The undercoat remover: what is it for?
In some dogs the use of the undercoat remover is totally necessary.
Mainly, it allows us to remove the undercoat or dead hair that can accumulate and that we run the risk of getting tangled forming knots, forcing us to cut the section of hair that will be impossible to brush.
Removing the undercoat of the dog is a matter of care and health
Removing dogs undercoat is not only a matter of beauty (although yes, appearance also counts, as we will see later); It is an operation that is normally carried out by the professional groomer, who will proceed to remove the undercoat that hasn’t fall of the coat.
The undercoat is removed for a matter of well-being when an excess takes the coat under stress due to atmospheric agents. For example, if the coat gets wet, the undercoat does not allow fast drying; and if there are high temperatures, the same undercoat does not allow the skin to breathe and aerate.
Of course, the undercoat is also removed for aesthetic reasons, since it makes the smooth coat look excessively voluminous, frizzy or wavy, modifying the lines of the breed in precise parts, such as the back.
Grooming brush or undercoat remover, what is the difference?
The grooming brush and the undercoat remover are two completely different grooming tools and can be used in sequence.
With the grooming brush we eliminate the undercoat of the shedding and prevent the formation of knots, because it is not a tool that removes “usefull or alive” undercoat.
On the other hand, with the undercoat remover, we only remove the undercoat that needs to be taken out. It is a tool composed of an ergonomic handle and a toothed part with different shapes.
The different teeth, called blades because they are sharp (e.g.: 8-blade, 12-blade, 23-blade, etc.), act on the hair in different ways. Therefore, for a correct undercoat removal, it is necessary to use more than one undercoat remover in sequence. At the beginning, thinning rakes with fewer teeth (e.g.: 8-10 blades) are used, to later move on to intermediate teeth (e.g.: 12-16 blades) and finish with dense-toothed undercoat removers with teeth closer together (e.g.: 23-30 blades).
Easiest way to DESHED Any DOG at Home
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 dont 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 dogs coat on a regular basis. Unless you want to spend a fortune at your local groomers, why not learn how to groom your pup yourself?
Your pups 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.
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.
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?
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!
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
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!
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?
What is best, trimmers or scissor cuts. I actually have 3 and have to leave the grooming