If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably faced the never-ending battle against pet hair on your floors, your clothes, and even your food. Grooming is supposed to help reduce shedding, but did you know that certain grooming habits can make shedding worse?
Many well-intentioned pet owners make simple grooming mistakes that not only fail to reduce hair buildup but can also irritate their pets’ skin and increase hair loss. In this article, we’ll highlight five common grooming errors and how to fix them so you can keep your pet happy—and your home cleaner.
🐾 1. Not Brushing Often Enough
The Mistake:
Skipping regular brushing is one of the biggest grooming oversights. Many people assume short-haired pets don’t need brushing or that occasional brushing is enough. In reality, all pets—short-haired, long-haired, or “non-shedding”—benefit from daily or near-daily brushing.
Why It Makes Hair Worse:
Without regular brushing, loose hair remains on your pet and eventually falls all over your home. Dead hair builds up in the undercoat, leading to tangles, matting, and even increased shedding.
The Fix:
Brush your pet based on their coat type:
- Short hair: 2–3 times a week
- Medium to long hair: Daily
- Double-coated breeds: Use de-shedding tools weekly
Choose the right brush—slicker, bristle, or undercoat rake—and make brushing part of your bonding routine.
🛁 2. Bathing Too Frequently (or Too Rarely)
The Mistake:
Some owners bathe their pets too often, thinking it will reduce shedding, while others avoid bathing entirely due to the hassle.
Why It Makes Hair Worse:
Overbathing strips your pet’s skin of natural oils, causing dryness and irritation, which can increase shedding. On the other hand, infrequent bathing allows dirt, dander, and dead hair to accumulate, exacerbating hair loss and poor hygiene.
The Fix:
Find the right balance based on your pet’s lifestyle and breed:
- Average dogs: Once every 4–6 weeks
- Allergy-prone or oily breeds: More often
- Cats: Rarely, unless needed for medical or mess reasons
Always use a pet-specific shampoo to protect the coat and skin.
✂️ 3. Using the Wrong Grooming Tools
The Mistake:
Using a human comb or a poor-quality brush can be ineffective or even painful for your pet. Some owners also use electric trimmers without knowing how to handle different coat types.
Why It Makes Hair Worse:
Incorrect tools won’t remove dead hair properly, leaving tangles and undercoat buildup. In some cases, they can cause scratches or irritation, leading to hair thinning or bald patches.
The Fix:
Invest in the right grooming tools:
- Slicker brushes for long-haired pets
- Rubber grooming gloves for short-haired breeds
- Deshedding tools (like the FURminator) for double-coated dogs
- Clippers with guards for safe trimming
If unsure, ask your vet or a professional groomer what tools are best for your pet’s coat.
💨 4. Ignoring Seasonal Shedding Needs
The Mistake:
Treating grooming the same year-round without adjusting for seasonal changes can worsen shedding.
Why It Makes Hair Worse:
Most pets “blow their coat” during the spring and fall, shedding more than usual. Ignoring this leads to major hair buildup at home and can make grooming painful due to matting or undercoat tangling.
The Fix:
Step up grooming during peak shedding seasons:
- Brush daily during spring and fall
- Use a high-velocity dryer after baths to remove loose fur
- Run your robot vacuum, like the Extravis V5, more frequently to manage increased hair in your home
This is also the perfect time for a visit to a professional groomer who can handle seasonal coat blowouts.
🚫 5. Skipping Professional Grooming Help
The Mistake:
DIY grooming is great, but many pet parents avoid professional groomers entirely—either to save money or because they think their pet doesn’t need it.
Why It Makes Hair Worse:
Professional groomers can detect coat or skin issues early, do deeper de-shedding treatments, and trim hard-to-reach areas you might miss. Without professional care, unnoticed mats, dry skin, or buildup can contribute to excess shedding.
The Fix:
Take your pet to a groomer every few months or as needed, especially for:
- Thick or curly coats
- Elderly or anxious pets who need extra care
- Specialized trimming (like poodle cuts or paw pad clean-ups)
Consider alternating between home grooming and professional sessions to maintain coat health and minimize shedding year-round.
🧹 Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Home
Even with perfect grooming habits, some hair is inevitable. That's where smart cleaning tools come in. The Extravis V5 Robot Vacuum is specifically designed for homes with pets. It navigates intelligently with LiDAR, avoids pet bowls and toys, and effectively picks up embedded pet hair, even under furniture.
Set it to clean daily or during peak shedding periods so you spend less time cleaning and more time with your furry friend.
🐶 Final Thoughts
Managing pet hair starts with smart grooming—but it's easy to fall into habits that do more harm than good. Whether it's brushing too little, bathing too often, or using the wrong tools, these common mistakes can leave your home hairier and your pet less comfortable.
With a bit of awareness and the right strategies, you can keep shedding under control, improve your pet’s coat health, and maintain a cleaner home. Combine proper grooming with smart cleaning tools like the Extravis V5, and you’ll be shedding the stress, not just the fur.