Grooming salons get busier every spring and fall. Phones ring nonstop, and appointment slots fill up fast. Why? Because it’s dog shedding season.
For professional groomers, shedding season is one of the busiest and most profitable times of the year.
However, shedding season also brings challenges, such as longer appointments, more undercoat to manage, and the need for the right mix of tools and services.
Why dogs shed
A dog’s coat is a protective system that keeps the animal safe and comfortable. It regulates body temperature, shields the skin from UV rays, and acts as a barrier against dirt, allergens and moisture.
Like human hair, dog hair grows in cycles. Each follicle goes through stages of growth, rest and renewal. When hairs reach the end of their life cycle, they are naturally released.
This process is called shedding, and it’s the body’s way of clearing out old or damaged hair to make room for new, healthy fur.
The frequency and quantity of a dog’s shedding are influenced by several factors, such as:
- Breed and coat type: double versus single coats make the biggest difference. For instance, a Golden Retriever with a dense double coat sheds heavily twice a year, releasing large amounts of undercoat in spring and fall. In contrast, a poodle, which has a single coat that grows continuously, sheds far less but requires more frequent grooming and trimming to prevent matting;
- Environment: indoor dogs often shed year-round due to artificial heating, air conditioning and lighting;
- Nutrition and health: poor diet, allergies, or hormonal imbalances can intensify shedding;
- Stress and age can also change shedding patterns.
When dogs shed the most
As a groomer, you already know that shedding never really stops, but during certain times of the year, it becomes the main reason clients rush to book appointments. Dogs adapt their coats to the changing seasons in spring and fall, which is when they shed the most.
In spring, dogs release their dense winter undercoat. You’ll notice the biggest piles of fur coming off in a single session during this time, and your schedule will likely be the most packed. Clients expect you to help keep their pets comfortable and their homes clean, so there’s more demand for deshedding treatments, undercoat removal and professional blow drying.
In the fall, shedding is less dramatic but still significant. Dogs shed their lighter summer coats to make room for a new, insulating layer. Without regular maintenance, that loose fur can quickly turn into tangles or mats. Offering the right coat-care packages can make a big difference for pets and owners alike.
Keep in mind that outdoor dogs tend to follow predictable cycles: March to June for spring and September to November for fall. Indoor dogs, on the other hand, live in climate-controlled homes with artificial lighting, which can disrupt their natural rhythms.
These pets often shed moderately year-round, so recommend ongoing maintenance programs to their owners.
Finally, remember that double-coated breeds like German shepherds, huskies and samoyeds will always be your biggest shedding challenge. These dogs can cover your grooming table in fur in just one appointment.
Essential tools for managing dog shedding season
When shedding season arrives, the difference between a stressful and a smooth appointment often comes down to the tools you use. Professional groomers need ergonomic, durable brushes and combs designed to handle different coat types without causing the animal discomfort.
Here are the essentials every salon should have on hand.
Slicker brushes: mastering the undercoat
Slicker brushes are indispensable for loosening a compact undercoat and tackling mats. With their fine, angled pins, slicker brushes can penetrate deep into thick coats without scratching the skin.
They’re particularly effective on double-coated breeds like huskies, collies, and samoyeds. Minelli PETS slicker brushes are built for professionals, combining durability with ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue during long sessions.
Pin brushes: provide comfort for sensitive skin
Not every dog tolerates intensive deshedding tools. For sensitive skin or breeds with finer coats, pin brushes are a gentle alternative. They distribute natural oils along the coat while removing loose hair, helping to maintain shine and softness.
Minelli PETS pin brushes are available with ceramic-coated steel pins or ultra-resistant wooden pins, allowing you to adapt your approach depending on the coat and the client’s needs.
Combs: precision grooming
Combs are a groomer’s best ally for precision work. They glide through the coat, separating layers, detecting tangles, and ensuring no loose hair is left behind. Minelli PETS professional combs have antistatic stainless steel teeth and ergonomic FSC® wood handles. They are designed for intensive daily use without sacrificing comfort.
Vent brushes: speed and efficiency
Shedding season often means longer grooming sessions, so time management becomes crucial. Thanks to their ventilated structure, vent brushes accelerate drying. Ceramic-coated steel pins distribute heat evenly and protect the coat from thermal damage. Their curved shape follows the dog’s anatomy, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
Equip your salon for success with Minelli PETS
The right tools transform shedding season from a challenge into an opportunity.
Designed with ergonomic features, sustainable materials and professional-grade performance, Minelli PETS grooming solutions support groomers in delivering optimal results for pets and their owners. From slicker brushes to precision combs, every tool is designed to provide comfort, efficiency and durability.
Discover how Minelli PETS can prepare your salon for the busiest months of the year. Explore our full range of professional grooming tools and see how they can elevate your services during dog shedding season.
