Let’s be real—one of the best things about having a dog is that soft, snuggly, strokeable fur. But you know what’s not so great? That same fur… everywhere. On your couch, your clothes, your car, and probably places you didn’t even know your dog could reach.
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep the fur tumbleweeds at bay, you’re not alone. The good news? There’s a not-so-secret weapon in the fight against fluff: the deshedding bath.
Why Dogs Shed (and Why It’s Totally Normal)
First things first—shedding is just part of being a dog. It’s how their bodies get rid of old or damaged hair to make room for fresh growth. Plus, it clears out dirt, pollen, bugs, and other stuff your dog probably picked up on their latest sniffari.
That said, not all dogs shed the same. Some breeds, like Poodles or Maltese, barely shed at all. Others—looking at you, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds—can leave a trail of fur behind them wherever they go.
Shedding can also depend on the season. In spring and fall, many dogs “blow their coat,” which is just a fancy way of saying they shed like crazy to prep for warmer or cooler weather. And don’t forget coat type—dogs with double coats (hello, Labs and Huskies) tend to shed a lot more than single-coated breeds.
So… What Is a Deshedding Bath?
A deshedding bath is like a spa day for your pup—with the added bonus of way less fur in your house afterward. It involves a special shampoo (brands like FURminator and TropiClean are fan favorites) that loosens and removes dead hair from your dog’s coat. Think of it as giving your dog’s fur a reset.
Here’s how it works:
- You get your dog’s coat fully wet.
- Lather in the deshedding shampoo and give it a nice massage.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes (this is the hard part if your dog hates standing still).
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry your pup carefully—and then go in with a deshedding tool for the final fluff-fighting touch.
You can totally do this at home, or if you’d rather leave it to the pros (and skip the mess), you can book a session with a groomer.
A woman removes dog hair after molting a dog with a dustpan and broom at home. Cleaning dog hair at home. Pet care.
Why Deshedding Baths Are a Game-Changer
Besides reducing the amount of fur floating through your home like doggy confetti, deshedding baths have some other awesome perks:
- Healthier skin and coat. A lot of deshedding shampoos are packed with good stuff like omega fatty acids, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
- Better tool performance. Brushes and deshedding tools work so much better after a bath loosens everything up.
- Less stress for you. If done regularly, these baths can really cut down the daily cleanup chaos.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Deshedding baths are awesome—but they’re not magic. Your dog will still shed (because, well, biology). But they can make it a whole lot more manageable.
Also, a few pro tips:
- Don’t use deshedding shampoos on puppies under 6 weeks old.
- Always check with your vet if your dog’s on any topical treatments.
- Don’t overdo it—too many baths can dry out their skin.
- Some pups may not love the smell of certain shampoos, so opt for gentle or unscented if needed.
And if you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, no shame in handing it off to a groomer. They’ve got the experience—and the tools—to make the process smooth and stress-free for both of you.
Ready to Tame the Fur Storm?
At Barks in the Bay, our deshedding baths are designed to leave your pup feeling fresh and your home a whole lot cleaner. We use high-quality, gentle products and take the time to make sure your dog’s coat is soft, healthy, and way less hairy.
Book your deshedding appointment today and treat your furry friend to a spa-like experience that actually helps with the mess.
👉 Call or text us, or book online in just a few clicks.
Your dog (and your furniture) will thank you!