Best For Undercoat: Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool
The FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool is a serious dog brush with a cult-like following. It safely and effectively combs and cuts through your pet’s topcoat to reach their undercoat, collecting and removing loose hairs along the way. And when you hit the “FURjector” button, all the collected fur and dandruff will releasemaking cleaning a breeze.
When used regularly, the FURminator can reduce shedding by as much as 90 percent. Not only that, but also you can count on a softer, happier, and fresher-smelling pooch. Bear in mind this grooming tool is intended only for shedding dog breeds with undercoats, as the stainless steel comb can be irritating if it reaches the skin.
The Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool Safely And Effectively Removes Loose Dead Undercoat Hair As Well As Dirt And Debris
Pros: Reduces loose hair from shedding, doesn’t damage topcoat, skin guard protects from digging into skin, works for dogs of all sizes and most coat types, money-back guarantee
Cons: Not for use on nonshedding breeds, dropping tool can damage the teeth, overbrushing or applying too much pressure can irritate skin
Deshedding tools have one purpose: to remove as much loose hair from your dog’s coat as possible â before it ends up in your house and on your clothes. Although designs vary, deshedding tools often look like metal rakes or fine-tooth combs.
“Deshedding tools are a groomer’s best friend,” said Edmond, who has a Furminator in her personal grooming tool kit. “It is so satisfying to use this on a husky or German shepherd during heavy shedding seasons.”
The Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool landed in the top spot for this guide. I tested it on a Labrador retriever that sheds very heavily. The amount of hair I was able to remove from her coat was astonishing. It was far more than I could remove with any of the three other deshedding tools I tested.
The magic is in the stainless steel deshedding edge that reaches through the topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat without damaging the topcoat. The curved edge of the blade and skin-guard design help the tool glide over a dog’s body to prevent digging into the skin.
Best Dog Brush For Golden Retriever Choices
As a minimum, you will need two different types of brush. Firstly, an undercoat rake to take care of the dense and soft undercoat and secondly, a slicker brush to look after the long and sometimes wavy topcoat.
Weve focused our reviews on these two types of brush, but if your Goldie has particularly curly fur, you may also like to invest in a pin brush as well to help with detangling.
You May Like: Sketch Of Golden Retriever
How Often Should You Brush A Golden Retriever
Brushing frequency depends on the thickness of your Goldens coat, whether they often get muddy, and if their coat is having a blow out.
For most of the year, brushing a couple of times a week should be enough to keep the coat and skin in good condition.
When a Golden is having their coat blow, daily brushing will help keep loose hairs at bay and promote healthy skin and hair regrowth. Remember, however, that deshedding tools arent appropriate for daily use.
Why Do You Need Your Dog To Be Brushed
Brushing any dog is vital as it helps keep your skin and coat safe by removing and preventing mats, circulating natural oils, and removing dirt and debris.
However, a golden retrievers daily brushing is much more critical than it is for dogs with shorter coats, and Goldens owners should usually try to brush their dog for at least a few minutes every day.
Not only do the goldens have medium-long hair, but they are also double-coated, with a wavy, water-resistant topcoat and a fluffy, thick undercoat that sheds in spring and autumn. This means that they require special care to avoid mats and tangles and help remove their undercoat when they are shedding.
Read Also: How To Groom A Golden Retriever Video
Best Brush For Golden Retrievers Shedding
Most breeders, groomers, and owners agree that the hands-down best brush for Golden retrievers during coat blow season is a slicker brush.
The slicker brush does do a fabulous job of, well, retrieving shed hair from your dogs coat.
But its the self-cleaning button many of these brushes offer that most dog owners really love!
The Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush* is a wildly popular self-cleaning slicker brush offering everything a slicker brush should.
The brush can gently detangle your dogs coat, remove shed hair and matting, and best of all, clean itself with the push of a single button!
Dog owners also rave about the uniquely-shaped Safari Pet Products Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs*.
You can simply glide the bush along your dogs back without applying any pressure at all and it will lift away shed hair, debris, and dirt.
Then the bristles retract with the push of a button to clean the brush.
The Pet Portal Pro Quality Self Cleaning Slicker Brush for Dogs* is another popular self-cleaning slicker brush comes in blue/white or green/black.
You also get a free dog grooming e-book with it as well as a five-year product warranty from the manufacturer.
How To Get Rid Of Mats & Knots
If the mat is bad, the best thing to do is cut it out with scissors.
Remember the gum analogy earlier?
If you have gum in your hair, its a lot less painful to just cut it out, rather than painstakingly try to pry each hair out of it piece by piece.
If you cut out a mat, your goldens fur will grow back quickly, and theyll be thankful you spared them from a painful, tedious chore.
Read Also: How Much Food Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Puppy
Different Types Of Labrador Brushes
Are you unsure of what types of brushes even exist for Labs, and really unsure of their features/functions? Dont worry, thats not unusual. Heres a quick list of some different types of brushes commonly used for Labradors, and what exactly they do.
