Summary: The Furminator is an effective grooming tool for reducing shedding, especially for medium to long-haired dogs. It removes loose undercoat without damaging the topcoat, leading to less shedding around the house. While not ideal for severe mats or short coats, it’s a quality investment for managing fur. |
As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. This includes grooming tools that help keep your dog’s coat healthy, shiny, and free of excess fur. One grooming tool that’s been the subject of much buzz in the pet world is the Furminator. So, does furminator work?
Many dog owners swear by it, claiming it works wonders for reducing shedding and keeping their dogs’ coats looking great. But does it really work, or is it just another overhyped product? Check out the best dog collars for Border Collie to find durable, stylish, and comfortable options for your active dog.
Having used the Furminator on my own dog, I thought it was time to dig into whether this tool truly lives up to its claims. In this article, I’ll share my experience with the Furminator, its pros and cons, how it works, and whether it’s the right tool for you and your dog.
Blog Highlights
ToggleFAQ Table:
Question | Answer |
Does the Furminator work on all coat types? | Best for medium to long-haired dogs; not recommended for short or fine coats. |
Is the Furminator comfortable for dogs? | Yes, it’s gentle on the coat and comfortable for pets when used properly. |
Can it handle severe mats? | Not ideal for severe mats; use a comb or slicker brush first. |
Is the Furminator worth the price? | Yes, especially for heavy shedders, but may not fit all budgets. |
How easy is cleanup? | The FurEze button makes cleanup quick and easy after each grooming session. |
What Is the Furminator?
Before we get into whether or not the Furminator works, let’s start by understanding what it is. The Furminator is a brand of deshedding grooming tools, designed to reduce shedding in pets by removing loose hair, undercoat, and mats without damaging the topcoat.
It’s available in different versions, including tools for dogs and cats, and comes in various sizes to accommodate different coat types and lengths. For guidance on choosing the right collar size for an Airedale puppy, check out this detailed guide.
The main feature that sets the Furminator apart from other deshedding tools is its fine, densely packed teeth that are specifically designed to penetrate deep into the coat and remove loose hair from the undercoat. It also features a FurEze button that helps release the collected fur, making cleanup easier.
I’ve used the Furminator on my dog during shedding seasons and was curious to see if it lived up to the promises made by the manufacturer.

How Does the Furminator Work?
The Furminator works by targeting the undercoat, which is the soft, dense fur that lies beneath the outer layer of hair. The undercoat is the main source of shedding in many dogs, and getting rid of it can significantly reduce the amount of fur your dog leaves around the house.
Here’s how it works:
- Penetrates Deep into the Coat: The Furminator’s stainless steel teeth are designed to reach through the outer coat and gently remove the loose hair from the undercoat without damaging the top layer of fur.
- Reduces Shedding: By removing the undercoat, the Furminator helps reduce shedding. I noticed that after a few grooming sessions, my dog shed much less, and there were fewer fur balls around the house.
- Mats and Tangles: The Furminator can also help with mats and tangles, though it’s not as effective as a comb or slicker brush for dealing with severe knots.
- Easy Cleanup: Once you’ve removed the loose fur, the Furminator’s FurEze button makes it easy to release the fur from the tool, which cuts down on the mess and makes the grooming process smoother. For insights on whether Airedales are good off-leash, explore this comprehensive article.

