Dog lovers, we need to have a serious talk about the Furminator. If you’ve been to a pet store lately, you’ve likely noticed this supposed “deshedding tool” on prominent display. It claims to offer the solution to shedding, and a lot of well-intended dog owners subscribe to it because, hey, with just a few minutes of brushing your dog, you can remove a whole lot of hair. The problem is, just because the hair keeps coming out doesn’t mean the tool is doing its job correctly. There are far safer and more effective ways for your dog to maintain his/her healthy coat, especially if you have a double-coated breed. A growing number of professional groomers are moving away from using the Furminator in their salons and honestly, once you see what it’s actually doing to your dog’s fur, you’ll throw yours in the trash too.
How a Double Coat Actually Works
Once you understand how a double coat works, it will become clear why the Furminator is a big no-no. Breeds such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies have two distinct layers of fur. Their dense undercoats provide insulation, regulating body temperature in both hot and cold weather. The outer layer, the guard coat, protects your furry friend from sunlight, moisture, dirt, insects, and minor injuries. A properly maintained coat is capable of regulating temperature regardless of the season.
But a lot of dog owners misunderstand this. Every May, they see their dog panting and think, “Let’s brush out as much hair as humanly possible to cool them down.” But they’re actually doing the opposite. The dog’s natural cooling system depends on a healthy double coat. As temperatures rise and daylight increases, any excess undercoat will shed itself naturally.
Is the Furminator Ruining Your Pet’s Coat? 