Care & how-to
How to Keep Dog Hair Off the Couch
The most effective way to keep dog hair off the couch is to remove it from the dog before it lands there: brush regularly with a tool that suits the coat, and step it up during the heavy sheds. Then protect the couch with a washable cover or throw in the dog's favorite spot. Neither step is perfect alone, but together they cut the hair dramatically.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources
Start with the dog, not the couch
Every loose hair that stays on the dog is one that does not end up on the cushions. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that brushing daily reduces the hair a dog swallows while self-grooming and cuts the loose hair and dander around the home. Short coats usually shed a little all year and need less frequent brushing, while long, thick double coats, such as those of huskies, malamutes, German shepherds and retrievers, have two heavy sheds a year, in late spring and late fall.
During those sheds, brush more often and brush the undercoat as well as the topcoat. The AKC says undercoat rakes suit double-coated breeds of all coat lengths, as long as the pin length matches the coat length. You can find options in our deshedding tools collection, and our guide to choosing a deshedding tool explains the differences.
Match the tool to the coat
The AKC says bristle brushes suit short-coated dogs, and rubber brushes and grooming mitts also work on short coats because their bristles will not penetrate thick or long hair. Slicker brushes suit medium, long, wire and curly coats with a light touch. VCA suggests a comb or stiff bristle brush for medium-length shedding coats such as retrievers, and a long-toothed comb with offset tines for long coats.
For a short-haired dog that sheds a little all year, a pet hair removal glove can fit into a daily routine, since you can stroke the dog while sitting on the couch together. Brush outdoors or over a towel if you can, so the loose hair never touches the furniture in the first place.
Cover the spots your dog actually uses
Watch where your dog settles and cover that spot, rather than the entire couch. A throw or blanket on one cushion is quick to lift off and shake out. A fitted option, such as this ice-silk sofa cover pet protector, stays in place better than a loose blanket on a dog that circles and digs before lying down.
If accidents or muddy paws are also a worry, a waterproof pet furniture protector blanket adds a barrier under the throw. For dogs that scratch, a scratch-resistant jacquard sofa throw is one option, and you can compare more in our dog couch covers range. Our guide to dog couch covers explains how to choose.
Cleaning up what still lands
Wash covers and throws regularly, following the care label to avoid shrinking, and shake them outside before they go in the machine so hair does not clog the drain. Rubber gloves, a damp rubber brush or a lint roller can pick hair out of upholstery in between washes. Vacuum the couch crevices and cushion seams, where hair collects.
If you would rather keep the couch dog-free, our guide to keeping a dog off the couch covers the training side.
When shedding is a health question
Some shedding is normal, but a sudden jump, bald patches, scratching, red or irritated skin or a dull, thinning coat is worth a call to your vet, since skin and coat changes can have medical causes. VCA also advises seeing your vet if a mat has irritated the skin. Do not shave a double-coated dog to cut shedding unless a groomer or vet advises it: VCA warns that plush-coated breeds can develop hair loss after clipping, and regrowth can be slow.
A coat that is brushed regularly is also easier to check for skin problems, burrs and tangles. If you cannot keep up with the brushing, a professional groomer can run a de-shedding treatment during the heavy sheds.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your dog.
Common questions
How can I stop my dog shedding on the couch?
You cannot stop shedding, but you can cut it down by brushing often with a tool that suits the coat, brushing more during seasonal sheds, and covering your dog's favorite spot with a washable throw or cover.
What is the best tool for dog hair on furniture?
For the dog, a brush or mitt that suits its coat. For upholstery, a rubber glove, damp rubber brush or lint roller lifts hair between washes, and a vacuum handles seams and crevices.
How often should I brush my dog to reduce shedding?
It depends on the coat. VCA says short coats need less frequent brushing, while long or double coats benefit from more, especially during the heavy sheds in late spring and late fall.
When is shedding a sign of a health problem?
A sudden increase, bald patches, itchy or irritated skin or a dull, thinning coat is worth checking with your vet, because skin and coat changes can have medical causes.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
