7 Best Deshedding Shampoos of 2024

If you own a dog, especially one with long hair, you know that shedding can make a mess of your home and furniture, forcing you to vacuum daily. Shedding is often especially bad around the change of seasons, as dogs tend to “blow their coats” to get ready for colder or warmer weather. 

Brushing your dog helps remove loose hair and slow down shedding, but if that’s not enough, you may want to consider using a deshedding shampoo as well. These shampoos can be applied during your dog’s regular grooming routine, and they’ll help minimize shedding to keep your home a bit cleaner. 

Our Top Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Overall Best Deshedding Shampoo: The Coat Handler Undercoat Control Deshedding Dog Shampoo
• Best Deshedding Shampoo and Conditioner: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
• Best Scented Dog Deshedding Shampoo: Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo
• Most Affordable Dog Deshedding Shampoo: Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo
• Best Deshedding Dog Shampoo for Long Hair: iGroom Deshedding & Detangling Dog Shampoo
• Best Soap-Free Deshedding Dog Shampoo: TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo
• Best Waterless Dog Deshedding Shampoo: FURminator Deshedding Waterless Spray

7 Best Groomer-Approved Deshedding Shampoos 

Let’s go over our list of the best deshedding shampoos for dogs, including those specifically recommended by professional dog groomers. 

Overall Best Deshedding Shampoo

Our Pick: The Coat Handler Undercoat Control Deshedding Dog Shampoo

“The Coat Handler shampoo is the most effective at ‘de-shedding’ the excess undercoat,” says Bissantz. This deshedding shampoo comes in a 16-ounce jar (though you can also buy 1-gallon containers of it), but it can be diluted in a ratio of up to 32:1, meaning each bottle will last longer. 

This deshedding dog shampoo helps to clean, condition, and deodorize your pup’s coat while also loosening their undercoat and strengthening the hair root. Made with all-natural ingredients, the formula is infused with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E, making it suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. Plus, it won’t wash off flea and tick medications when used as directed. 

Pros

• Designed to be diluted for long-lasting use
• All-natural ingredients
• Soap/cruelty free
• Won’t wash off flea/tick medications

Cons

• Some customers do not care for the coconut scent 
• It does have to be diluted, which is an extra step

Best Deshedding Shampoo and Conditioner

Our Pick: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

“Deshedding shampoos can be harsh on the skin and coat by stripping the natural oils,” says Bissantz. “Always follow up with a conditioner that will restore moisture to the skin and coat and balance the pH of the skin.” The FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo and Conditioner set is a two-step routine that will help remove excess hair from your dog’s undercoat. You can purchase them together or separately, depending on your needs.

Each product comes in a 16-ounce bottle, and they’re designed to be worked into your pet’s fur and left to sit for five minutes—keep this in mind if your dog doesn’t like being in the bathtub. The products feature multiple conditioning agents, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, that will promote a healthy coat, and they also have the brand’s OdorCapture 360 Technology, which helps remove any wet dog smell. 

Pros

• Includes separate shampoo and conditioner
• No diluting required 
• Helps eliminate wet dog smell 
• Free from parabens and chemical dyes
• Helps strengthen and nourish skin and coat

Cons

• Instructions say to leave the products on your dog for five minutes in the bath, which can be hard if your pet doesn’t like being washed

Best Scented Dog Deshedding Shampoo

Our Pick: ​​Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo

If you want your dog to walk away from their bath smelling fresh and clean, the Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo is a top option. The formula, which comes in a 16-ounce bottle, has a pomelo citrus scent that most reviewers love and lasts for several days after washing. This deshedding shampoo also helps to clean your pet and replenish their skin’s nutrients, all while releasing excess hair from their coat. It’s suitable for more frequent use, and when used according to the directions, it won’t wash off any topical flea/tick medications. 

Pros

• Lovely pomelo fragrance
• No diluting required 
• pH-balanced formula
• Suitable for frequent use
• Won’t wash off flea/tick medications

Cons

• Some customers noted it can leave fur greasy if not rinsed thoroughly

Most Affordable Dog Deshedding Shampoo

Our Pick: Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo

The Wahl Shed Control Shampoo is an unbeatable value, as it comes in a larger 24-ounce bottle that retails for a low price. Its pH-balanced and alcohol-free formula is beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin, and it’s more concentrated than other formulas, which means you can use less product per bath. The shampoo contains soothing natural ingredients like lemongrass, sage, and oatmeal, and it promotes skin health while removing loose fur from your dog’s undercoat. 

