Grooming tools: Help your dog shed his winter coat

For baths during this transitional time, opt for a shampoo that will moisturize and condition your dog’s coat like Oster Oatmeals Natural Shed Control shampoo. It helps repairs split ends and strengthen the hair shaft — and it even smells like tropical coconut! (osteranimalcare.com, $8) 

A shedding rake is a godsend for dogs with a loose undercoat in desperate need of some pruning. Use a rake like the GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake which has double rows of stainless steel teeth that will gently lift off shedding hair from the inner coat while leaving the outer coat untouched. Use it every day until all the dead hair is removed. (petco.com, $12) 

For dogs with long hair that’s prone to matting and tangling, a daily brushing session with a Self-Cleaning Slicker brush is all you need to keep your four-legged pal’s coat pretty and knot-free. The best part is that this brush actually cleans itself with the push of a button! (Petmountain.com, $11)

If your pet is fearful of the brush or has sensitive skin, use the ShedMonster Professional De-Shedding Tool instead. Free of any sharp metal parts, the ShedMonster doesn’t even make contact with your dog’s skin, and it actually reduces shedding by up to 90 percent. This one-stop shop tool removes mats, tangles and it won’t irritate your dog’s skin. What more could you ask for? (bedbathandbeyond.com, $15)

A regular boar bristle brush is a necessity as we welcome spring. Suitable for all hair lengths, it also helps your dog’s natural oils circulate. This IONIC Brass-Boar Bristle Palm Brush works especially well on large breeds and will effortlessly smooth unruly hair. Get one and use it often to help your dog shed his dead hair all season long. (cherrybrook.com, $32)

It might be rubber, but don’t let that trick you into thinking this brush isn’t effective. Use the Top Paw Rubber Curry Brush on short-haired dogs during bath time to help clean skin, remove dead hair and to stimulate you dog’s circulation. Plus, it’ll feel like a massage — and who doesn’t want that? (petsmart.com, $10)