What does a coat blow look like?

Essentially, a coat blow happens when dogs are switching from their winter coats to their summer coats—shedding the old hair so that the new coat can grow.Dogs can look a little raggedy during this time (with clumps and missing patches), but you can help them out by grooming them every day and using the proper tools to keep them feeling good. Plus, brushing them out helps hurry along the whole shedding process, which is nice for both of you.

De-shedding tools you’ll want to check out:

• Ready to dive in and help your pup who just can’t seem to stop shedding? Here are some tools you’ll need. In fact, these are the same tools that your local groomer uses as well.
• Wide-toothed combs: These have widely separated teeth and come in plastic or metal.
• Slicker brushes: Brushes with fine metal tines.
• Blade-on-a-handle metal combs: De-shedding tools, like the FurBuster or Furminator.
• Bristle brushes: Brushes with synthetic or natural bristles.
• Pin brushes: Brushes with metal (or sometimes wood) pins instead of bristles.
• Rubber brushes: Vary, but all have rubber tines.

Many of these brushes are also designed to feel good for your dog—in fact, it’s like a little massage. As long as you brush them with gentle yet confident strokes in the direction of the hair, they’ll hopefully find it to be a soothing experience in no time.So, if you and your canine are dealing with some shedding issues of your own, here are some of our favorite dog brushes that are excellent at tackling all of that extra fur.

Oster ShedMonster De-Shedding Tool:

This tool is perfect for long-coated pups who need some help getting the mats, tangles and loose hairs out of their coats. Loved by professional groomers, this nifty de-shedder has stainless steel teeth that are curved (so it won’t hurt their skin) and claims to reduce shedding by up to 90 percent. We’ll let you be the judge.

• Great for dogs with medium to long coats
• Ergonomic grip means more comfort for you
• Smooth edges protect pup’s skin.

SleekEZ Original Deshedding Grooming Tool:

This brush works on animals of all sizes, including cats, dogs, and horses—and is equally effective on all of them. With a special wave pattern blade, this tool brushes away loose fur, dirt, and dander yet doesn’t grab or damage the hair. Better for coats that are on the shorter side, it can also be used to remove pet hair on furniture.

• Made in the USA
• Comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
• Variety of sizes available.

Le Salon Essentials Rubber Grooming Brush:

This rubber grooming tool is perfect for removing loose hair on pups, and also can help during bath time for some extra sudsing and scrubbing. The handy loop handle ensures support while you’re brushing, and dogs seem to really enjoy the massaging effect of the rubber bristles on their skin.

Pet Neat Grooming Brush:

Great for both single and double-layer coats, this de-shedding tool has all the bells and whistles you’ll need. It comes with a cult following because it’s inexpensive, very effective and even dogs seem to enjoy being groomed with it. Super sturdy so that it can withstand the toughest coats, this brush has a removable comb that makes clean up a cinch.

Safari Pin Brush for Dogs:

This brush is an absolute steal at less than $6, considering what a great job it does removing loose and tangled hair with its wire pins. Designed to be used every day, this tool helps reduce shedding, even in large dogs like chow chows, huskies and German shepherds. Plus, the pins help distribute your pup’s natural oils, leaving the coat shiny, smooth and beautiful.

FURminator Grooming Rake:

This grooming rake is useful for getting into the undercoat of dogs and brushing out loose hairs that might otherwise cover your carpet or furniture. It features a FURflex head with rounded pins that rotate 360 degrees so that there’s less tugging and irritation to your pet.

Shiny Pet Dog Comb:

This comb comes with two different widths, which makes it useful for using on different areas of your dog. It’s also super sturdy (though sleek) and stands up to any mats and tangles. The teeth on this tool are round so they won’t irritate your dog’s skin, but they do manage to remove loose hair and dirt like a champ.