How To Master Beagle Shedding Season with These At-Home Grooming Essentials
- Riverview Grooming
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 minutes ago
Brush Often—and Use the Right Tools
When it comes to managing Beagle shedding, regular brushing is the foundation of a good grooming routine. Beagles have a dense, double-layered coat that sheds consistently throughout the year and heavily during spring and fall. This breed may not have long hair, but what they lack in length they make up for in volume—and without regular maintenance, that fur can quickly overtake your floors, furniture, and clothing.
Brushing your Beagle is more than just a cosmetic habit—it’s a health and hygiene necessity. Consistent brushing helps remove loose hair before it ends up in your living space, stimulates healthy skin, distributes natural oils across the coat, and offers an opportunity to detect skin issues early. For best results, aim to brush your Beagle at least three to five times a week, though daily brushing is ideal during high-shed seasons. Even just 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in the amount of fur you find around your home.
The tools you choose play a crucial role in how effective your brushing routine will be. Different brushes serve different purposes, and using the right combination can make the process more efficient, more comfortable for your dog, and more enjoyable for you. Below are the top tools every Beagle owner should consider using.
De-shedding tools like the Furminator are a must-have during the spring and fall when your Beagle's undercoat "blows out" and sheds in clumps. These tools are designed to reach deep into the coat without irritating the skin, gently pulling out the loose undercoat that would otherwise end up stuck to your sofa.
The blades of a de-shedding tool are curved and spaced to avoid cutting the skin while effectively collecting fur. Unlike standard slicker brushes, which focus more on surface-level tangles, de-shedding tools target the real source of shedding: the fluffy, dense undercoat that most brushes miss.
Best For: Heavy shedding periods in spring and fall when your dog is naturally losing more fur than usual.
Tip: Always brush with the grain of the coat—never against it. Use light, steady strokes and avoid concentrating on one area too long to prevent irritation. Start at the neck and work toward the tail, checking your brush frequently and clearing it of hair to maintain effectiveness.
Rubber grooming mitts are a gentle, practical option that work well for everyday brushing, especially on Beagles with sensitive skin or dogs that dislike the feel of metal bristles. These mitts fit over your hand like a glove and allow you to "pet" your dog while collecting hair—making it an ideal solution for pups that squirm or get nervous during grooming.
These mitts are often made with soft rubber tips that massage the skin while loosening and catching fur. They can also help reduce static and improve coat texture over time. Because they are less abrasive, they’re perfect for quick, daily grooming sessions or touch-ups between deeper brushes.
Best For: Dogs with sensitive skin, nervous dogs, and short daily grooming sessions.
Tip: These are great to use during bath time. The rubber nubs help work shampoo through the coat and lift dead hair while massaging the skin. Afterward, they rinse clean easily.
Soft-bristle or curry brushes are excellent for promoting coat health and adding shine. They don’t remove as much fur as a de-shedding tool but play a vital role in finishing your grooming session. These brushes stimulate the skin and evenly distribute your dog’s natural oils, keeping the coat glossy and healthy.
Soft-bristle brushes are gentle and ideal for sensitive areas like the face and legs. Curry brushes—typically made of rubber or flexible plastic—work particularly well for short-haired breeds like Beagles. They can be used to exfoliate the skin gently and are also effective at lifting dust and dirt from the surface of the coat.
Best For: Finishing touches, stimulating skin, and giving your dog a polished, healthy shine.
Tip: Use circular motions with light pressure to gently massage the skin. This is especially beneficial after a bath or when your dog has been outdoors and collected surface dirt or pollen.
Bonus Tip: Brushing sessions aren’t just for grooming—they’re bonding time. Keep sessions calm, positive, and full of praise or treats to help your Beagle associate grooming with comfort and attention. The more your dog enjoys being brushed, the easier and more consistent your grooming routine will be.
Slicker brushes are a smart addition to any Beagle grooming toolkit, especially for dogs with slightly denser or fluffier coats. These brushes feature fine, closely spaced wire bristles that help remove loose undercoat hair, tackle minor tangles, and reduce shedding more effectively than rubber mitts alone.
Slicker brushes are especially useful during peak shedding seasons when Beagles blow their undercoat. They work well on areas like the chest, thighs, and behind the ears—spots where dead hair tends to gather and standard brushes often miss.
Best For: Beagles with dense coats or during seasonal coat blows.
Tip: Use gentle strokes in the direction of hair growth. Start at the hindquarters and work forward, being extra gentle on sensitive areas. Clean hair from the brush frequently during each session to maintain its effectiveness and avoid skin irritation.
Regular brushing isn’t a cure-all, but when combined with the right shampoo, conditioner, and nutrition plan, it becomes a powerful step toward managing Beagle shedding year-round. A few minutes a day can help keep your home cleaner, your pup more comfortable, and your bond with your Beagle even stronger.
