Double Coated Dog Grooming Essentials and Tips

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Posted Oct 23, 2024

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Dog Groomer Brushing a Dog
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Double coated dog grooming requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their thick undercoat. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs.

Double coated dogs have two layers of fur: a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Brushing in the direction of the fur growth is essential to prevent matting and tangling.

Brushing your double coated dog daily can help distribute skin oils and prevent dry skin. This is especially important during shedding season when their undercoat is most active.

Recommended read: Are Shih Tzus Double Coated

Understanding Double Coated Dogs

Double coated dogs have two layers of fur: a soft undercoat and a coarser outercoat.

Their unique coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding season.

Double coated dogs shed heavily, with some breeds shedding up to 3 times a year.

This heavy shedding is a result of their undercoat, which grows rapidly and needs to be removed regularly.

Their outercoat, on the other hand, is designed to repel water and protect them from the elements.

Credit: youtube.com, How to care for your DOGS Double Coat-Dogs that have a double coat!

Regular brushing can help to remove loose hair and prevent matting, making it an essential part of their grooming routine.

Double coated dogs need to be brushed daily, especially during shedding season, to prevent matting and tangling.

Their coat type also requires regular bathing, ideally every 2-3 months, to keep them clean and healthy.

Regular grooming can also help to prevent skin problems and reduce shedding.

Grooming Tools

The right grooming tools can make a huge difference in the grooming process for double coated dogs. A quality grooming rake is essential, as it helps to remove the undercoat and prevent matting. The Oster grooming rake works like a charm, and it's essential to brush until your pup feels nice and smooth.

For everyday brushing, the Original Series Oval Brush from Chris Christensen is a great option. It's designed to get down into the fur, unlike human hairbrushes that just slide across the top. This brush is also great for maintenance and works well on "bloomers" around the back end.

A slicker brush is also a must-have for removing dead or loose outer coat and preventing matting in the pantaloons area. The Hertzko's Self Cleaning Slicker Brush is a favorite among many dog owners, and the Groom Genie is also a great tool for keeping pantaloons mat-free.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Grooming Great Pyrenees

Start with a Quality Rake

Credit: youtube.com, Master Grooming Tools Ergonomic Undercoat Rakes | Efficient Dog Grooming with Long Pins

A quality rake is essential for grooming, and I've found that the Oster grooming rake works like a charm.

The undercoat is the longest part of the grooming process, taking about 15 minutes to brush through, especially if your dog is double coated and has matted fur.

Brushing until your pup feels nice and smooth is the goal, and a good rake will help you achieve this.

Raking out the undercoat is a crucial step, and it's best to do it regularly, ideally 2-3 times a week, to prevent matting and tangling.

The rake can also be used for minor matting, but be gentle and careful not to pull skin.

For thicker fur areas, such as the bloomers, a rake may not be the best tool, and other methods, like using a pin brush or a slicker brush, may be more effective.

I've found that a good rake is worth the investment, and it will make the grooming process much easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Intriguing read: Best Dog Grooming Schools

Electric Clippers

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Electric clippers are a must-have for any serious dog groomer, especially for breeds like the Great Pyrenees that have double dewclaws.

They're essential for cutting off mats that are too thick for other tools to get through, as I've experienced with my farm dog's long feathers on her front legs.

Rechargeable clippers are a good option because they're more powerful than regular clippers.

I've found that electric clippers are noisier than expected, which can be a problem for some dogs.

For example, one of my dogs is afraid of the noise they make, so I'm looking for a quieter option for my next set.

It's worth noting that nail clippers are a separate tool, and they're especially important for dogs with double dewclaws that grow quickly.

They need to be trimmed every few months, and I only take off a small amount, about 1/8 inch.

Grooming Techniques

For double coated dogs, regular brushing is essential to prevent matting and tangling of their thick coats. Brushing should be done daily to prevent matting, especially around the armpits and behind the ears.

Credit: youtube.com, Grooming tips for dogs with double coats - Expert Advice | S3 Ep 8 | Pooches at Play

The best brushes for double coated dogs are those with flexible pins or slicker brushes that gently tease out tangles without causing breakage. These types of brushes are particularly effective for the thick undercoat.

By brushing your double coated dog regularly, you can reduce shedding and prevent hair from getting all over your home.

Important to Groom

Grooming is a crucial part of a dog's overall health and well-being. Regular grooming can help prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful and even lead to skin infections.

Raking out the undercoat is a long process, but it's essential for keeping your dog's coat healthy and looking its best. Aim to brush your dog two to three times a week, and expect it to take around 15 minutes.

The Oster grooming rake is a great tool for raking out the undercoat, making it feel smooth and lumpy-free. Brushing your dog regularly will also help prevent loose fur from accumulating.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Cut a Dog's Hair? 🐶 BASIC GROOMING Tutorial

Mats can be a problem, especially in areas like the bloomers and behind the ears. A de-matting comb can be a lifesaver in these situations, breaking down mats so they can be brushed out.

Using a rotating pin comb is also a great option for tackling mats, especially in areas that are hard to reach. This comb's spinning pins are gentler on the skin and do a great job of breaking up tangles and mats.

It's also essential to use a brush that's designed for everyday grooming. The Original Series Oval Brush from Chris Christensen is a great option, as it's gentle on the skin and gets down into the fur to remove tangles and mats.

A pin brush can be used to create a sleek finish, especially around the face where the fur is thinner. It's also great for gliding through any tangles you may have missed with a rake or comb.

On a similar theme: Pin Brush for Dog Grooming

Clippers

Credit: youtube.com, how to properly use a dog clipper to give your dog a haircut

Nail clippers are a must-have, especially for Great Pyrenees with double dewclaws that grow quickly.

Those claws need to be trimmed every few months, and it's best to take off only a small amount, about 1/8 inch, to avoid any issues.

I've seen a dewclaw grow so long it curved around and grew into the pad – it wasn't pretty.

Regularly checking all four claws at least once a month can help prevent such problems.

Rechargeable clippers can be very useful for cutting off mats that are too thick for other tools to get through.

However, be aware that they can be noisy, and some dogs may be afraid of them due to the noise.

For my farm dog, I found that using clippers to whisk off mats on her front legs was the simplest and safest method, especially when combined with a tasty distraction like kibble.

Frequently Asked Questions

What not to do with double coated dogs?

Don't shave your double-coated dog, as it can disrupt their natural temperature regulation. Shaving can actually make them more uncomfortable in hot weather, not less

How often should a double coated dog be bathed?

Bath your double coated dog every 8-12 weeks, or more often in warmer months when shedding is heavy. Regular bathing helps maintain their coat and overall health.

Why can't double coated dogs be shaved?

Double-coated dogs can't be shaved because it removes their protective layer, leaving them vulnerable to temperature, parasites, sun damage, and wind. Shaving also damages their coat, which doesn't regrow in the same way.

Is it okay to trim a double coated dog?

Trimming a double-coated dog can be problematic, as it can confuse their body and lead to post clipping alopecia. It's generally recommended to brush out their undercoat instead of cutting it

Which drying method is best for a double coated dog?

For double-coated dogs, a velocity dryer is recommended to effectively remove loose undercoat hair. This specialized dryer is more effective than brushing alone.

Shane Gislason

Assigning Editor

Shane Gislason is a seasoned editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With over a decade of experience in publishing, he has honed his skills in assigning stories and managing editorial teams. As an accomplished Assigning Editor, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked on numerous high-profile projects and publications.