Why Is My Pet Still Shedding After Deshedding Treatments

Shedding is a natural process for dogs and cats, but it can become frustrating when your pet continues to shed fur even after a thorough pet deshed session. Many pet owners expect that once they brush out their pet coat or use deshedding tools, the shedding will stop or significantly reduce. Yet, shedding often persists, leaving fur on furniture, clothes, and floors. Understanding why this happens can help you manage your pet’s coat better and keep your home cleaner.

Brushing a dog’s coat with a pet deshed tool

Why Pets Shed Fur Continuously

Shedding is a natural part of a pet’s hair growth cycle. Dogs and cats shed to remove old or damaged hair and make way for new growth. This process varies by breed, season, health, and environment. Even after a pet deshed treatment, shedding continues because:

• Hair growth cycles are ongoing: Hair follicles go through phases of growth, rest, and shedding. Deshedding removes loose hair but does not stop new hair from entering the shedding phase.

• Seasonal shedding: Many pets shed more during spring and fall as they adjust their coats for warmer or colder weather.

• Health and diet: Poor nutrition, allergies, or skin conditions can increase shedding. Even a well-brushed coat won’t stop shedding caused by health issues.

• Stress and environment: Changes in environment, stress, or anxiety can trigger more shedding.

  
  

How Pet Deshedding Works and Its Limits

Pet deshed treatments focus on removing loose undercoat hair that regular brushing might miss. Tools designed for pet deshed, such as the Furminator or slicker brushes, reach deep into the coat to pull out dead hair without damaging the topcoat.

While these tools are effective, they do not:

• Stop the natural shedding cycle

• Prevent new hair from loosening and falling out

• Cure underlying skin or health problems causing excessive shedding

  
  

Regular pet deshed sessions help reduce the amount of loose hair your pet sheds around the house but will not eliminate shedding entirely.

Best Practices to Manage Shedding in Dogs and Cats

To keep shedding under control, combine pet deshed treatments with other grooming and care practices:

1. Brush Out Pet Coat Regularly

Brushing your pet’s coat daily or several times a week helps remove loose hair before it falls off naturally. For dogs and cats with thick undercoats, use a deshedding tool to reach deeper layers.

• Use a brush suitable for your pet’s coat type

• Be gentle to avoid irritating the skin

• Focus on areas where shedding is heaviest, such as the neck, back, and tail base

  
  

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports healthy skin and coat. Supplements like fish oil can reduce dryness and shedding caused by poor nutrition.

3. Keep Your Pet Hydrated

Proper hydration improves skin elasticity and reduces flakiness that can increase shedding.

4. Regular Vet Checkups

If shedding seems excessive or is accompanied by bald patches, itching, or redness, consult your veterinarian. Conditions like allergies, parasites, or hormonal imbalances require medical treatment.

5. Control Environmental Factors

Reduce stress by maintaining a stable routine and providing a calm environment. Regular exercise and mental stimulation also support overall health.

Gently brushing a cat’s coat to reduce shedding

Common Myths About Shedding and Deshedding

Many pet owners believe that deshedding once will stop shedding for weeks or months. This is not true. Shedding is continuous and natural. Here are some myths to avoid:

• Myth: Deshedding tools stop shedding permanently.

Deshedding tools only remove loose hair at the moment. New hair will shed as part of the natural cycle.

• Myth: Bathing stops shedding.

Bathing can loosen dead hair temporarily but does not stop shedding. Overbathing can dry out skin and increase shedding.

• Myth: Only long-haired pets shed a lot.

All dogs and cats shed to some degree. Short-haired breeds may shed less visibly but still lose hair regularly.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your pet’s shedding is extreme or accompanied by other symptoms, professional grooming or veterinary care may be necessary. Groomers can perform deep deshedding treatments safely, and vets can diagnose underlying health issues.

Persistent shedding despite regular pet deshed and brushing out pet coat may indicate:

• Skin infections or parasites

• Allergies or food sensitivities

• Hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism

• Stress-related hair loss

  
  

Early diagnosis and treatment improve your pet’s comfort and reduce shedding.

Loose dog fur on furniture after shedding

Managing Expectations and Staying Consistent

Shedding is part of your pet’s natural life cycle. Pet deshed treatments and brushing out pet coat help manage shedding but do not stop it. Consistency is key. Regular grooming sessions, a healthy diet, and vet care keep your pet comfortable and reduce the amount of loose fur in your home.

Try to:

• Schedule pet deshed sessions monthly or seasonally

• Brush your pet several times a week

• Monitor your pet’s skin and coat health

• Adjust grooming frequency based on shedding patterns

  
  

By understanding why shedding continues after deshedding, you can better care for your pet and maintain a cleaner living space.