De-shedding a dog with an air compressor can save you a lot of time and effort. Within a few minutes, you will get rid of all the shedding without making a big mess.
The process of shedding is essential to keep your dog healthy and get rid of damaged or dead fur. The degree of shedding depends on your dog’s breed and general health. However, excessive shedding can be problematic for allergic dog owners or their families. Even if you don’t have allergies, shedding all over the house can be very annoying.
In this article, we will discuss de-shedding a dog with an air compressor, including what to look for before doing some shopping.
Why should you de-shed your dog?
Several studies investigated the role of de-shedding in preventing disease in dogs. It also aids in keeping your dog healthy and comfortable.
Without de-shedding, your dog will be prone to the following issues:
- The formation of knots, mats, and tangles (this can be painful).
- The pileup of loose hair and fur contributes to the growth of all sorts of microbes (e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites).
- Increased risk of allergies since dead hair and dander can be potent allergens.
- Compromised skin health due to the accumulation of dead hair
Scientists also focused on the effects of shedding on human health. For example, a 2020 study in Thailand investigated the presence of Leptospirosis in dogs. This is a bacterial infection that can cause severe symptoms in humans.
The study included 273 dogs that didn’t receive vaccination against Leptospira before. The results showed that 13 dogs tested positive for leptospirosis. Additionally, 111 dogs had antibodies for this bacteria. This means that they recently got infected. Finally, 33 dogs had a variety of microbes.
The authors concluded that these findings demonstrated similar rates of infection compared to the United States and Europe.
Note that 154 dogs out of the total number were client-owner.
Choosing the right air compressor for de-shedding your dog
There are a myriad of brands that sell compressors. Getting into this field without the necessary knowledge can be very overwhelming. In fact, de-shedding a dog with an air compressor may not be possible if you choose the wrong machine.
Luckily, we are not going to bog you down with all the details. You just need to pay attention to the following factors:
CFM and PSI of the air compressor
Search for an air compressor with a CFM of at least 0.5. This means it can generate 0.5 cubic feet per minute. The pressure level at this volume is typically 90 PSI.
You want to make sure that your air compressor has a good pressure range for proper de-shedding.
Noise Level
As you may know from experience, dogs are very sensitive to loud noises. Therefore, ensure that your air compressor produces less than 70 dB to prevent stressing your dog during grooming sessions.
If you already own a loud air compressor, there are some steps to reduce its noise. Check out this article for practical tips on reducing air compressor noise.
Weight of the compressor
This one is a no-brainer. Just opt for a portable air compressor that’s not heavy. Your best bet is to choose a compact, lightweight model. It will make de-shedding a dog with an air compressor much easier.
Nozzle attachments
Nozzle attachments will make it easier to customize the airflow for different coat areas.
Hose length
This is especially important if you already have a heavy air compressor. A lengthy hose makes it possible to de-shed your dog in various spaces (e.g., indoors, outdoors).
Safety features
Most modern air compressors for de-shedding dogs come with safety features, such as automatic shut-off.
Since we know that dogs can be very playful, you must have an air compressor belt guard.
Price range
Last but not least, prices!
If you only intend to use the air compressor for de-shedding your dog, it’s okay to have a smaller budget. However, if you think an air compressor might be useful for other applications, get a larger compressor once and for all.
The benefits of de-shedding a dog with an air compressor
There are numerous advantages to using an air compressor to de-shed your dog. For starters, it will take a fraction of the time compared to traditional grooming methods. What’s more, you don’t have to deal with all the mess that a grooming brush makes.
Your dog may even enjoy themselves in the process, especially if you only use low-pressure settings. However, we still recommend that you watch out for your dog’s reaction. If you notice that it’s showing signs of distress, stop the compressor immediately.
The downsides of de-shedding a dog with an air compressor
The main downsides of de-shedding a dog with an air compressor revolve around the price of the compressor and the noise it makes.
Thankfully, there are many low-budget, robust air compressors that will do the trick (more on that later). Additionally, manufacturers are producing quieter air compressors that barely make any noise.
To avoid injuring sensitive parts of your dog (e.g., ears, nose), do not use high-pressure levels.
Air compressor de-shedding for different dog breeds
Different dog breeds may require special de-shedding techniques with the air compressor. The table below summarizes how to approach dog de-shedding with an air compressor:
| Dog breed | Air compressor pressure | Special instructions |
| Labrador Retriever | Low (10-30 PSI) | Keep the nozzle at a distance to prevent discomfort |
| Poodle | Low to medium (10-50 PSI) | Focus on areas prone to matting (e.g., around the legs, behind the ears) |
| German Shepherd | Medium (30-50 PSI) | Be gentle around sensitive areas like the belly and underarms |
| Golden Retriever | Medium (30-50 PSI) | Pay extra attention to feathering on the tail and legs |
| Siberian Husky | Medium (30-50 PSI) | Avoid using the air compressor on the topcoat |
| Dachshund | Low (10-30 PSI) | Use the air compressor to help remove dead hairs and keep the coat tidy for wirehaired coats |
| Chow Chow | Medium to high (30-80 PSI) | Focus on areas where the undercoat is dense |
| Breeds with short coats | Low (10-30 PSI) | |
| Breeds with medium-length coats | Medium (30-50 PSI) | |
| Breeds with long coats | Medium (30-50 PSI) | |
Our research for the best air compressor for de-shedding your dog settled on the 1-gallon Metabo HPT air compressor. This electric pump can generate 0.8 CFM at 90 PSI, which should be enough for most dog breeds.
This compressor won’t cause you any headaches since it’s oil-free, meaning it requires little to no maintenance. The best part? It’s extremely quiet, generating only 59 dB. This is the same noise level that you hear from a regular conversation.
Finally, you can move this compressor wherever you want since it only weighs 25.2 pounds.
Amazon LinkTo avoid paying extra for the accessories, purchase this air compressor kit separately.
Takeaway message
De-shedding a dog with an air compressor will make your life easier and keep your dog healthy. It’s simply the best grooming method. The latest research suggests that canine shedding might be harmful to humans.
Hopefully, this blog post successfully conveyed how de-shedding a dog with an air compressor is practical and efficient.
Make sure to express any questions or feedback you have in the comment section below.
