair quickly. Used indoors, expect a mess.

Keep the blade flat against the coat and use light strokes. Avoid the bony areas such as the spine, hips and legs, and avoid the face. The two-sided design gives you a smoother edge on one side and a serrated side on the other, depending on the model.

Pros:

• Fast on wet coats
• Cheap
• Simple to clean

Cons:

• Easy to use too hard
• Not for sensitive dogs
• Messy if used indoors

6. Swihauk Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush: Best Quick Daily Brush

• Self-cleaning slicker with a release button
• Listed as skin-friendly for dogs and cats
• Available in several versions and colours
• Pin material and length: not listed

Best for: daily brushing of medium and long coats that tangle. Skip if: your dog has a dense double coat that needs deep undercoat work.

A slicker brush has many short pins on a pad. It lifts loose hair and teases out light tangles, and with a self-cleaning button the hair is released in one move. Used daily for a few minutes, it keeps small knots from becoming mats and moves loose hair into the brush rather than onto the sofa. It is a good partner to a rake: use the slicker most days and the rake for heavy weeks.

Brush gently and avoid pressing the pins against the skin. If you hear your dog yelp or see red skin, ease off or switch to a rubber brush.

Pros:

• Fast daily tool
• Self-cleaning
• Low cost

Cons:

• Pins can scratch if pressed
• Not for deep undercoat
• Self-cleaning parts can wear

Also Consider

Andis Premium Fine-Tooth Deshedding Rake

A higher-priced rake with fine teeth, aimed at owners who want a premium professional-style tool. Specs are not listed here, so check the listing for size.

Coastal Pet Safari Dual-Sided Dog Shedding Blade

A medium-to-large stainless-steel shedding blade listed at 10 by 3.25 inches. It is a well-known alternative to the BOTH WINNERS if you want a blade.

KIZO ESLO XL+ Undercoat Rake

An extra-large two-sided rake for big dogs. It costs more than a basic rake but covers a lot of coat per stroke.

SleekEZ Dog Brush for Shedding

A patented flat tool listed for short, medium and long coats, useful when you want a quick pass over the whole body.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these tools. We compared maker listings, stated coat suitability and size options, and general guidance from veterinary and professional grooming organisations. We chose one tool per type so that readers can compare categories, not just brands, and we kept to a maximum of two products per brand. Price is shown as a tier because retail prices move often.

If a spec was not in the listing, we wrote “not listed”. Individual dogs react differently, so always start with light pressure and watch for signs of discomfort.

Buying Guide: How to Choose a De Shedding Tool for Your Dog

Start with coat type

Dogs fall into three practical groups. Smooth, short single coats (Whippet, Boxer, Doberman) shed lightly and do well with rubber brushes. Short double coats (Labrador, Pug, Beagle) shed in waves and need a rubber brush most days and an undercoat tool in shedding season. Long or thick double coats (Golden Retriever, Husky, German Shepherd, Samoyed) need a rake or edge tool and often a slicker for finishing.

Match the size to the dog

Large dogs benefit from heads of 4 inches or more, which cover the back in a handful of strokes. Small dogs do better with heads of 2 to 3 inches. Weight-based tools are normally sized as small (under about 20 lb), medium (about 20 to 50 lb) and large (over about 50 lb), so check the maker’s table.

Check tooth length and spacing

Teeth that are too short will not reach undercoat, and teeth that are too long can scratch skin. Rakes for thick coats often have teeth between roughly half an inch and one inch; for short coats, short, tightly spaced teeth are safer. If the listing does not give a tooth length, read the description for the coat type it targets.

Think about comfort and cleaning

A soft, non-slip handle makes it easier to use light pressure. A release button or removable screen saves time. Tools you can rinse and dry quickly last longer.

Plan for frequency

Heavy-shedding breeds benefit from a brief daily pass during peak shedding and a longer session weekly. Light shedders need a weekly pass. If you groom less often, choose a tool that clears more hair per stroke.

Decision Matrix: Coat, Situation and Best Tool

A Four-Week Plan for a Heavy Shedding Season

Most double-coated dogs release their undercoat over about three to four weeks, usually in spring and autumn. A plan keeps the work manageable and protects the skin. The schedule below suits a medium to large dog and uses two tools from this guide.