My Experience with the Furminator
As a pet owner who’s been through the shedding seasons with my dog, I was eager to see if the Furminator could really help. My dog has a medium-length coat, and while she doesn’t shed as much as a Husky, she still leaves a fair amount of hair around the house—especially during the warmer months when the shedding season kicks in.
First Impressions
When I first tried the Furminator, I immediately noticed how well it was designed. The handle was comfortable to grip, and the teeth were sharp enough to penetrate the coat without pulling at her skin. It didn’t take long for me to see the loose hair coming off in clumps, which was both satisfying and a little shocking at the same time!
Effectiveness
After using the Furminator for several weeks during the shedding season, I found that it reduced shedding significantly. I didn’t have to vacuum nearly as often, and I noticed fewer hairballs on the furniture. In fact, after each session, I could see a noticeable reduction in the amount of hair on my dog’s coat.
The Furminator did exactly what it promised—it effectively removed the loose undercoat, leading to less fur all around the house. Discover the benefits of using a harness by reading this guide on should a Collie wear a harness.
One of the things I loved was that it didn’t just pull out the fur randomly. It removed only the loose, dead hair, leaving the healthy coat intact. This was a big concern for me because I didn’t want to end up with bald patches or uneven fur, but the Furminator was gentle enough not to cause any issues.
Comfort for My Dog
Another important factor for me was how my dog reacted to the Furminator. Some grooming tools can be uncomfortable for pets, but my dog seemed to enjoy the process. The fine teeth didn’t pull on her coat, and the handle was easy to control, allowing me to groom her with ease.
I did notice that the Furminator worked best when my dog was relaxed. If she was restless, I had to be extra careful not to accidentally tug at her fur, but overall, she didn’t mind the grooming sessions.

Pros of the Furminator
After using the Furminator for several weeks, I compiled a list of its pros based on my experience:
- Effective Shedding Control: The Furminator did a great job of removing loose fur, especially during shedding seasons. My home became noticeably less furry, and my dog seemed more comfortable with less hair weighing her down.
- Quality Construction: The Furminator is made with durable materials, including stainless steel teeth and an ergonomic handle. It feels like a high-quality product that will last for a long time.
- Gentle on the Coat: Unlike some grooming tools that can be harsh on a dog’s coat, the Furminator was gentle yet effective. It didn’t cause any discomfort or irritation to my dog’s skin.
- Reduces Mats and Tangles: While not a substitute for a comb or brush, the Furminator did help reduce the amount of matting and tangling in my dog’s coat. It was especially useful for preventing small mats from forming.
- Convenient Cleanup: The FurEze button that releases the collected fur made cleanup quick and easy. I didn’t have to spend extra time removing the fur from the tool after each use.

Cons of the Furminator
While I had a positive experience with the Furminator, there are a few cons to keep in mind:
- Price: The Furminator is on the pricier side compared to other grooming tools. It’s not an inexpensive investment, so it might not be for everyone. However, I do think it’s worth it for pet parents dealing with heavy shedding.
- Not for All Coat Types: The Furminator works best on medium to long-haired dogs. If you have a short-haired dog, you may not see as dramatic of results. Additionally, dogs with very fine coats may find the Furminator too harsh, so you’ll need to be cautious and use it gently.
- Limited Use for Severe Mats: While the Furminator can help prevent mats, it’s not the best tool for detangling severe mats. For really bad tangles, I would recommend using a comb or slicker brush first and then following up with the Furminator.
Furminator Alternatives
If the Furminator isn’t the right fit for you, or if you’re looking for something else, there are other great deshedding tools on the market. Here are some alternatives:
- Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush: This brush is another great option for removing mats and tangles. It’s especially good for dogs with long hair, and the self-cleaning mechanism makes it easy to remove hair from the brush after each use.
- Safari deShedding Tool: This tool is an affordable alternative to the Furminator, and it works well for reducing shedding in medium to long-haired dogs. It’s gentle on the skin and effective at removing loose hair.
- Andis Premium Deshedding Tool: Similar to the Furminator, the Andis tool is designed to remove loose hair and undercoat from your dog’s fur. It’s great for heavy shedders and works well for all coat types.
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Final Thoughts: Does Furminator Work?
So, does the Furminator really work? In my experience, yes, it absolutely does. It significantly reduced the shedding in my dog’s coat, made the grooming process easier, and helped keep my home cleaner. The Furminator is a high-quality tool that’s designed with your pet’s comfort in mind, and I found it to be effective at removing loose hair and undercoat without causing discomfort.
However, it’s important to remember that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best for medium to long-haired dogs, and if your dog has a short or fine coat, you may want to consider other options. Additionally, it’s not the best for severe matting, so you may need to use a different tool for those situations. Hope so, now you know the answer: Does furminator work?
If you’re struggling with shedding and are willing to make the investment, the Furminator is a solid choice for reducing fur around the house and keeping your dog’s coat healthy. Happy grooming! Discover what size collar is best for a French Bulldog puppy to ensure both safety and comfort during their growing stages.