JW Gripsoft Undercoat Rake

Undercoat rakes are a particular type of brush designed to remove dead coats and fur lint from double-coated breeds of dogs. These rakes are also helpful for dogs that have a very heavy coat or a rustic coat. However, undercoat rakes have small, sharp, and curved blades set together to remove undercoats, which can harm the skin of your dog if not used properly. This is what raises the concern of whether they are bad for dogs. They are actually helpful and not harmful if used with caution. On some coat types, undercoat rakes will cut the topcoat while removing the undercoat, especially in heavy-coated dogs. For this reason, despite the blades being curved, you'll have to be cautious of how much pressure to put while brushing through the coat so as to not injure the skin. This is especially important for thin and exposed skin like genitals, ear junctions, armpits, and flanks.

Before understanding what an undercoat rake is, you must first know what an undercoat is. The fluff that you see on your favorite black dress or ones that land in your dinner is part of your dog's undercoat. It's a soft fur that provides the fluff that you love to your dog's coat. This is the coat that sheds and has the potential to mat. It's advised to brush this coat regularly to reduce shedding and unwanted fur ending up in undesired places. The best tool to maintain a pristine undercoat is an undercoat rake. While we now have many modern gadgets and tools, the good old undercoat rake is still one of the most effective tools for removing the dead coat, debris, and fur lint. These rakes have curved metal teeth bunched closed together to grab and remove the dead hair. While they come in all pin sizes, it's best to shorter tooth length for your rake to avoid any damage to the sensitive skin of the dog. The shorter tooth undercoat rakes work well even for long-haired breeds, especially if you brush one small section at a time.

In case you are considering shaving your dog down to the skin, don't. Dogs that have double coats usually have the undercoat protecting them from elements. By removing the undercoat, you devoid them of the natural protection that the coat provides. You'll be exposing your dog to bug bites, sunburns, and other common skin irritation. However, the undercoat needs maintenance and care to do its job correctly. It's advised to remove dead undercoats from your dog's fur to keep them cooler and reduce shedding. However, you'll need a specific brush for this purpose. An undercoat rake is a perfect tool to eliminate the tufts of dead undercoats and fur lint. These rakes have sharp and curved teeth to remove any debris and dead undercoat from your dog's body. However, extreme precaution must be practiced when using an undercoat rake, so you don't end up damaging your dog's skin.

An undercoat rake bypasses the topcoat to brush out the loose, dirty, and tangled fur underneath. Since an undercoat rake is different from a stripping rake, it can be part of the regular grooming care for your dog. Pet parents with dogs having thick undercoats can use it as often as daily, whereas dogs with thin undercoats will need it once or twice a week. Make sure not to overdo it, as dogs have very sensitive skin. Using the rake more than once a day or brushing the same spot again and again will cause hot spots or itching, which will make your dog uncomfortable and resist grooming. On the other hand, gentle and regular grooming will keep your dog's undercoat pristine, leading to less shedding and skin irritations.

An undercoat rake can be a critical part of your dog's routine care. However, you need to remember that rakes are sharp de-shedding tools, which might irritate your dog's skin if used too much. Care must be taken to ensure that you don't put too much pressure while brushing and don't pull too violently when encountering a knot or a tangled mat. Additionally, it would be best to brush small sections of the body at a time gently. Using an undercoat rake more than once a day and too many times on the same spot will cause hot spots, which are highly uncomfortable for dogs.

Yes, undercoat rakes are recommended for short-haired dogs. There are two types of rakes available - standard and undercoat. The standard rake looks like a mini garden rake with wide gaps between teeth, ideal for long-haired canines. On the other hand, the undercoat rake is designed for short-haired dogs and has sharp, curved blades. The undercoat rake is designed to remove mats and dead undercoats.