How to Groom a Dog's Undercoat
Introduction
Many breeds of dogs such as Alaskan Malamutes, Old English Sheepdogs, and Huskies have a double coat to help them cope with the colder weather that is part of their native environment. While this may be perfectly normal for your pup, having this type of coat can make regular grooming a challenge.
Keeping his coat properly groomed will not only keep your pup looking his best, but it is an important part of your dog's health. Oh, and it will definitely increase the lifespan of your vacuum cleaner. You could pay a professional groomer, but this can get very expensive.
Dog's Perspective
Most dogs who have a heavy undercoat tend to shed, on average, twice each year. Once in the spring as they get rid of their heavy winter coat and once in the fall as they get rid of the lighter summer coat in order for their heavy winter coat to grow in. Even though your pup may do this, you still need to groom his undercoat on a regular basis, to help remove debris, dirt, fleas, and ticks. This also gives you time to looks for any injuries and to help your dog to stay healthy and happy.
The De-Matting Rake Method
The Every Brush Has a Purpose Method
Caution & Considerations
- Never use any products such as shampoos, conditioner, and detanglers intended for humans, as they can seriously injure your dog.
- Even if you do use dog shampoo, you need to make sure you thoroughly rinse it out of his coat as long-term exposure can cause rashes and other skin problems.
- Never shave your dog down to his skin unless your vet tells you it is necessary. Doing so can result in sunburn, dry skin, allergies, and numerous other skin conditions.
- While your pup is going through his twice-annual shed, you may want to brush him on a daily basis to help and to keep the amount of shed hair accumulating in your home to a minimum.
- Take your time and make the entire process fun for both of you, it will make grooming much easier.
- Talk to your vet about how often you should bathe your dog. Some, like Alaskan Malamutes, should only be bathed once or twice a year because bathing removes vital oils needed for a healthy and water-resistant coat.
Conclusion
Grooming your dog's undercoat and the rest of his coat can be challenging, but the results are more than worth the effort. Your dog will always look his best, and it gives you the opportunity to check him over for fleas, ticks, and injuries. Make grooming time a good time for both of you to bond, be sure to have a healthy supply of his favorite treats on hand to add to the fun and to use as rewards.