Bathe with De-shedding Shampoo, Conditioner, and a Velocity Dryer
If you're ready to level up your Beagle's grooming routine, combining a de-shedding shampoo and conditioner with a velocity dryer can be a game-changer—especially during peak shedding seasons. This three-step process not only helps remove loose fur but also promotes healthier skin and coat for long-term shedding control.
Step 1: Use a De-shedding Shampoo
Start your bath routine with a high-quality de-shedding shampoo. These formulas are specifically designed to minimize excessive shedding by strengthening hair at the root and improving skin hydration. Look for key ingredients like:
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to reduce dryness and inflammation
Oatmeal and aloe vera to soothe sensitive skin
Vitamin E and biotin for coat strength and skin support
Let the shampoo sit for 3–5 minutes to fully penetrate the coat and reach the undercoat where loose fur builds up. Massaging it in with a rubber grooming mitt helps lift debris and shed fur more effectively.
Step 2: Follow with a De-shedding Conditioner
After rinsing out the shampoo, apply a de-shedding conditioner to restore moisture and help further release dead fur. This step smooths the hair shaft, reduces breakage, and makes it easier to brush out loose hair afterward. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Optional: A leave-in de-shedding spray can be used post-bath for added softness and fur release.
Step 3: Finish with a Velocity Dryer
If you have the space and your Beagle is comfortable with the noise, a velocity dryer is one of the most effective tools you can use. Unlike standard dryers, velocity dryers blast high-velocity air through the coat, pushing out dead undercoat fur that would otherwise end up on your furniture.
How to use it:
Start on a low or medium setting
Move the nozzle in the direction of coat growth
Focus on areas like the neck, chest, hindquarters, and tail
Be sure to monitor your dog’s comfort and take breaks as needed. Pairing the velocity dryer with a rubber mitt during drying can help remove even more loose fur.
Why This Combo Works
Together, these three tools provide deep cleaning, thorough coat conditioning, and a powerful way to remove shed fur before it ends up all over your home. It’s especially effective for managing the dense double coat Beagles are known for—and it leaves them feeling fresh, soft, and noticeably lighter.
If you’re serious about cutting down on shedding, this method is worth the investment. Just be sure to reward your pup
with a treat afterward for being such a good sport!
Support Coat Health Through Diet (Bonus: Homemade Recipe!)
Healthy skin starts from the inside out. While grooming and bathing are essential to control shedding, your Beagle’s diet plays a big role in maintaining a strong, shiny coat. Providing high-quality nutrition—and supplementing with a home-cooked meal from time to time—can help reduce dryness, irritation, and excessive fur loss.
What to Include in Your Beagle's Diet
To promote healthy skin and coat, make sure your Beagle's food includes:
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids (from sources like fish oil or flaxseed)
High-quality animal protein (chicken, turkey, beef, or salmon)
Vitamins A, E, and B-complex to support cell repair and hydration
Zinc and biotin, which improve coat texture and reduce shedding
Even if you're feeding a premium kibble, an occasional home-cooked meal can provide a nutrient-dense, coat-boosting bonus.
This nutritious homemade meal is packed with omega fatty acids, protein, and vitamins that support a healthy coat and skin. It's simple to prepare and can be used as an occasional meal or a tasty topper.
Instructions:
Cook the sweet potato: In a small saucepan, boil or steam the sweet potato cubes for 10–15 minutes until soft. Drain and mash with a fork.
Cook the grain: Prepare brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions (typically simmered in water for 15–20 minutes).
Prepare the protein: Cook the salmon in a skillet over medium heat without added salt or seasoning. Flake it into small pieces once fully cooked. Remove any remaining bones.
Scramble the egg: In a non-stick pan, scramble one egg with no butter, oil, or seasoning (optional step).
Steam the spinach: Steam or sauté the spinach until wilted. Finely chop.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl: mashed sweet potato, flaked salmon, cooked grain, spinach, egg (if using), and flaxseed oil. Stir well.
Cool before serving: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before offering it to your Beagle.
Feeding Guidelines:
Serve alone as a full meal once or twice a week or use as a healthy topper over kibble.
Portion size depends on your dog’s weight—start with 1/2 to 1 cup and adjust based on your vet’s advice.
Why it works:
Salmon and flaxseed oil provide omega-3s for anti-inflammatory skin support and a glossy coat.
Sweet potato is rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A) and dietary fiber.
Spinach adds iron and antioxidants.
Eggs contribute biotin and protein, both vital for fur strength and growth.
As always, consult your veterinarian before adding new meals to your dog’s routine. A well-fed Beagle is not only healthier and happier—but also less likely to leave a trail of hair everywhere they go!
If you're located in Riverview, Gibsonton, Brandon, or the surrounding Tampa Bay areas, and you’re looking for professional help managing your Beagle’s shedding, we’d love to see you at Riverview Grooming. Whether it’s a de-shedding treatment, a nail trim, or a full spa day, our experienced groomers are here to make your dog feel fresh, clean, and comfortable. Book your appointment today and let us help your pup look and feel their best!
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