Pros

• Great price point
• Natural ingredients
• Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
• pH-balanced formula
• Less product needed per bath

Cons

• Scent isn’t as strong/long-lasting as other products 

Best Deshedding Dog Shampoo for Long Hair

Our Pick: iGroom Deshedding & Detangling Dog Shampoo

Another one of Bissantz’s top recommendations is the dog deshedding shampoo from iGroom. “iGroom’s de-shedding and detangling shampoo and conditioner system has a delightful scent that doesn’t overwhelm the senses,” she says. “The shampoo and conditioner can be diluted quite a lot, so it will last a long time.” This shampoo comes in a 16-ounce bottle, and it is particularly beneficial for dogs with longer hair or those who tend to get mats, as it helps to loosen tangles, making it easier to wash and brush your dog. It also adds shine and volume to your pet’s hair, ensuring they always look their best after a bath. 

Pros

• Detangles knots and mats 
• pH-balanced formula 
• No sulfates, phthalates, or parabens
• Can be diluted for long-lasting use
• Adds volume and shine to fur

Cons

• Higher price point

Best Soap-Free Deshedding Dog Shampoo

Our Pick: TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo

Pet shampoos that contain soap can be harsh and irritating on your dog’s skin, which is why you may want a product like the TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo. It’s free from soap, dyes, and parabens, which means it’s gentle enough for dogs with sensitive skin. Pet parents rave about the lovely coconut lime scent of the deshedding shampoo, which comes in a larger 20-ounce bottle and can even be purchased in a 1-gallon container. It also doesn’t need to be diluted, and you can use it as frequently as needed.

Pros

• Free from soap, dyes, and parabens
• No diluting needed 
• Suitable for frequent use
• Pleasant lime and coconut scent

Things to Consider:

• Some reviewers say the cap can leak 

Best Waterless Dog Deshedding Shampoo 

Our Pick: FURminator Deshedding Waterless Spray

If your dog doesn’t like baths or you’re looking for a way to reduce shedding between grooming sessions, the FURminator Deshedding Waterless Spray is a quick and easy solution. The spray comes in a 8.5-ounce bottle, and you simply spray it onto your dog’s coat, brush it through, and towel dry. No rinsing required! The formula helps loosen and release undercoat fur while promoting skin and coat health, and it’s enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as safflower seed oil. 

Highlights:

• Great price point
• Beneficial for dogs who don’t like baths or need a quick fur refresh 
• Easy to use
• Promotes skin and coat health 
• No parabens, artificial colors, or chemical dyes

Things to Consider:

• Not as effective as or designed to replace traditional shampoos 

Dog Shedding Brushes to Consider 

Magic Pro Deshedding Brush for Dogs

If you are looking for a high quality dog shedding brush, look no further. This one from HappyDogz is all you’ll ever need to get rid of excess fur and comb through undercoats. It has a high-quality, stainless steel, 4-inch blade with an ergonomic handle for easy holding and comfort. The brush head is detachable for easy cleaning. And this dog shedding brush works on canines of all breeds and coat types. Better yet—this brush is guaranteed to reduce dog shedding by 95% in just minutes. Pretty impressive!

Highlights

• Guaranteed to reduce shedding
• Detachable stainless steel blade
• Ergonomic handle
• Works on all coat types
• 100% money-back guarantee

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers said brushing larger dogs with this brush takes some time. But it’s still effective 

FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs

There’s a lot to like about the FURminator—a well-known dog-shedding brush that really works to remove hair from your dog’s undercoat. The brand offers different sizes and brushes for long-haired and short-haired dogs and small, medium, and large dogs. That helps to customize the brush to fit your needs. There’s also a quick-release button that helps to easily remove the hair from the brush. Plus, we love that the brand offers a satisfaction guarantee—if you’re unhappy, they’ll give you your money back!

Highlights

• Trusted by pet parents and groomers
• Different sizes and brush options for your dog’s coat type
• Quick release button for cleaning ease
• Money-back satisfaction guarantee

Things to Consider

• It’s definitely on the expensive side for deshedding brushes
• Some reviewers preferred the older model of the FURminator

Pet Portal Self Cleaning Slicker Pro

We’re big fans of the streamlined and simple design of this self-cleaning slicker brush from Pet Portal. It’s ergonomic and feels comfortable and easy to use. The brand offers two different sizes—perfect for both small and medium dogs, and larger breeds as well. But what is really great about this brush is the simple, push-button design that releases the hair. It’s a cinch. Just push the button and then you can easily grab and wipe the hair away. The bristles are also gentle on your pet’s skin, but effective enough to remove mats, tangles, and loose hair. 