You may have guessed by now that a well-stocked arsenal of grooming materials for Labs will usually feature more than one type of brush.
Read Also:
Dog Grooming Scissors Faq
Here are some frequently asked questions about dog grooming scissors.
How to groom a dog at home with scissors?
Preparation is the key in grooming your dogs at home, even only with scissors. Bathing, drying, full brushing, and combing are essential regardless of the kind of coat. After washing your dog, use a towel to dry the dog breed. Then, you need to comb your hair straightly as possible to cut it evenly.As you cut along, make sure that you are following some imaginary lines in your head. Check if your cut is straight from time to time. Every cut, comb slightly and check the result. Once done, dont forget to blow dry your dogs hair. The process may take a while, but its the best action taken, especially if you have dogs with curly or thick hair.
Should I invest in a dog grooming scissors kit or buy them separately?
If you have a dog with a thick coat or curly and wavy hair, it is wise to invest in a dog grooming scissors kit. Another reason to buy a dog grooming scissors kit is that you can save more money. Some sellers put discounts on their grooming kits.On the other hand, you can buy the shears separately if the dog breed doesnt grow much hair like Labradors, Pugs, and Bulldogs. These dogs are easy to maintain, though they may shed a lot. Regular cutting of hair is not as always as other breeds, but its good to have a pair or two of some grooming shears.
Is it safe to use human scissors on dogs?What are thinning scissors used for dog grooming?
Read next
Recommended Reading: Golden Retriever Breeders San Diego
Choosing The Best Brush For Golden Retrievers
One of the most recognizable features of a golden retriever is that silky, shiny, feathery coat. While that beautiful fur takes a bit of upkeep, its worth it to make sure that your golden stays happy and healthy.
When choosing the best dog brush for golden retrievers, select the one that will best handle your dogs specific coat length and density.
Tangles and mattes will be easier to tackle when you stick to a regular brushing schedule, which will also go a long way to keeping your home fur-free and clean.
Try out the FURminator, the overall best choice for value and quality, or one of our other favorite picks for the best grooming tool for golden retrievers, and your furry friend will thank you!
Tips For Brushing Your Golden Retriever
Brushing a Golden Retriever takes a little extra work compared to caring for most breeds. Here are some quick tips.
- Use an anti-static spritz. Golden Retrievers can build up a lot of static electricity when youre brushing them, so starting with a light spritz using an anti-static conditioner makes things easier.
- Start the brushing by removing tangles. This is the preparation phase of grooming a Goldie and addresses most of their needs.
- Brush out the dirt next. Bristle-type brushes are particularly good at this since they can sweep dirt and other debris straight off of your dogs fur.
- Limit your use of softeners. Golden Retriever coats are surprisingly delicate, and putting too much work into making them look great can backfire on you.
- Train them to accept the entire routine. Golden Retrievers are highly affectionate dogs, but you might miss some spots if theyre too energetic during a brushing.
- Be consistent. Its easier to prevent a problem with their fur than to solve it, and daily sessions make for excellent bonding opportunities.
Recommended Reading: Best Harness For Golden Retriever
Atease Accents Double Sided Dog Brush
Constructed out of all-natural two-toned bamboo, the ATEase double-sided dog brush is a grooming product made with sustainable materials, allowing you to feel good about your buying choices. It also has an attractive appearance.
The wooden handle is designed to fit well in the hand, although it doesnt provide a non-slip grip, and the size may be small if you have larger hands. A small hole at the top of the handle can be used to store this brush when not in use.
This double-sided brush features, on one side, a bristle brush for reducing shedding and stimulating your dogs skin for a healthier coat. On the opposite side, soft pins with comfort tips help remove mats. We found that this brush works rather well on golden retrievers, though perhaps not as effective as products higher on our list.
- Not as effective as similar products
Chirpy Pets Shedding Brush
- Durable shedding tool! This dog and cat comb Will LAST through…
- REMOVE SHEDDING HAIR – Remove up to 90% of shedding fur from your…
- SUPERB QUALITY – The de shedding brush is made of 4 inch…
- IMPORTANT: Read the product description below for best practices…
If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Chirpy Pets de-shedding tool is great for people on a budget. While slightly smaller than other grooming tools on the list, it does an effective job of removing hair thats been shed from your Goldens coat. This comb is more of a de-shedding tool/comb than it is a brush, so it can be very effective when your Golden Retriever blows their coat at certian times of year.
The fact that the brush is smaller makes it ideal for multi-pet households. You can use it on dogs and cats, and is safe to use year-round. Because its a comb, cleaning it is easier than an actual de-shedding tool, unless you choose one thats self-cleaning. The steel ends of the comb are not sharp, so its safe and effective against your dogs skin.
