Winter Deshedding: Why Your Dog Still Needs Grooming in the Cold Months

When people think of shedding season, they usually think of spring — dog hair on the couch, fur on your clothes, and little tumbleweeds rolling across the floor.

But winter is actually one of the best times to stay on top of your dog’s coat.

Even though your dog may not shed as heavily going into winter, their coats are still transitioning, preparing a thick undercoat to protect them from the winter cold. If not maintained correctly, this undercoat ends up trapping loose hair, dirt and dander. A quick deshed can help keep their coat healthier, reduce build-up, and make the big seasonal shed much easier when warmer weather arrives.

Why Dogs Shed in Winter

Many dogs, especially double-coated breeds, grow a thicker coat in autumn to help keep them warm through winter.

This coat is made up of:

Topcoat: the outer layer that helps protect against dirt, moisture and weather
Undercoat: the softer, denser layer that helps insulate your dog and keep them warm

As winter comes to an end, your dog may begin to loosen and release some of this heavier undercoat in preparation for spring. This is why you may start noticing more fur around the house before the weather fully warms up.

Breeds That Often Need Winter Deshedding

Winter deshedding is especially helpful for dogs with thick or double coats, such as:

• German Shepherds

• Labradors

• Golden Retrievers

• Huskies

• Siberian Huskies

• Malamutes
  

• Great Pyrenees

• Border Collies

• Australian Shepherds

If you’ve ever lived with a heavy-shedding breed, you’ll know just how much undercoat can come out during a seasonal coat change.

Do All Dogs Need Winter Deshedding?

Not every dog sheds the same way.

Breeds with less undercoat, such as Shih Tzus, Maltese and Poodles, usually shed less than thick-coated breeds like Malamutes or Huskies. However, regular brushing is still important to help prevent knots, remove dirt and keep the coat comfortable.

For dogs with a proper undercoat, deshedding is especially useful because it removes loose undercoat before it ends up all over your home.

Why Winter Is the Perfect Time to Start

Winter deshedding sessions are often quicker and easier because your dog may not be blowing their coat as heavily as they do in spring.

That makes it a great time to get your pup used to the process before peak shedding season begins.

Regular winter deshedding can help:

• Remove loose undercoat before it builds up

• Reduce fur around the home

• Prevent matting and tangles

• Keep the coat healthier and more comfortable

• Prepare your dog for their spring coat change

• Make future grooming sessions easier

How Often Should You Deshed Your Dog in Winter?

For most shedding dogs, aim for one deshedding session per week using the Refuresh deshedding tool.

This helps keep loose undercoat under control without over-grooming. During heavier seasonal shedding periods, your dog may need more frequent brushing depending on their coat type and shedding level.

How to Use the Refuresh Deshedding Brush

Before you start, check your dog’s coat for any large knots or tangles. Remove these gently first, as deshedding over knots can be uncomfortable. If your dog has any skin infections or irritations, please consult a vet before using any tools on them

Then follow these steps:

1. Make sure your dog is calm and comfortable.

2. Brush in the same direction as the coat growth.

3. Start near the head and work towards the tail.

4. Use gentle strokes and avoid applying too much pressure.

5. Let the weight of the tool do the work.

6. Be extra careful around sensitive areas like the belly, legs and genitals.

7. Stop if your dog seems uncomfortable or irritated.

Don’t be surprised by how much loose undercoat comes out — especially if your dog has a thick winter coat.

Should You Shave Your Dog to Stop Shedding?

Shaving is not recommended for most double-coated dogs.

Your dog’s coat helps with both warmth and temperature regulation. Shaving can interfere with the coat’s natural ability to protect your dog from cold, heat and sun exposure.

Deshedding is a safer way to manage loose fur while still allowing your dog’s coat to do its job.

Keep Winter Shedding Under Control

You may not be able to stop shedding completely, but you can stay ahead of it.

A quick weekly winter deshed with the Refuresh deshedding tool helps remove loose undercoat before it spreads through your home — and gets your dog’s coat ready for the bigger seasonal shed ahead.

Grab your Refuresh deshedding tool and make winter grooming easier for you and your pup.