Highlights

• Very easy to clean with the push of a button
• Feels comfortable and solid. We like the design
• Two different sizes give you options
• Bristles are gentle, but effective 
• Comes with a 5-year money-back guarantee 

Things to Consider

• Some reviewers said the brush tines are a bit sharper than some other slickers on the market
• May be better suited for dogs with longer hair

How Do Dog Deshedding Shampoos Work?

Deshedding shampoos for dogs help to get rid of loose fur, which is generally hiding in your pup’s undercoat. After you use one of these shampoos, you’ll likely notice less shedding for a few weeks. 

“A deshedding shampoo is a fancier shampoo that helps release the shedding undercoat,” explains dog groomer Molly Bissantz, owner of Grooming by Molly. “Some shampoos have conditioning elements that help condition the coat and allow the easy brushing of the shedding/loose undercoat. It also helps with the drying process, which is really important.”

If you send your dog to the groomer, you can ask them to use a deshedding shampoo, but there are also plenty of options that can be used at home. 

How We Ranked Our Shampoo Picks

There are dozens of dog shampoos available today, but not all of them are great for shedding. We started our research by talking to Bissantz, who offered insights on the benefits of deshedding shampoos, tips on how to use them, as well as her favorite products. 

From there, we researched other top-rated shed-control shampoos, evaluating them based on the following factors:

Ingredients. We highlighted ingredients that were beneficial to your dog’s coat and skin health while also calling out when harmful additions like dyes were not included.

Use instructions. We paid close attention to any special instructions that could impact the bathing process, such as leaving the formula on for longer and how to avoid washing away flea and tick medications.

Price. In order to provide a variety of options for a range of budgets, we took note of the overall cost of each deshedding shampoo, calling out those that are a great value and those that may be a little on the higher side.

Ratings and reviews. We also read through dozens of user reviews to gain additional knowledge from pet parents about the effectiveness of each product. 

Deshedding Shampoo Buyer’s Guide

Let’s go over a few tips for pet parents looking for an anti-shedding shampoo. 

Ingredients. When you’re comparing different dog shampoos, checking out what’s in them is a great start. “Many deshedding shampoos have the same ingredients as other shampoos,” explains Bissantz. “Surfactants are soap. Glycol is an emulsifier to make the soap liquid. Additional conditioning elements such as vitamin E, Omegas, jojoba oil, etc., may be added.” 

Application. It’s also important to consider the shampoo’s application process, including whether it needs to be diluted before use or sit on your dog’s coat for an extended period. “If a shampoo says it should be diluted, then it really needs to be diluted so that it doesn’t irritate the skin,” Bissantz says. Take note of this before purchasing and using any new shampoo on your dog.

Frequency of use. Be sure to check how often the deshedding shampoo can be used — some are suitable for frequent bathing, while others should only be used once a month or so. Whether you want a deshedding shampoo you can use for every bath or one that is just a once-in-awhile option, be sure to purchase an option that corresponds with your dog’s needs.

Deshedding Shampoo FAQs

Do deshedding shampoos work?

Deshedding shampoos for dogs can be effective, but it’s important to use them according to the instructions. For instance, some might require you to brush your dog after their bath. Just keep in mind that these shampoos are designed to reduce your dog’s shedding, but they won’t completely stop it.

Is deshedding shampoo bad for dogs?

Deshedding shampoo is safe to use on your dog, but it can lead to dry skin if used too frequently or not paired with a conditioner. 

How often can you use deshedding shampoo?

Most deshedding dog shampoos are designed to be used on a monthly basis, but some can be used more frequently.

Tips for Using a Dog Deshedding Shampoo

Follow the directions. We can’t stress this enough. You definitely need to follow the instructions on your deshedding shampoo to ensure you get optimal results—this often means leaving the formula on for several minutes during the bath.

How often you use it depends on the dog. As stated above, different deshedding shampoos have different limitations on how often you can use them. Bissantz notes that it’s important to keep your dog and how much they shed in mind when choosing how often to use your specialty deshedding shampoo. “I advise heavy shedders, like German Shepherds, to have monthly treatments, as this will reduce the amount of fur dropping around the house,” she says.

Don’t forget to dry and brush. “Drying the dog after a bath and regular brushing routines will help keep excess shedding under control,” Bissantz explains. “Without proper drying and brushing, shedding undercoat can still build up and become compacted or matted, which can lead to skin problems or discomfort for the dog.”