If you are brushing your dog and still finding hair on your floors, furniture, and clothes, you are not alone. Most dogs shed, and some breeds seem to leave a cloud of fur wherever they go. The right de-shedding shampoo will not stop shedding completely, but it can help release loose undercoat in the bath and support healthier skin and hair.
On this page, we look at why dogs shed, what makes a good de-shedding shampoo, and how to use RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo by Lillian Ruff in different sizes to get the best results for your dog at home or in a grooming salon.
Focus: De-shedding for dogs · RUFF by Lillian Ruff Coconut Lime De-Shedding Shampoo
On this page
- Why Dogs Shed and How Shampoo Can Help
- What To Look For in a De-Shedding Shampoo
- Best De-Shedding Shampoo for Dogs
- How To Use De-Shedding Shampoo for Best Results
- De-Shedding Shampoo FAQ
Why Dogs Shed and How Shampoo Can Help
Shedding is a normal process where dogs lose old or damaged hair and grow new hair in its place. Some breeds shed lightly all year, while others blow their coat seasonally and drop large amounts of fur in a short time.
A de-shedding shampoo is not a magic fix, but it can make a big difference when it is part of a regular grooming routine. A good formula will:
- Help loosen and remove dead undercoat during the bath
- Exfoliate and cleanse the skin so hair follicles stay healthy
- Add moisture and hydration so hair breaks less and skin does not get flaky
- Support high shedding, double coated breeds such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers
When you pair de-shedding shampoo with brushing before and after the bath, more loose hair ends up in your drain and less ends up on your couch.
What To Look For in a De-Shedding Shampoo
There are many dog shampoos that mention shedding on the label, but the best de-shedding shampoos share a few key traits. Before you choose a bottle, think about your dog’s coat type and skin.
Key things to consider
- Coat type: Double coated breeds with a thick undercoat (such as Huskies and Shepherds) need a formula that can penetrate and rinse out cleanly.
- Skin sensitivity: If your dog has dry or itchy skin, choose a shampoo that adds moisture instead of stripping oils.
- Frequency of bathing: Dogs that are bathed often need a formula that is gentle enough for regular use.
- Ingredients and safety: Look for products that are free from harsh sulfates, parabens, dyes, and gluten, and that are tear free.
- Scent: A light, pleasant fragrance keeps your dog smelling fresh without overwhelming them.
Ingredients to look for
- Oatmeal to help soothe dry or itchy skin
- Aloe and coconut oil for hydration and coat softness
- Flaxseed oil and vitamin E for skin and hair support
- Dog specific, pH balanced cleansers that rinse easily from thick coats
A high quality de-shedding shampoo should help reduce excess shedding over time by keeping the skin and coat healthy, not by using strong chemicals that dry the skin out.
Best De-Shedding Shampoo for Dogs
Lillian Ruff offers a single, focused product line for de-shedding: RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo in a coconut lime scent. It is available in three sizes so it works well for both pet parents at home and for professional groomers:
- Standard 16 oz bottle for home use
- Concentrated 15:1 gallon size for salons and multi dog homes
- Travel size mini for on the go baths or trial use
All three options use the same core formula, so you can choose the size that fits your needs without changing what is inside the bottle.
1. Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo 16 oz
View Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo 16 oz
The 16 oz bottle of RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo is ideal for most single dog households and for pet parents who want to try the formula. It is designed specifically for dogs with moderate to heavy shedding, including those with thick, double layered coats.
- Helps tackle shedding by loosening and lifting dead undercoat during the bath
- Exfoliates and deeply moisturizes the skin so it stays healthy and less flaky
- Formulated with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe, coconut oil, and vitamin E for skin support
- Safe for puppies and adult dogs when used as directed
- Tear free and free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and gluten
- Coconut lime scent leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean without being overpowering
Best for: Pet parents who want a dedicated de-shedding shampoo for routine baths at home. A great fit if your dog sheds enough that you are vacuuming more than you would like.
2. De-Shedding Shampoo Concentrated 15:1 (1 Gallon)
View De-Shedding Shampoo Concentrated 15:1
The concentrated gallon size is engineered for professional groomers and busy multi dog households. It uses the same de-shedding formula as the standard bottle but in a high concentrate that is diluted with water before use.
- 15:1 concentration (one part shampoo to fifteen parts water) helps each gallon go a long way
- Made to penetrate thick, double coated breeds such as Huskies, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers
- Exfoliates the skin and helps release large amounts of loose undercoat in a single bath
- Hydrating, skin friendly ingredients support frequent use in a salon setting
- Ideal for groomers who need a reliable de-shedding product that is easy to dilute and rinse
Best for: Grooming professionals, kennels, and multi dog homes that go through a lot of shampoo or need to manage heavy seasonal shedding efficiently.
3. Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo Travel Size
View Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo Travel Size
The travel size version of RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo is a compact option that fits easily in a grooming bag, suitcase, or small storage space. It is perfect if you want to try the formula or if you bathe your dog while traveling.
- Convenient mini size that is easy to pack for road trips, shows, or vacations
- Same coconut lime de-shedding formula as the full size bottle
- Great for small dogs or occasional de-shedding baths
- Lets you test the product on your dog’s coat before committing to larger sizes
Best for: First time users who want a trial size, small dogs, or pet parents who travel with their dog and want a dependable de-shedding shampoo in a compact bottle.
You can also browse the full Lillian Ruff Pet Shampoo collection if you would like a gentle everyday shampoo to rotate with your de-shedding formula.
How To Use De-Shedding Shampoo for Best Results
De-shedding shampoo works best when you combine it with regular brushing and good bathing habits. Here is a simple routine you can follow with RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo at home or in a grooming salon.
How often to use it
- Most dogs do well with a de-shedding bath every 4 to 6 weeks
- Heavy shedders or working dogs may benefit from more frequent use during peak shedding seasons
- Always adjust based on your dog’s skin condition and your veterinarian’s advice
Step by step de-shedding bath
- Brush before the bath. Use a slicker brush, undercoat rake, or deshedding tool to remove as much loose hair as possible before getting your dog wet.
- Wet the coat thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and make sure it reaches all the way down to the skin, especially on thick coated breeds.
- Apply de-shedding shampoo. If you are using the concentrated gallon, dilute it with water at roughly 15:1 as directed. Work the lather into the coat from neck to tail and down the legs.
- Massage and let it sit briefly. Gently massage the coat for several minutes to help loosen undercoat. Avoid getting shampoo in the eyes or ears.
- Rinse very thoroughly. Rinse until the water runs clear and there is no slippery feel left on the coat. Proper rinsing is essential for thick, shedding coats.
- Dry completely. Towel dry, then use a dryer on a low or cool setting if your dog tolerates it. A dry coat sheds more easily during brushing.
- Brush again. Once the coat is dry, brush through to remove any remaining loose hair and enjoy a softer, cleaner coat with less shedding.
For dogs with very sensitive skin, you can rotate de-shedding baths with a gentle everyday shampoo so you are not overdoing active de-shedding every single time.
De-Shedding Shampoo FAQ
Will de-shedding shampoo stop my dog from shedding completely?
No shampoo can stop shedding completely because shedding is a natural process. A high quality de-shedding shampoo like RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo can help release more loose hair in the bath, so you see less on your floors and furniture and more in your tub and on your brush.
Which dogs benefit most from de-shedding shampoo?
De-shedding shampoo is especially helpful for dogs with thick, double layered coats such as Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and similar breeds. However, many short haired and mixed breed dogs that shed heavily can also benefit from using a de-shedding shampoo as part of their grooming routine.
Can I use RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo on puppies?
RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo is formulated to be tear free and gentle enough for puppies when used as directed. For very young puppies or dogs with medical conditions, always check with your veterinarian first before starting any new grooming product.
What is the difference between the 16 oz bottle and the concentrated gallon?
The 16 oz bottle is ready to use and is perfect for home baths with one or two dogs. The 1 gallon De-Shedding Shampoo Concentrated 15:1 uses the same core formula but in a concentrated form that you dilute with water. The gallon size is more economical for grooming salons, kennels, or homes with several dogs.
Can I use de-shedding shampoo every time I bathe my dog?
Many dogs can safely use a de-shedding shampoo for every bath, especially during heavy shedding seasons. If your dog has very sensitive or dry skin, you may want to alternate between RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo and a gentle moisturizing shampoo. Watch your dog’s skin and coat and adjust your routine if you see signs of dryness or irritation.
Do I still need to brush my dog if I use de-shedding shampoo?
Yes. Brushing is still important. De-shedding shampoo works best when you brush before and after the bath. The shampoo helps loosen and hydrate the coat, and brushing helps physically remove the hair that has been released.
Is de-shedding shampoo safe for dogs with allergies?
RUFF Shed Control De-Shedding Shampoo is free from sulfates, parabens, dyes, and gluten and contains skin friendly ingredients like oatmeal and aloe. Many allergy prone dogs do well with it, but every dog is different. If your dog has diagnosed allergies or very reactive skin, talk with your veterinarian and introduce any new shampoo slowly while watching for signs of irritation.