What Is a Deshed Treatment and Does My Dog Need One?

If you've ever owned a Husky, a Golden Retriever, or a German Shepherd, you already know the struggle. Fur on the couch. Fur on your clothes. Fur in your coffee. Shedding is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners — and while it's completely natural, it doesn't have to be unmanageable. That's where a professional deshed treatment comes in. Here's what it actually involves, which dogs benefit most, and whether it's worth adding to your dog's grooming routine.

What Is a Deshed Treatment?

A deshed treatment is a specialized grooming service designed to remove the loose, dead undercoat from your dog's coat before it ends up all over your home. It goes significantly deeper than a standard bath and brush-out, targeting the undercoat specifically with professional tools and techniques that aren't easily replicated at home.

A professional deshed treatment at Woofz N Wagz typically includes:

• A deshedding shampoo and deep conditioning treatment to loosen the undercoat and strengthen the guard coat

• A thorough high-velocity blow dry to force loose fur out of the coat

• A detailed brush-out using professional deshedding tools to remove as much loose undercoat as possible

• A finish brush and inspection to ensure the coat is fully cleared

The result is dramatic — and if you've never seen how much fur comes out of a double-coated dog during a professional deshed, prepare to be genuinely amazed.

Which Dogs Need a Deshed Treatment?

Not every dog needs a deshed treatment — it's specifically designed for dogs with a double coat. A double coat means your dog has two distinct layers: a coarser outer layer of guard hairs that repels water and debris, and a soft, dense undercoat underneath that provides insulation.

Breeds that benefit most from deshedding include:

• Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes

• Golden and Labrador Retrievers

• German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois

• Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs

• Bernese Mountain Dogs and Great Pyrenees

• Chow Chows and Samoyeds

• Australian Shepherds and Border Collies

• Pomeranians and American Eskimo Dogs

If your dog is on this list — or if you're regularly pulling clumps of fur off your furniture — a deshed treatment is absolutely worth it.

Which Dogs Don't Need It?

Dogs with single-layer coats — like Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus, and most terriers — don't have an undercoat to remove. Deshedding tools used on these breeds can actually damage the coat. If your dog has a curly, wavy, or silky single-layer coat, a deshed treatment isn't appropriate for them, and a good groomer will never recommend it.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Deshed Treatment?

Double-coated dogs "blow their coat" — meaning they shed their undercoat heavily — typically twice a year, in spring and fall, as they transition between seasonal coats. These are the most important times to book a deshed treatment, as the volume of loose fur during these periods is at its peak.

That said, many heavy-shedding breeds benefit from deshed treatments year-round, not just seasonally. If you're finding fur everywhere on a consistent basis, a deshed every 6–8 weeks alongside regular grooming appointments can make a noticeable difference in your home.

Can't I Just Do This at Home?

Home brushing is absolutely valuable — and we always encourage owners of double-coated dogs to brush regularly between appointments. But there are a few things a professional deshed does that home brushing simply can't match:

High-velocity drying. The professional dryer used during a deshed blows loose fur directly out of the coat at a force no home dryer can replicate. This step alone removes an enormous amount of undercoat before any brushing even begins.

Professional tools. Groomers use specialized undercoat rakes, slicker brushes, and deshedding tools that are selected specifically for your dog's coat type and density.

Trained technique. Knowing how to work through a thick double coat without causing discomfort or damaging the guard coat takes training and experience. Done incorrectly, aggressive brushing can cause brush burn on the skin.

Time. A thorough deshed on a heavily coated dog can take well over an hour of focused work. Most owners don't have the setup, tools, or time to do this properly at home — and that's okay. That's what we're here for.

A Common Myth: Should You Shave a Double-Coated Dog to Reduce Shedding?

We hear this one often, and the answer is a firm no. Shaving a double-coated dog does not reduce shedding long-term, and it can actually cause lasting damage to the coat. The guard coat and undercoat grow back at different rates, which can result in a permanently altered coat texture — sometimes called "post-clipping alopecia." It also removes the insulation that keeps your dog cool in summer and warm in winter. The double coat is a sophisticated system that regulates your dog's body temperature naturally. Removing it entirely disrupts that system.

The right solution for shedding is not shaving — it's regular deshedding and grooming.

How Much of a Difference Does It Actually Make?

Significant. Most owners report a noticeable reduction in shedding at home for several weeks following a professional deshed treatment. Combined with regular brushing at home and consistent grooming appointments, a deshed routine can transform the amount of fur you're dealing with on a daily basis.

It won't stop shedding entirely — that's not possible for a double-coated dog, and anyone who tells you otherwise isn't being straight with you. But it manages it in a way that makes living with a heavy-shedding breed genuinely more comfortable for everyone in the household.

The Bottom Line

If you have a double-coated dog and you're fighting a losing battle against fur, a professional deshed treatment is one of the most effective grooming investments you can make. It's better for your dog's coat health, better for your furniture, and better for your sanity.

💡 Pro Tip: Book your deshed appointment at the start of spring and fall shedding seasons before the heavy blow starts. Getting ahead of the shed makes the treatment more effective and your home a whole lot more manageable.

Ready to tackle the shed? Book a deshed treatment at Woofz N Wagz and see the difference professional undercoat removal makes. Your couch will thank you. 🐾