Golden Retrievers are the ultimate family dogs—loyal, loving, and oh-so-fluffy. But that gorgeous double coat comes with a catch: shedding. A lot of it. If you’ve ever found yourself vacuuming fur tumbleweeds or brushing your Golden only to see more hair fly, you’re not alone! Deshedding a Golden Retriever can feel like a never-ending battle, but with the right techniques and tools, you can keep the fur under control and your pup looking golden.
In this post, we’ll share our top tips for deshedding your Golden Retriever, plus the best tools to make the job easier. Let’s get that coat shining and your floors fur-free!
Why Golden Retrievers Shed So Much
Golden Retrievers have a thick double coat: a soft undercoat for warmth and a water-repellent outer coat. They shed year-round, with major “blowouts” in spring and fall when they swap out their undercoat. Deshedding isn’t just about your furniture—it keeps your Golden comfortable and prevents matting, especially around the ears and tail.
Tools You’ll Need
To tackle that Golden fur, here’s what you’ll want in your grooming kit:
- Deshedding Tool: Targets the undercoat without damaging the topcoat.
- Slicker Brush: Smooths the outer coat and removes loose fur.
- Comb: Finishes off tangles and checks for missed spots.
- Treats: Because every good pup deserves a reward!
Our go-to deshedding tool is the FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool—it’s a game-changer for double-coated breeds like Goldens. Check it out on Amazon here. Pair it with the Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for a polished finish—get it here on Amazon.
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How to Deshed Your Golden Retriever: Step-by-Step
Follow these steps to tame the shedding beast:
- Start with a Bath (Optional)
A bath can loosen dead hair, making deshedding easier. Use a gentle, deshedding shampoo like FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo—find it on Amazon here. Dry your Golden completely before brushing. - Brush with a Slicker Brush
Use the Hertzko Slicker Brush to remove surface fur and light tangles. Start at the head and work toward the tail, brushing in the direction of hair growth. This preps the coat for deeper deshedding. - Deshed the Undercoat
Grab your FURminator and work in small sections. Glide it gently through the coat, focusing on high-shed areas like the back, sides, and hindquarters. Don’t overdo it—5-10 minutes is plenty to avoid irritating the skin. - Comb for a Final Check
Run a comb (like the Safari Double Row Undercoat Rake—Amazon link here) through the coat to catch any leftover fur and smooth everything out. - Clean Up and Reward
You’ll have a pile of fur—trust us, it’s satisfying! Give your Golden a treat and some love for being a champ.
Pro Tips for Deshedding Success
- Timing: Deshed during shedding season (spring/fall) every few days, and weekly otherwise.
- Gentle Touch: Press lightly with the FURminator—too much pressure can scratch your pup’s skin.
- Vacuum Ready: Keep a vacuum handy, because Golden fur gets everywhere!
Final Thoughts
Deshedding your Golden Retriever doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools, you’ll cut shedding down to size and keep your Golden’s coat gleaming. Your floors—and your sanity—will thank you!
Got a shedding tip or a Golden grooming story? Share it in the comments below! And if you’re ready to tackle the fur, explore these tools on Amazon to get started.
Happy grooming,
The DogGroomPro Team