If you live in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, or Guelph, you already know shedding season hits hard. One day your dog looks normal, and the next day your floors look like you’re fostering a second, slightly smaller dog. Ontario’s climate is basically built to trigger nonstop shedding, cold winters, warm summers, big moisture swings, and muddy shoulder seasons.
As a mobile groomer working across the Tri-Cities, I see heavy shedders every single week. Huskies blowing their coats, Goldens dropping fluff in fistfuls, Aussies with tumbleweeds coming off their backs, you name it.
Here’s the full deshedding guide I give my clients to help them stay on top of it (and protect their homes, furniture, and sanity).
Why Dogs in the Tri-Cities Shed So Much
A few local realities make shedding worse here:
1. Ontario weather = constant coat changes
Cold winters build a thick undercoat. Spring and fall melt it out. Summer heat triggers more shedding.
Basically, your dog’s coat is always in transition.
2. Popular regional breeds are MAJOR shedders
In K-W, the breeds I deshed the most are:
- German Shepherds
- Huskies
- Aussies
- Labs
- Golden Retrievers
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
All of them have undercoats built for Canadian climate — meaning they shed way more than the average dog.
3. Outdoor lifestyles add fuel to the fire
If you take your dog to Kiwanis Park, Huron Natural Area, the Walter Bean Trail, or the Guelph Lake area, you’ll notice more shedding afterward. Dirt, moisture, and debris loosen the undercoat and speed up shedding cycles.
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What Exactly Is Deshedding?
Deshedding isn’t just “brushing more.”
It’s the intentional removal of loose undercoat using proper tools and techniques to reduce shedding at home.
A true professional deshedding session includes:
- A thorough pre-brush
- High-quality shampoo & conditioner
- Undercoat blowout with a professional dryer
- Proper tools (rake, slicker, comb, deshedding knife depending on coat type)
- Coat-safe technique that prevents damage
When done correctly, shedding can drop by 60–90% for weeks.
How Often Should You Deshed Your Dog?
This depends entirely on breed and season.
Heavy Shedding Breeds
(German Shepherd, Husky, Lab, Golden, Aussie, Bernese)
Every 4–6 weeks year-round
Every 3–4 weeks during spring/fall coat blow
Moderate Shedders
(Corgi, Pug, Beagle)
Every 6–8 weeks
Light Shedders
(Short coats)
Every 8–10 weeks, with occasional brush-outs
Ontario weather is unpredictable, so flexibility is key — spring warm-ups can start suddenly and trigger massive shedding overnight.
The Big Mistake: Using the Wrong Tools
Most owners rely on:
- A basic steel comb
- A cheap slicker brush
- A bargain “deshedding tool” from the pet store
Unfortunately, these only touch the top coat.
True deshedding requires:
- Undercoat rake
- Furminator-style tool (used properly, not aggressively)
- High-velocity dryer (only groomers have these)
- Slicker + comb combination
- Coat-safe shampoo/conditioner to loosen undercoat
This is why DIY deshedding rarely works as well as a professional session.
Deshedding Technique (The Groomer’s Way)
Here’s how a real deshedding is done safely:
- Break up the coat first
Use an undercoat rake before the bath. - Deep cleanse and condition
Coat-specific formulas soften and loosen the undercoat. - Blowout phase
This is the game-changer.
A professional dryer blasts loose undercoat out before brushing. - Layered brushing
Work in sections from the bottom up. - Finishing tools
Slicker, rake, and comb to remove the remaining undercoat.
Done correctly, the coat looks smooth, fuller, and healthier — not choppy or thinned out.
Seasonal Deshedding Guide for the Tri-Cities
Here’s exactly what to expect throughout the year:
Spring (March–May)
“Blow coat” season
Undercoat comes out in massive sheets.
Most dogs need a deshed every 3–4 weeks.
Summer (June–August)
Dogs still shed, but less.
Focus on removal of compacted undercoat, especially after swimming.
Fall (September–November)
Second blowout of the year.
Undercoat thickens for winter — then sheds again.
Winter (December–February)
Regular shedding slows, but indoor heating dries skin.
A deshed every 6 weeks prevents dryness-related shedding and matting.
Deshedding for Doodles & Low-Shed Breeds
Doodles don’t shed the same way Goldens or Shepherds do,
but they still build undercoat and dead hair, especially in moisture-heavy areas like:
- Chest
- Armpits
- Tail base
- Flanks
A professional deshed helps prevent matting and keeps their coat airy, not dense.
Does Deshedding Hurt?
Not when done correctly.
A proper deshed:
- Never cuts the coat
- Never digs into the skin
- Never rips tangles
If a dog becomes uncomfortable, it’s usually because the coat is already matted — in that case, deshedding must be adjusted to avoid harm.
Why Mobile Grooming Is Ideal for Heavy Shedders
Shedding dogs often do best in a calm, one-on-one setting.
Mobile grooming helps by giving:
- A quiet environment (no barking, no chaos)
- One-on-one attention
- Lower stress levels
- Faster turnaround
- Less chance of overheating during blowouts
This is especially helpful for anxious dogs or heavy shedders that get overwhelmed easily.
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Final Thoughts
Shedding is normal — but the amount your dog sheds can be controlled. With the right tools, proper grooming technique, and consistent scheduling, your home can stay cleaner, and your dog’s coat can stay healthier.
If you ever want a personalized deshedding schedule based on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and coat condition, we can put one together during your next appointment.
To book a mobile deshedding appointment in the Kitchener–Waterloo–Cambridge area, you can schedule easily through our online system.