We love the price point on the Chirpy Pets brush. While not a conventional brush, it makes a great tool for when your Golden Retriever sheds excess fur twice per year. Because it can be used on any pet, it brings great value for the price.
You May Like: What Age Do Goldendoodles Stop Growing
How To Brush A Golden Retriever
Since its such a crucial component of your pups overall happiness and health, its essential to know how to brush them properly.
While every golden is different, a good rule of thumb is to brush your dogs coat thoroughly every one to two weeks. This is the proper timeline for preventing matting, but you can also brush them more superficially every day to keep their fur shiny and healthy.
Resist the urge to bathe your golden too often, though, as this can actually damage their coat.
Best Overall Brush: Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush Set
If you are limited on budget, be sure to get a kit that can do it all. The Horicon Pet Premium Dog Brush Set is perfect for day-to-day brushing. The all-purpose kit can rake through any mat that stands in its way, while the comb can cut through tangles. Together, this set keeps your dogs coat looking fresh, clean, and healthy.
You will love how easy this kit is to use. They have combined all of the most commonly used brushing and de-matting tools into one high quality, compact kit. Their detachable brush heads and tools are made with a patented locking design that works with the included comfortable and ergonomic handle.
If you dont own any brushes and you need to take care of your dogs coat, then this is a kit to keep on hand. It is moderately priced, and a steal considering its a tool you can use every day and find plenty of relief from excessive shedding.
Also Check: Well Groomed Golden Retriever
The Grooming Basics For A Golden Retriever
Before you start, give your dog a spritz of coat conditioner, then brush your fur baby with a slicker brush. Move through the hair in sections, starting at the top and moving your way down and back. Push the brush into the coat at the base near the skin and pull out from their body.
Use an undercoat rake to remove excess hair. Lift the coat one section at a time and move the rake from the base to the end. As you work, you can add another spray of coat conditioner as needed.
Then, use a to go through your dogs tail and ears. If you encounter any mats, use a dematting rake to work through them.
One of the best grooming tools for Golden Retrievers is the Hertzko self-cleaning brush. Some people also swear by the for removing loose undercoat hair.
Then, clean the ears with an ear-cleaning solution. Put in a few drops, work it in gently, and wipe away any excess.
Trim the nails with a or . Watch out for the quick, which is the red center of the nail where the blood supply is. If you nick it and you see a little blood, dip the nail in styptic powder.
This video will show you how to trim your dogs nails on your own:
Finally, brush their teeth twice a week or so. You can use a toothbrush made just for dogs or a piece of cotton wrapped around your finger. Apply some doggie and scrub each tooth.
Kenchii Scorpion Straight Pro
The Kenchii Scorpion Straight Pro is an entry-level shear that features a Japanese Stainless Steel blade. It also has a standard durable edge for everyday use. Moreover, the shear has strong corrosion resistance, so it wont rust even when wet.
The 8-inch dog grooming scissors also come with a butterfly handle. However, some feedback says that the handles dont fit snugly on their fingers and that the actual blade was from China. Meanwhile, others thought that the dog grooming scissors is a bit of heavy use over time.
Read Also: What Supplements Should My Golden Retriever Take
You May Like: Golden Retriever Names For Males
How To Groom Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are easy-going breed, and their coats are easy to care for. They shed profusely mostly in spring and fall, so you should groom your golden. Grooming a golden retriever is an enjoyable bonding time. With simple tools, grooming your dog requires 30 to 40 minutes. Some of the steps to groom your golden are:
Dont Miss: How Often To Bathe A Golden Retriever
Different Types Of Brushes For Golden Retriever
In our opinion, you just need these three different brushes to manage Golden Retriever coat: slicker brush, bristle brush, undercoat rake, and comb.
1. Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is a must-have tool for every Golden Retriever owner. The brush is comprised of fine bristles and dense pins. The fine bristles are designed to penetrate the guard coat and remove loose hair, dirt, debris, and distributing natural oils throughout the topcoat, while the dense pins help to remove mats and tangles.
2. Bristle Brush
A bristle brush is made out of nylon or boar hair and used for regular brushing when the coat is already in good shape. There are two different variations of bristle brushes: longer bristles, and stiffer bristles. Basically, longer bristles are used for longer fur, while stiffer bristles are used for Golden with shorter fur. The alternative to a bristle brush is a wire pin brush which has the same function.
3. Undercoat Rake
An undercoat rake is comprised of a long row or a few rows of firm metal teeth. This rake is used to detangle and clean the undercoat that slicker brush wont be able to touch. This is especially useful during spring or autumn when your dog is shedding a lot.
4. Comb
And the last one is grooming comb or more specifically greyhound comb. Greyhound comb is used for finishing and clear any leftover mats and tangles.
Why are we against the de-shedding tool?
Dont forget to check our other reviews of the best dog brushes.
You May Like: Best Ways To Train A Golden Retriever Puppy