The times are planning estimates rather than measurements from the products. If your dog grows restless, split a session into two shorter ones. A treat after each zone helps keep grooming a positive experience.

Worked Example: Tool Cost per Session

A pricier tool can be the cheaper choice if it saves time or lasts longer. Here is a simple way to compare. Suppose you groom a large double-coated dog 60 times a year (weekly all year, with extra sessions in two shedding months). A budget rake used for those 60 sessions, and replaced after two years, covers about 120 sessions. A premium edge tool used the same way and kept for four or more years covers 240 sessions or more. Divide each price by the number of sessions and the premium tool often costs fewer cents per session, as long as it fits the coat and you use it correctly. If the premium tool does not suit your dog, however, its cost per useful session is high, so confirm the coat version and size before buying.

Use the same arithmetic for time. If a wide rake saves three minutes per session across 60 sessions, you gain three hours a year. That is a good reason to choose a size that matches your dog rather than the cheapest head.

Caring for Your Tools

Rakes and blades are simple metal tools, but they still benefit from care. Remove hair after every session, wash with warm water and mild soap once a month, and dry thoroughly to prevent rust on stainless-steel parts. Check teeth and edges for bends or burrs, since a rough edge can scratch the skin. Rubber brushes should be rinsed and air dried, and replaced when they harden or crack. Slicker brushes need pin checks every few weeks, and any bent or sharp pin is a reason to replace the brush. Store tools in a dry drawer, not in a damp bathroom, and keep blades with a cover or in a drawer where they cannot injure curious pets or children.

If your dog has had a skin infection, parasites or open sores, ask your vet how to clean tools or whether to replace them. Sharing brushes between pets with skin problems can spread issues, so keep separate tools where needed.

Common Mistakes

• Using one tool for every coat. A rake on a smooth Whippet or a rubber brush on a Husky in full shed will both disappoint.
• Brushing too hard or too long. Short, light sessions protect the skin.
• Dragging through mats. Loosen or trim mats first.
• Skipping the cleanup. Hair left in the tool is put back on the coat.
• Ignoring skin signs. Redness, flakes, sores or sudden patchy loss should be checked by a vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best de shedding tool for dogs overall?

There is no single winner, but a two-sided rake is the most flexible for typical family dogs. Short-coated dogs may prefer a rubber brush, and heavy double-coated dogs benefit from an edge tool in shedding season.

How often should I use a deshedding tool?

Once a week is typical for rakes and edge tools, and every day or two during peak shedding. Rubber brushes and slickers can be used more often with light pressure.

Do deshedding tools hurt dogs?

Not when used correctly. Hurting usually comes from pressing too hard, working on tangles or using the wrong tool for the coat. If your dog reacts, stop and consider a gentler brush.

Should I use a deshedding tool on a wet dog?

Rubber curry brushes and shedding blades are commonly used on wet coats. Edge tools and rakes are generally used on dry coats, but check the maker’s instructions.

Can I shave a dog to stop shedding?

Shaving does not stop shedding, and it can damage some double coats by changing how they regrow. Ask a professional groomer or vet before clipping a double-coated dog.

Why is my dog shedding so much?

Season, coat type, diet and health all play a part. If shedding is sudden, patchy or comes with itching or sore skin, see your vet.

Can I use the same tool on my dog and cat?

Some tools are listed for both, but cats have finer skin and should be groomed lightly. Use a separate tool if one pet has a skin condition or parasites.

Which One Should You Buy?

For most households, start with a two-sided rake such as the GoPets, add a rubber curry brush for bath time, and consider an edge tool only if you have a double-coated dog that blows its coat each season. If you have a big dog and a large yard, the BOTH WINNERS blade is a quick outdoor option after baths. The Swihauk slicker is a useful daily brush for tangle-prone coats, and the Maxpower Planet rake is the economical way to get a wide head. Choose the tool that suits your dog’s coat, start gently and enjoy a cleaner house.

Sources

• FURminator manufacturer sizing and coat-type guidance
• GoPets, Maxpower Planet, Metopets, BOTH WINNERS and Swihauk product listings
• American Kennel Club coat and grooming resources
• ASPCA pet grooming tips
• Professional groomer association guidance on coat types and tools

Last updated: October 2026