Every year around late February and early March, Georgia dog owners notice the same thing: fur on the couch, fur on your clothes, fur in your morning coffee. Your dog is blowing their winter coat — and it’s completely normal. But there’s a significant difference between letting it run its course and actively managing it with the right professional support. Here’s everything you need to know about pre-spring deshedding and why now is the ideal time to act.
What Is a Deshedding Treatment — and Is It Just a Bath?
A deshedding treatment is a specialized grooming service designed to systematically remove loose undercoat — the dense, soft layer beneath the outer coat that’s responsible for most of the fur you find around your home. It’s a multi-step process that typically includes:
- A pre-treatment rinse to open the cuticle and loosen the undercoat
- A professional-grade deshedding shampoo and conditioner
- A high-velocity blow-out to lift and remove the loosened fur
- Targeted brushing with deshedding-specific tools
A regular bath, by contrast, addresses the outer coat and general cleanliness. Deshedding goes several layers deeper — literally.
Why Late February Is the Ideal Time to Start
In Georgia, spring comes earlier than much of the country. Dogs often begin transitioning their winter coat in mid-to-late February, which means shedding season is already underway. Starting professional deshedding treatments now — before peak shedding — gives several advantages:
- Removes loosened undercoat before it sheds uncontrollably at home
- Supports healthy new coat growth
- Reduces the risk of matting in longer-coated breeds as temperatures rise
- Keeps your dog more comfortable as the weather warms up
Breeds That Benefit Most from Deshedding Treatments
While any dog can benefit from a thorough deshedding session, heavy shedders particularly include:
- Double-coated breeds: Husky, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever, Akita, Chow Chow
- Thick-coated medium dogs: Corgi, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie
- Short double-coated breeds: Beagle, Pug, French Bulldog (yes, they shed significantly)
Your At-Home Brushing Routine Between Visits
Professional deshedding works best when paired with a consistent at-home routine. Between visits, we often recommend:
- Brushing 2–3 times per week during peak shedding season
- Using the right brush for your dog’s coat type (ask your groomer for a personalized recommendation)
- Keeping your dog well-hydrated, which supports healthy coat cycling
The One Thing You Should Never Do to Manage Shedding
Shaving a double-coated dog is a widespread misconception as a shedding solution. In reality, shaving a double coat does not stop shedding — it disrupts the coat’s natural structure, can permanently alter the texture of regrowth, and removes the coat’s natural insulation. Professional deshedding treats the cause, not just the symptom.
Deshedding Do’s and Don’ts
| ✅ DO | ❌ DON’T |
|---|---|
| Book a professional deshedding treatment in late February | Shave a double-coated breed to manage shedding |
| Brush at home 2–3x/week during shedding season | Ignore bald patches or asymmetric shedding (see your vet) |
| Keep your dog well-hydrated | Leave the undercoat wet after a bath |
| Book early — spring slots fill up quickly | Wait until peak shedding to take action |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule deshedding treatments for my dog?
For heavy-shedding breeds, every 4–6 weeks during peak shedding season (late winter through early summer) is common. For moderate shedders, every 6–8 weeks. Your groomer can provide a personalized recommendation based on your dog’s coat type.
Does a deshedding treatment hurt my dog?
No — when done correctly, deshedding is a comfortable and often relaxing experience. The tools and techniques used by professional groomers are specifically designed to be gentle on the skin while effectively reaching the undercoat.
What’s the difference between a regular bath and a deshedding treatment?
A regular bath cleans the outer coat and skin. A deshedding treatment targets and removes the loose undercoat using specialized products, a high-velocity dryer, and deshedding tools — resulting in significantly less shedding at home in the weeks that follow.
Book Your Pre-Spring Deshedding in Dunwoody & Sandy Springs
Don’t wait until your sofa disappears under a cloud of fur. Our Dunwoody & Sandy Springs team at Robin’s Groomingdales offers professional deshedding treatments that make a real, visible difference — for your dog’s comfort and your home’s cleanliness. Spring appointments fill up quickly, so book early.
📅 Schedule your pre-spring deshedding appointment at robinsgroomingdales.us or call (770) 396-8902 today.