How to Groom a Dog with a Thick Undercoat

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How to Groom a Dog with a Thick Undercoat

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1 - 1 Hour

1 Month

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Introduction

If ever there was a challenge when it comes to grooming a dog, it has to be those with a thick undercoat or, as they are often called, a double coated dog. There are those who wonder why you don't simply shave these types of dogs and be done with it.

However, most vets do not recommend shaving these dogs unless it is absolutely necessary. This being said, there is no reason you shouldn’t groom your dog's coat on a regular basis. Unless you want to spend a fortune at your local groomer's, why not learn how to groom your pup yourself?

Dog's Perspective

Your pup's double coat is designed to protect him in the winter and in the summer. Many dogs with a thick undercoat shed or "blow" their coats twice each year. But even so, especially in the summer months, your pup is sure to appreciate having his hair groomed and trimmed when the weather gets hot.

The Undercoat Rake Method

Most Recommended

6 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Towel

Step

De-mat first

Start out using a de-matting rake to brush through your pup's coat. This type of "rake" is designed to cut easily through matted clumps of hair, especially those in the undercoat. The only time the blades are active is when the rake meets with resistance. It will not cut fur that does not have mats in it. Go over your pup's entire body with the rake.

Step

Shedding blade is next up

Brush your pup's hair in the direction it grows, using either an undercoat rake or a shedding blade. Work from head to tail using strokes that are no more than six inches long. From time to time, clean out the brush and keep working with it until the brush comes out clean. At this point, all lose hair will have been removed.

Step

Bath time

Run a tub or sink full of lukewarm water (place and depth should be based on the size of your pup and where you are most comfortable bathing him). If necessary, you can keep the water out of his ears using cotton balls to plug them. Using a flexible shower hose or pitcher, soak your pup's coat, getting it thoroughly wet throughout.

Step

Shampoo and rinse

Shampoo his hair and then rinse it thoroughly, making sure that you get all of the shampoo completely out of his hair. Remove the cotton balls from his ears if you used them and then towel dry his coat.

Step

Finishing up

Using a boar bristle brush, thoroughly brush your pup's coat one last time. This type of brush will help to smooth out his coat and remove the last of the tangles if there are any. Let your pup's fur finish drying naturally and then go over his coat one last time, using the undercoat brush to remove any remaining loose undercoat hair and the boar bristle brush to distribute the natural oils in his fur and make his coat shine.

The Multiple Brush Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Scissors

Pin Brush

Dematter

Comb

Clipper

Towel

Step

Bath first

Start by giving your pup a good bath, towel him dry, and wait for his coat to be completely dry before moving on to the next step. It is important for your dog to be clean before you start grooming his undercoat. This may help to remove some of the mats and will remove dirt, debris, and, of course, any fleas that might be present.

Step

On his side

Have your pup lay on his side and using a V-brush or pin brush, begin to work on his undercoat, starting at skin level and stopping about 2 inches from the ends of his coat. Using this type of brush will bring the mats out to where they are easier to work with. You can then use a pin brush to help gently remove the mats.

Step

Using a shedding blade

Some tougher mats may not come out with the pin brush. At this point, you need to break out the shedding blade. This device is designed to keep the blades retracted as long as they don't meet any resistance such as a mat. When they do hit a mat in his fur, the blades will cut the mat out for you. Whatever you do, take your time and be gentle. The last thing you want to do is hurt your pup by yanking chunks of hair out.

Step

Brush him all over

Once you are done with the shedding blade, it's time to give him a thorough brushing all over. Using electric clippers or scissors, trim any long hair over the rest of his body, especially in summer months to help him stay cooler.

Step

Rinse and repeat

If you want your pup to stay looking good and not leave you with endless mats that have to be dealt with, you need to brush him at least once a week. Not only will this help to reduce the number of mats you and your pup have to deal with, it helps to spread his natural oils through his fur, which helps keep it clean and shiny.

Caution & Considerations

Never shave a dog with a thick undercoat or double coat, as this can lead to sunburn and many other medical conditions.
Shaving your pup could leave him with a very patchy coat if and when it grows back.
If for any reason you are not sure how often your pup needs to be groomed, ask your vet or local professional groomer.
There are a number of spray detanglers for dogs available at your local pet store. These can make a big difference when trying to brush through your pup's coat if you didn't need to bath him first.
If you decide to use electric clippers to help with the grooming, invest in a more expensive clipper as they run more quietly and are less likely to frighten your pup.
During the times when your pup is blowing out his coat, you may find it better to brush him on a daily basis to help remove the massive amounts of loose hair, keeping it from getting everywhere in your house (well, at least some of it).
If you bathe your dog, be sure to rinse all traces of shampoo from his fur and skin. If you don't, it could cause itchy skin or lead to an allergic reaction.

Conclusion

Not only will you be much happier when you can be proud of the way your pup looks fully groomed, he will feel much better as well. On top of this, you can be proud of the money you are saving by learning how to groom your dog and helping him to look his best at all times.

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Sadie

Bichon Frise

12 Weeks

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Question

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Sadie

Bichon Frise

12 Weeks

What is best, trimmers or scissor cuts. I actually have 3 and have to leave the grooming

1 year, 10 months ago

Sadie's Owner

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Question

Max

Terrier mix

5 Years

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Question

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Max

Terrier mix

5 Years

He has long thick hair with an undercoat down the middle of his back and around his neck like a mane. I want to cut it myself to save money. I have clippers, as I’m a barber , but cutting a dog is totally different than people!! How short can I go, and do I go against the grain?

2 years, 6 months ago

Max's Owner

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Question

Mamas

Great Pyrenees Border Collie mix

3 Years

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Question

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Mamas

Great Pyrenees Border Collie mix

3 Years

I have never gotten her groomed before and I would like to know what would be a good recommendation for her. Like should I completely shave her or get her hair trimmed? Or what kind would be best for her?

4 years ago

Mamas's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello and thank you for the question. I would have Mamas trimmed only - not shaved. She has a beautiful coat. You can most likely maintain it very well at home with weekly brushing (or a few times a week) as recommended by the groomer. Remember, the groomer can trim her nails as well - an important part of keeping Mamas well and comfortable. Good luck and enjoy your dog!

4 years ago

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Question

Apollo

Timber husky

8 Years

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Question

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Apollo

Timber husky

8 Years

I feel as if he has dermatitis. He itches himself til he is raw. He is also clumping his coat(blowing it) we have several other dogs of the same breed.. please recommend a good shampoo conditioner and anti flea treatment as well as a dog blower/dryer

3 years, 3 months ago

Apollo's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, I think the best bet is to take Apollo to see his vet. The itching till raw can lead to secondary infection. There could be many underlying reasons (mites you cannot see, a problem with dietary or environmental allergies, etc.) We do have the option to ask a vet here in the meantime: https://wagwalking.com/wag-health. I would not want to recommend a shampoo that could potentially make the problem worse without the right diagnosis. Also, here is an article reviewing blowers, including why use each type. All the best to Apollo!

3 years, 3 months ago