Deshedders vs. Undercoat Combs

Deshedders

• Deshedders, also known as deshedding combs, are designed to remove fur that's loose and ready to shed from a dog's undercoat. Deshedding combs are effective for dogs with long coats or double coats. These tools essentially gather a dog's dead fur and collect it before it collects itself on furniture, clothes, car upholstery and other unwanted locations. Most deshedders have tight metal teeth. They come in a variety of sizes which you can match to a dog's size.

Undercoat Combs or Rakes

• As does a deshedder, an undercoat comb collects dead fur from a dog's coat. However, the undercoat comb, also known as the rake or undercoat rake, tends to have longer, wider teeth than a deshedder. This allows the groomer or handler to get past the top coat and retrieve fur from the undercoat beneath. Undercoat rakes are especially effective for thick- or long-coated dogs. Like deshedders, undercoat rakes also come in a variety of sizes and styles.

Taking It Easy

• Whatever tool you're using, it's helpful to be gentle and to associate grooming with reward and praise. It's okay to get the undercoat cleared of excess fur, but don't brush the skin itself. Doing so can lead to what the ASPCA calls "brush burn" -- red, irritated skin that can require a vet visit. Also, although deshedders and rakes help prevent mats, it's often in the dog's best interest to clip existing mats out rather than go through painful fur-pulling and fur-separating.

Start Slowly

• If possible, introduce deshedders and undercoat combs to a dog while he's young. Regardless of age, introduce grooming tools slowly. Many dogs don't like the poking, prodding and pulling associated with grooming. Start with just a few gentle strokes of the comb while offering praise and perhaps a treat. Increase the number of strokes each time, but keep the rewards coming at the same pace. This will help your dog learn to tolerate your use of deshedders, undercoat combs and other grooming tools.