How to Groom a Dog's Undercoat

Double-coated dogs have an undercoat, whereas single-coated dogs do not. Double-coated breeds include the Siberian Husky, Collie, Samoyed, Pomeranian, Akita and Golden Retriever. The dog's undercoat is responsible for a large percentage of the fur that's associated with shedding. Dogs are constantly shedding fur, but double-coated breeds tend to shed their undercoats seasonally, too, so it's not uncommon to see copious amounts of shedding in the spring or summer months. This seasonal shedding is known as "blowing" a coat. Grooming the dog's undercoat will cut down on shedding and will improve the dog's overall appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • Dematting rake
  • Undercoat rake or shedding blade
  • Cotton balls
  • Bathtub or sink
  • Dog shampoo
  • Towel
  • Boar bristle brush
  • Undercoat comb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the dog's coat with a dematting rake. The rake is equipped with blades that will cut through matted patches of fur, including undercoat mats. The blades are activated when the rake encounters resistance, so it will not cut unmatted fur. Go over the entire dog's body with the dematting rake until all mats are removed.

    • 2

      Brush the dog's coat with an undercoat rake or shedding blade. Brush in the same direction as the hair's growth, from head to tail, using small 6-inch strokes. Start at the top of the dog and work your way down. The rake will come up clean when you've removed all the loose clumps of fur. Periodically remove the fur as it accumulates on the blade or rake.

    • 3

      Put a large cotton ball at the opening of both ear canals to prevent bath water from getting into the dog's ears.

    • 4

      Put the dog inside the bathtub or sink and saturate the dog's fur with warm water.

    • 5

      Pour a nickel-sized dollop of dog shampoo into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together and work the shampoo into the dog's coat and skin until it lathers.

    • 6

      Rinse the dog's coat thoroughly. The water will run clear and suds-free when all traces of soap are removed.

    • 7

      Towel dry the dog's coat and remove the cotton balls from its ears.

    • 8

      Brush the dog's coat with a boar bristle brush. Remove tangles and smooth the coat.

    • 9

      Allow the dog's coat to air dry.

    • 10

      Brush the dog's coat with the undercoat rake to remove any remaining undercoat fur.

    • 11

      Brush the dog's coat with a boar bristle brush to smooth the coat and to remove any loose fur.