Many dogs have a double coat. This type of coat helps them regulate body temperature. It also protects their skin. When seasons change, double-coated dogs often shed more. This is called a “coat blow.” Regular, correct brushing is important during these times. It helps remove the loose undercoat and keeps your dog comfortable.
Understanding Your Dog’s Double Coat
A double coat has two layers. The outer layer is made of guard hairs. These hairs are longer and coarser. They protect your dog from elements like sun, rain, and snow. The inner layer is the undercoat. This layer is soft and dense. It provides insulation, keeping your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. During seasonal changes, your dog will shed their old undercoat. This makes way for a new coat suited for the coming weather. If this loose hair is not removed, it can tangle. It can also cause skin irritation.
The Right Tools for Managing Shedding
Having the correct tools makes brushing much easier and more effective. For double coats, you need brushes that can reach deep into the undercoat without harming the guard hairs or scratching the skin. You can explore all our tools on the Grooming Tools page.
- Slicker Brushes: These brushes have fine, short wires packed closely together on a flat surface. They are excellent for removing loose undercoat and detangling. For larger dogs or broad areas, the Big Size Metallic Brush is a good choice. For smaller dogs or more intricate areas, the Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines is helpful. Its extra-long tines reach through dense coats.
- Professional Combs: After brushing, a good comb helps check for any missed tangles. The large comb from Professional Combs can be run from root to tip. This ensures the coat is free of knots.
A Step-by-Step Brushing Routine
Brushing a double coat takes time and patience. Here is a routine to follow:
- Prepare the Coat: Before you start brushing, lightly mist your dog’s coat with a hydrating spray. Fortaleza Spray is a light leave-in hydration spray. It is also an everyday maintenance spray between baths. It helps to moisten the coat slightly and can make detangling easier.
- Section the Coat: Work in small sections. Start at the bottom of a leg or flank. Gently hold the top layer of hair up. This exposes the undercoat beneath. This method lets you focus on one area at a time.
- Brush from the Skin Out: Use your slicker brush. Brush in the direction of hair growth. Start at the skin and work your way out. Be gentle but firm enough to get through the undercoat. You should see loose hair coming out with each stroke. Make sure you are not just skimming the surface of the top coat. Continue until all loose hair is removed from that section.
- Check for Mats: After brushing a section, run your fingers through the coat. Feel for any mats or tangles. If you find any, work them out gently with the slicker brush, or use the wide-tooth side of a Professional Combs if needed.
- Repeat: Move to the next section. Continue this process over your dog’s entire body. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting. These include behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
- Final Comb Through: Once you have brushed the entire coat, use the large comb from Professional Combs. Run it from root to tip. This ensures no small knots were missed. It also helps distribute natural oils.
Handling Seasonal Coat Blows
Seasonal shedding, or a “coat blow,” means a lot more loose hair. You may need to brush your dog daily during these times. Consistent brushing helps prevent mats. It also keeps your dog’s skin healthy. The goal is to remove the shedding undercoat before it can cause problems. Keep your brushing sessions regular. This will make the process less overwhelming for both you and your dog.
What you need
- Big Size Metallic Brush: used for brushing large areas of coat and bigger dogs.
- Small Size Metallic Brush with Extra Long Tines: used for brushing smaller areas or reaching dense parts of the coat.
- Professional Combs: used for detangling and checking for knots after brushing.
- Fortaleza Spray: used to prepare the coat and condition between baths.
For a routine built for your pet’s specific needs, visit our Grooming Advisor page.