What is included
A de-shedding treatment goes further than a regular bath. The goal is to remove dead undercoat that is already loose but still trapped in the coat. It is done in the van at your home, so the clouds of hair stay in the van, not in your house. A typical treatment includes:
- A de-shedding shampoo and conditioner that loosens the undercoat and helps it release.
- A long soak and thorough rinse, working the product down to the skin.
- High-velocity drying. This is where most of the hair comes out.
- Brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker brush until the brush comes away mostly clean.
- Nail trim and ear cleaning.
- A light tidy of the feet, the feathering on the legs, and around the rear.
What it does not include is shaving. Double coats should not be clipped short. The undercoat and guard hairs work together to protect against heat and sun, and a shaved double coat can grow back patchy. Removing the dead undercoat lets air reach the skin, which is what keeps the dog cooler.
Which dogs it suits
De-shedding is made for double coated breeds, the ones with a soft, dense undercoat under a layer of longer guard hair.
- Huskies and Malamutes. Very thick undercoats that come out in tufts. A 50 pound Husky can lose a grocery bag of hair in one treatment.
- Golden Retrievers. Heavy shedders with feathering that also tangles behind the ears and on the back legs.
- Labradors. The coat looks short, but a Lab sheds constantly.
- German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Corgis, and Pomeranians. All double coats, all big shedders.
Big double coated dogs are often the hardest to take anywhere, and they can overheat waiting in a car or a kennel. With mobile, the dog walks a few steps to the van and back. It also suits older dogs who find a long blow dry tiring, since there is no other dog waiting and your groomer can take breaks.
Curly and silky coats like Goldendoodles and Shih Tzus do not shed the same way. Their loose hair tangles instead of falling out, so a full groom is the better fit.
What affects the price
De-shedding costs more than a standard bath because the drying and brushing take much longer. Size and coat density matter most. A Husky in the middle of blowing coat takes more time than a Lab between seasons. Mobile usually costs more than a salon because the groomer brings the van to you.
| Dog size | Mobile de-shedding treatment |
|---|---|
| Small (under 25 lb) | $110 to $150 |
| Medium (25 to 60 lb) | $135 to $175 |
| Large (over 60 lb) | $160 to $220 |
Prices vary by groomer. Because OC Mobile Dog Grooming is a referral service, the independent mobile groomer you are matched with sets the final price.
Tangles in the feathering may add dematting time, usually about $15 to $20 per 15 minutes. Thick double coats on big dogs often run $15 to $30 above the size range, and some groomers do not take dogs over 60 lb. Some groomers add a travel fee outside their usual area, often a few dollars per mile. The groomer we refer you to confirms the final price at quote. For prices across services, see mobile grooming costs.
How often to book mobile dog deshedding in Orange County
Double coated dogs shed all year here, because mild winters never give them a reason to grow a full winter coat and then drop it once. Most still have two heavy sheds, in spring and fall.
- Every 6 to 8 weeks as a regular routine for heavy shedders.
- Every 4 weeks during spring and fall, when the undercoat comes out fastest.
Between visits, brushing at home two or three times a week with an undercoat rake keeps the shedding manageable. Our guide on how often to groom your dog has more on double coats.