Course 14 · Shedding and Undercoat · Lesson 3 of 12
Which tools remove loose undercoat, and which damage coat?
Remove loose undercoat with a comb, slicker used gently, undercoat rake and deshedding tool in moderation, avoiding blades that cut guard hair.
Tools that remove loose undercoat safely are a wide toothed comb, an undercoat rake, a slicker brush used gently, and a deshedding tool used sparingly on suitable coats. Tools that damage coat are sharp blades, furminator style tools used aggressively or on unsuitable coats, thinning shears, clippers used to remove undercoat, and any tool dragged forcefully through the coat. The right tool, used with light pressure and in sections, removes loose hair without breaking guard hairs or irritating skin. The wrong tool, or the right tool used too hard, breaks coat, scratches skin, and makes shedding look worse.
What does each safe tool do?
A wide toothed comb is the foundation tool. It parts the coat, finds tangles, and removes loose hair down to the skin without breaking guard hairs, when used in sections from ends toward skin. An undercoat rake has widely spaced teeth that reach through the top coat into undercoat, pulling out loose, dead undercoat while leaving guard hairs largely untouched. It suits double coated dogs during blowing coat, and it should be used in the direction of hair growth, with light pressure, in sections. A slicker brush, with fine bent pins, can remove loose hair and smooth the top coat, but it should be used gently, without pressing pins into skin, and without repeated strokes over the same area, which can scratch skin and break hair. A deshedding tool, with a fine toothed edge, can remove large amounts of loose undercoat quickly, but it should be used sparingly, only on coats that suit it, for short periods, and with light pressure.
Which tools and methods damage coat or skin?
Sharp blades, including some deshedding tools used aggressively, can cut guard hairs, creating a frizzy, uneven coat that looks worse and sheds broken hairs. Thinning shears and clippers should not be used to remove undercoat, because they cut hair rather than removing loose hair, and they can damage the coat structure, especially in double coats, as covered in lesson 10. Furminator style tools, when used with heavy pressure, repeatedly, or on unsuitable coats, can break top coat, thin the coat, and irritate skin. Any tool dragged forcefully through tangles or mats will pull skin, break hair, and cause pain. Brushing a dry, dirty coat vigorously, brushing against hair growth repeatedly, or brushing the same area for a long time can also damage coat and skin. Human brushes, combs with sharp teeth, and tools with damaged or bent pins should not be used. Owners should check tools before use: teeth should be smooth, pins should be straight, and the tool should be clean. A damaged tool should be replaced, not used with more force to compensate.
| Tool | Safe use | Damage risk |
|---|---|---|
| Wide toothed comb | Sections, ends to skin, light pressure | Low, if used gently |
| Undercoat rake | Double coats, direction of growth, sections | Moderate if pressed hard or used on unsuitable coat |
| Slicker brush | Gentle, brief, smooth top coat | Scratches skin, breaks hair if pressed or repeated |
| Deshedding tool | Sparingly, suitable coats, light pressure | Cuts guard hair, thins coat if overused |
| Grooming glove, rubber brush | Short coats, lift loose hair | Low, avoid pressing hard on sore skin |
| Blades, thinning shears, clippers for undercoat | Do not use to remove undercoat | Cut guard hair, damage coat structure |
How do you choose tools for the coat in front of you?
Choose by coat type, not by popularity. Double coats need a comb and an undercoat rake, with a deshedding tool only sparingly during blowing. Short coats need a comb, a rubber brush or glove, and a soft brush, without blades. Curly and wavy coats need a comb and a slicker used gently, with no deshedding blade, because blades can break curl pattern and damage hair. Wiry coats need a comb and hand stripping advice from a groomer if stripping is relevant, not a blade that cuts. Single coats with fine hair need a soft comb and gentle brushing, without aggressive tools. Puppies need soft tools and short sessions, regardless of coat type. When unsure, start with a wide toothed comb only, and ask a groomer to demonstrate other tools in person. A groomer can show pressure, angle, and frequency for that dog’s coat, which is more useful than buying a full set of tools and testing them at home. Keep tools clean, dry, and stored safely, and replace them when worn.
How should tools be used to avoid damage?
Use tools in sections, with light pressure, in the direction of hair growth, and for short periods. Hold the base of the section being worked, so skin is not pulled, and stop if the tool catches, if skin becomes red, or if the dog shows discomfort. Work on a clean, dry coat, because dirt and moisture increase friction and breakage. Do not use a deshedding tool every day, do not use it for long sessions, and do not use it on the same area repeatedly in one session. After using a deshedding tool, comb through with a wide comb to check that guard hairs remain intact and skin looks healthy. Reward the dog during and after tool use, and keep sessions short, especially during heavy shedding, when the dog may become tired or sore. If a tool removes large amounts of hair quickly, check whether it is removing loose undercoat or cutting guard hair: loose undercoat is soft, pale and fluffy, while cut guard hair is longer, coarser, and has a blunt end.
When should you stop and get help?
Stop using a tool and contact a groomer or vet if skin becomes red, sore, scratched, bleeding, or irritated, if the dog shows pain, if coat becomes thin, patchy, or frizzy, or if the owner is unsure which tool suits the coat. Do not continue with a different tool on sore skin, and do not apply products to irritated skin without advice. A groomer can assess coat damage, demonstrate correct tool use, and advise on a suitable tool set. The right tool, used gently and sparingly, removes loose undercoat without harm; the wrong tool, used hard, damages the coat it was bought to improve.
A comb and rake, used gently in sections, remove loose undercoat safely, while blades used hard or on the wrong coat cut guard hair and damage skin, so tool choice and pressure matter as much as the tool itself.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club, grooming guidance
- Grooming safety guidance, tool use