The $13 Tool That Saved My Home From Excess Pet Fur

When my home is clean, my mind also tends to feel more at ease. While it might seem like personal preference, the ritual of tidying my space gives me a sense of calm that's backed in science1. But one of the biggest obstacles to keeping my space immaculate is my dog—and more specifically her abundance of fur. 

My pup is a mini Australian shepherd with a plush coat and undercoat that's prone to matting. In the summer, I often find stray strands in the sheets, on my floors, and even in my morning cup of coffee. While I've found ways to pick up hair after it's dispersed throughout my space—such as a powerful vacuum and a pet hair remover—I've rarely tried to be proactive in preventing shedding in the first place. 

Since my dog was a puppy, she has absolutely hated getting brushed. Multiple brush handles have even met their demise in her jaws, and I've found the only way to stop her chewing is by providing a distraction.

Her contempt for grooming beyond a regular bath has turned into a struggle to compete with fur mats and shedding. After trying different brushes for dogs with long fur, I finally caved on testing out a comb instead. More than 5,900 five-star ratings on Amazon led me to the Shiny Pet Dog Comb, which reviewers called both "game changing" and a "life saver." 

In the past, my dog would growl or try to nibble at my fingers when I was brushing her, but the Shiny Pet Dog Comb is so gentle that she barely notices (unless the teeth come against a particularly large tangle). This makes grooming a more pleasant experience for both of us and ensures I can actually make my way through her lush coat. 

Despite having a gentler pull, the comb is no less efficient. It easily powers through the undercoat to remove loose fur, which collects around the base of the teeth. Once the brush starts to feel full, I slip the bundle of hair off the teeth and toss it into my compost. Just five minutes of combing often leaves me with a pile of loose fur at least the size of a grapefruit (if not a melon)—and a happy pup.