How to Use a Shedding Blade on Your Dog
By Pet Shop Online | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to safely use a shedding blade to remove loose fur from your dog's coat. Step-by-step instructions for a calmer, more effective grooming session.
Quick answer
A shedding blade removes loose and dead hair from your dog's coat by gently brushing in the direction of fur growth. The Ancol Ergo Shedding Blade has two tooth sizes and can be used open or closed for different coat types.
Why use a shedding blade instead of a brush?
Shedding blades are designed to strip away loose undercoat without cutting the hair. Unlike slicker brushes that can tangle in long fur, the blade's shallow spiked teeth grab only the hair that is ready to fall out. This makes it a low-stress tool for dogs that dislike vigorous brushing.
The Ancol Ergo Shedding Blade is a good choice because it has two sizes of teeth on one tool and can be used in an open or closed position. The open position works well for larger areas like the back, while the closed position gives you more control around the legs and tail.
When not to use a shedding blade
Do not use a shedding blade on dogs with very short, single-coated hair (like many short-haired breeds) because it may irritate the skin. It is also not suitable for dogs with matted or heavily tangled fur—detangle those areas first with a comb or dematting tool. The blade has no razor, so it will not cut mats; it only removes loose hair.
How to use a shedding blade in 4 steps
- Step 1: Choose the right position: Hold the blade with the teeth facing your dog. For broad areas like the back or sides, open the blade by pulling the ends apart. For smaller areas like the legs, keep it closed for better control. A common mistake is using the open position everywhere, which can be awkward on narrow spots.
- Step 2: Brush in the direction of fur growth: Gently stroke the blade along your dog's coat in the direction the hair naturally lies. Do not go against the grain—this can pull healthy hair and cause discomfort. Brushing against the fur is the most frequent error and can make your dog avoid grooming.
- Step 3: Apply light pressure only: Let the teeth do the work. Pressing hard can scratch the skin. If the blade skips over the coat instead of collecting hair, you are pressing too lightly—adjust gradually until you feel the teeth catching loose fur. If you see red marks on the skin, you are pressing too hard. Stop and ease up.
- Step 4: Clean the blade frequently: Loose hair builds up quickly on the teeth. Wipe the blade on a towel or rinse it under running water every few strokes. A clogged blade cannot grab new hair and may slide without effect. A dirty blade wastes time and may cause you to press harder, risking skin irritation.
Product facts
- Ancol Ergo Shedding Blade: The Ancol Ergo Shedding Blade has two sizes of teeth and can be used open or closed. This lets you switch between a wider stroke for the back and a more precise stroke for sensitive areas like the belly or legs, all with one tool.
Ancol Ergo Shedding Blade
