By The Aussie Circle
Last updated
You cannot stop an Australian Shepherd from shedding, but you can cut the mess a lot. Here are seven things that work and three that do not.
The short answer
You cannot stop an Australian Shepherd from shedding, but regular brushing with an undercoat rake, occasional baths with a full dry, good nutrition, and a vet check for medical causes remove most of the loose hair before it lands on your floor.
Table of contents
1. Brush on a schedule
2. Use the right tools
3. Bathe and dry thoroughly when needed
4. Plan around the seasons
5. Feed a complete, balanced diet
6. Rule out medical causes
7. Control the mess at home
What does not work
Why some Aussies shed more than others
A realistic weekly routine
FAQ
Australian Shepherds are built to shed. Their double coat is a feature of the breed, and no product or trick turns it off. The realistic goal is to move the hair from your floors and furniture onto a brush, where you control it.
Here are seven things that genuinely reduce the mess, followed by a few popular ideas that do not.
1. Brush on a schedule
Brushing is the single most effective step. Remove loose undercoat before it falls out on its own. Most Aussies do well with brushing once or twice a week, and daily during the heaviest shedding. The AKC recommends a slicker brush for double coats and a coat rake or deshedding tool for heavy shedding periods.
2. Use the right tools
An undercoat rake pulls dead undercoat from beneath the guard hairs, and a slicker brush finishes and lifts loose hair. Use a light hand: the goal is dead coat, not live hair. A deshedding tool can be useful for the heaviest weeks, but overuse can damage the coat, so keep it for blow periods. The full toolkit is in the Australian Shepherd grooming guide.
3. Bathe and dry thoroughly when needed
A warm bath with conditioner loosens dead undercoat, and drying with a dog dryer blows more of it out. This works best at the start of a heavy shed, not every week. See How Often to Bathe an Australian Shepherd.
4. Plan around the seasons
Shedding peaks in spring and fall. If you step up brushing before it starts, you avoid the worst of it. The timing is in Australian Shepherd Shedding Season, and a close look at the heaviest weeks is in Australian Shepherd Blowing Coat.
5. Feed a complete, balanced diet
A healthy diet supports healthy skin and coat. Choose a complete and balanced dog food suited to your dog's age and activity level. Ask your vet before adding supplements such as omega-3s. They may help some dogs' skin and coat, but they will not stop normal shedding.
6. Rule out medical causes
Excessive shedding, bald patches, red or itchy skin or a sudden increase outside the usual seasons can point to allergies, parasites, thyroid problems or other issues. The AKC lists hypothyroidism and allergies among the possible causes. A vet visit is the right step, not another brush.
7. Control the mess at home
Brush outside when the weather allows.
Vacuum often, ideally with a model built for pet hair.
Use washable throws on the couch and your dog's favorite spots.
Keep a lint roller or rubber squeegee handy for upholstery.
Get the free Aussie Owner’s Energy & Chewing Cheat Sheet
One printable page: daily exercise targets by age, chew toys that hold up to Aussie jaws, and a coat-blow checklist. Plus one useful email a week.
What does not work
Shaving. A shaved Aussie still sheds, just shorter hairs, and the coat can grow back differently. See Should You Shave an Australian Shepherd?.
Frequent shampooing. Washing too often dries the skin and can make the coat and skin worse. Bathe when the dog needs it.
Miracle supplements and sprays. Nothing on the shelf stops normal shedding. If a product promises to, be skeptical.
Why some Aussies shed more than others
Coat type varies even within one litter, and some dogs simply carry more undercoat. Climate and indoor living also matter, as does hormonal status and health. A dog who lives mostly indoors in steady temperatures may shed a little all year instead of in two big bursts. That means a neighbor's Aussie may shed differently from yours even with the same routine.
A realistic weekly routine
Two brushing sessions per week, 10 to 15 minutes each, with rake then slicker.
A quick comb check of mat-prone areas: behind the ears, armpits, britches.
A bath only when needed, always followed by a thorough dry.
Daily brushing during the spring and fall peaks.
That is it. Consistency beats intensity. Ten minutes twice a week does more than one two-hour session when the house is already covered in fur.
For the bigger picture on how much hair to expect, read Do Australian Shepherds Shed?.
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stop an Australian Shepherd from shedding?
No. Shedding is normal for a double-coated breed. You can reduce the mess by removing loose undercoat with regular brushing, and by keeping skin and coat healthy.
What is the best way to reduce Australian Shepherd shedding?
Regular brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker brush, once or twice a week and daily during heavy shedding, is the most effective step.
Do supplements reduce shedding in Aussies?
Some vets recommend omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, but supplements will not stop normal shedding. Check with your vet before starting any.
Does shaving reduce shedding?
No. The dog still sheds, just shorter hairs, and the coat can grow back uneven. Brushing is the better fix.
Why is my Australian Shepherd shedding so much?
Seasonal changes are the most common reason. If the shedding is sudden, patchy or comes with itching or skin changes, ask your vet to check for allergies, parasites or thyroid issues.
How often should I vacuum with an Aussie?
Many owners vacuum every day or two during heavy shedding and weekly otherwise. Brushing outside reduces how much you need to vacuum.
Join The Aussie Circle
Get the free Energy & Chewing Cheat Sheet plus one useful email a week about life with Australian Shepherds: care tips, training ideas and gear that's worth it.