Spring Pet Grooming Tips: How to Manage Shedding Season in NZ

Posted by Petdirect on 26th Aug 2025

Quick answer

Spring shedding is easier to manage with short, regular sessions matched to your pet's coat. Remove loose hair before bathing, work gently in the direction of coat growth, clean tools after use and stop if the skin becomes red or sore.

As daylight and temperature patterns shift, many cats and dogs shed more of their seasonal coat. The amount depends on breed, coat type, indoor heating, health and the individual pet. A steady routine helps keep loose hair out of the house while making it easier to notice tangles, skin changes and small hitchhikers picked up outdoors.

The goal is not to remove as much hair as possible in one sitting. Comfortable grooming protects the coat and builds a routine your pet is more likely to accept next time.

Start with the coat, not the trend

Coat type	Useful approach	What to avoid
Short and smooth	A rubber grooming tool or soft brush for loose surface hair	Repeated hard passes over the same skin
Double coat	Layered brushing with a suitable slicker, comb or undercoat tool	Shaving the coat unless specifically required
Long or silky	Detangle small sections, then check through with a comb	Pulling through knots from the root
Curly or wool coat	Brush to the skin in sections and comb-check for hidden tangles	Brushing only the surface
Cat coat	Brief sessions with a gentle brush or comb suited to coat length	Holding a cat in place once they are signalling they need a break

Deshedding tools need a light hand

A deshedding tool is not suitable for every coat and should never be used on tangled, wet, damaged or irritated skin. Follow the tool instructions, use gentle passes and stop before the skin becomes warm or pink.

A calm spring brushing routine

Choose a quiet, non-slip spot and let your pet inspect the tools.
Begin with an easy area such as the shoulder or back, using only a few strokes.
Work in the direction of hair growth and support the skin near any tangle.
Check friction points behind ears, under collars, in armpits and around the back legs.
Finish while your pet is still settled, then reward calm behaviour.

Several two-minute sessions are often more productive than one long session. Cats may prefer grooming when they are already relaxed, while energetic dogs can find it easier after a walk or play.

Spring grooming tools to compare

Match the brush, comb or slicker to coat length and texture. If a tool catches repeatedly, pause and work on a smaller section rather than pulling harder.

Bathing without drying out the skin

Not every shedding pet needs a bath. When a wash is due, brush out loose hair and tangles first, use lukewarm water and choose a product made for cats or dogs as appropriate. Human shampoo is not designed for pet skin.

Rinse carefully until the water runs clear and no slippery residue remains. Dry the coat fully, especially in dense areas and skin folds. Over-bathing can strip natural oils and leave skin dry, so use the product directions and your pet's actual needs rather than bathing simply because they are shedding.

If the coat is heavily matted, do not wet it. Water can tighten mats and make them more difficult to remove. Arrange experienced grooming help instead of cutting close to the skin with scissors.

Coat care options

Know when shedding is more than seasonal

Normal spring shedding tends to be spread across the coat. Bald patches, broken skin, a strong odour, scabs, persistent scratching or sudden heavy hair loss suggest something else may be happening. Pause new products, avoid repeated brushing over sore areas and arrange an appropriate check.

Fleas can also become more active as the weather warms. Look for dark flea dirt around the tail base, neck and belly, and keep species-appropriate parasite prevention current.