How to Remove a Dog's Undercoat with an Undercoat Rake

If your life has been blessed with the presence of big overgrown dog that has enough fur to cloth a small village, then you probably already know the frustration of shedding fur that appears in large clumps all over the house. This big tuft of fur is actually the result of an undercoat of hair that must be removed for your dog's comfort and the health of his skin. The problem is: how do you get rid of it?

Begin by understanding that all dogs have an undercoat, but not all dogs have a massive undercoat that comes out in clumps and the size of small kittens. This wooly mass is really a fine downy layer of fur that is designed to protect the dog's skin and to provide insulation. If you have a cold weather dog, you know what I'm talking about. Friends and neighbors with shorthaired varieties with thin undercoats are well meaning when they offer advice, but really, they have no idea what you are contending with.

Brushing with an ordinary dog brush will not remove the undercoat. It may make his outer coat look soft and shiny, but it won't get to the heart of the problem. To remove the undercoat, you will need to be a bit more aggressive.

Purchase a good solid undercoat rake. Expect to pay upwards of $15 for this grooming tool. Resist the temptation to purchase a cheap imitation, the higher the quality of this brush the better the results will be. One with a double row of teeth works best. These are designed to reach into the thick undercoat and gently pull it loose while leaving the outer coat untouched.

Look for an rake that has a comfortable handle and a good grip. These rakes have angled handle grips to allow you to easily rake the old fur from your pet without harming his delicate skin. In fact, your dog will probably enjoy the process.