Have you ever brushed your dog and felt like you were buried in fur? I sure have—especially with my husky mix. He sheds like it’s a full-time job! That’s when I knew I had to learn how to groom a dog with an undercoat. These dogs need more than a quick brush. The undercoat traps heat, dirt, and loose hair. If we skip it, it can cause mats and skin problems. Over time, I’ve found what works—simple tools, calm steps, and a bit of patience. In this post, I’ll show you how to groom a dog with an undercoat step by step, based on what I’ve learned from real life. Let’s make grooming easier for both you and your dog!

What Is an Undercoat in Dogs?

Ever seen your dog’s fur fly all over the house in spring or fall? That’s their undercoat shedding. The undercoat is a soft, thick layer of fur under the top coat. It acts like a cozy sweater in winter and sheds when it gets warm.

Dogs like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds all have this layer. These undercoat dog breeds were built for cold weather. Their fur helps them stay warm and dry. But when the seasons change, their body tells them to let it go.

My husky mix sheds in chunks twice a year. It’s like a fur storm hit my living room! At first, I thought something was wrong. But it was just his undercoat saying, “Winter’s over.”

Quick Answer: The undercoat is the soft fur beneath the top layer. It keeps your dog warm and sheds with the seasons.

Why Remove a Dog’s Undercoat?

The first time I brushed out my husky mix’s undercoat, I was shocked. It was like pulling clouds out of his fur. I had no idea so much fluff could hide in there.

Dogs with thick coats shed. But that soft fur under the top layer? It doesn’t always fall out on its own. It gets stuck. And when it does, it can cause big problems.

Why remove a dog’s undercoat?

Because it keeps your dog healthy—and your home cleaner.

Here are three big reasons:

Stops mats and itch

When fur piles up, it twists and tangles. This pulls at the skin. It hurts. It also traps dirt and moisture, which can lead to rashes.

Helps cool them down

That thick layer traps heat. Taking it out lets air reach the skin. My dog started sleeping better after I groomed him in spring.

Less fur on your floor

No more fur tumbleweeds rolling around the house. Grooming cuts the mess down a lot.

After I started brushing out his undercoat, my dog seemed lighter. Not just in fur—but in mood. He stopped scratching. His coat looked smooth and clean. I swear he smiled more!

Even vets agree. The American Kennel Club says grooming the undercoat helps dogs feel better and stay cool in warm months.

Pro tip: If your dog pants a lot inside, check their undercoat. It might be time for a good rake.

Undercoat Dog Breeds That Need Regular Grooming

If you live with a fluffy dog, you know the deal. One day your couch is fine. The next, it’s covered in fur. When my German Shepherd shed in spring, it looked like a snowstorm hit the house!

Dogs with an undercoat have two layers of fur. The top layer keeps dirt and water out. The soft undercoat keeps them warm. In warm weather, they shed this layer. But they can’t do it all alone.

If you don’t brush the undercoat, it gets tangled. It traps heat and makes your dog itchy. That’s why grooming matters so much.

Here are some common dogs with undercoats:

Siberian Husky – Sheds twice a year. Brush once a week or more.
Golden Retriever – Needs brushing every few days.
German Shepherd – Blows coat in spring and fall.
Australian Shepherd – Thick coat needs weekly brushing.
Samoyed – Super fluffy! Needs extra care.
Malamute, Chow Chow, Akita, Border Collie – All need regular grooming.

How to Groom a Dog with an Undercoat Step by Step

Grooming a dog with an undercoat is easy once you know how. I’ll show you how to do it step by step.

Step 1 – Gather the Right Tools

Before you start, get the right tools. This will make grooming easier.

You’ll need:

Undercoat rake – for deep fur.
Slicker brush – to remove tangles.
De-shedding tool – to catch loose fur.
Shampoo – use a gentle one, like de-shedding shampoo.
Dryer or towel – a high-velocity dryer helps, but a towel works too.

Step 2 – Bathe Your Dog Thoroughly

Baths help remove dirt and loosen the undercoat.

Here’s how:

Wet your dog with warm water.
Apply de-shedding shampoo.
Gently massage it into the fur.
Rinse thoroughly.

Step 3 – Drying and De-Shedding

Drying your dog removes loose fur.

Two ways to dry:
High-velocity dryer: It blows out water and loose fur.
Towel drying: Gently pat, don’t rub.

Step 4 – Brushing and Raking the Undercoat

Now you’re ready to remove the undercoat.

My method:

Start at the neck and go down.
Brush with the fur, not against it.
Use light pressure.
Don’t forget the belly and chest.

Step 5 – Post-Grooming Care

Once you’re done, check your dog’s skin. You want to make sure there’s no irritation.

What I do:

Check for redness or bumps. If you see any, use a soothing spray.
Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep the coat soft.
Clean up the fur!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grooming Undercoat Breeds

Grooming an undercoat dog can get messy. I’ve made mistakes. You probably have too. That’s okay—we learn as we go.

Let me share the big ones to avoid. These tips will save your dog’s skin and your sanity.

Mistake #1: Shaving the Undercoat

I get why people do it. It’s hot. Their dog looks too fluffy. But shaving does more harm than good. The undercoat works like nature’s AC. It keeps your dog cool in summer and warm in winter.

Once, someone told me to shave my husky. I almost did. But I checked with my vet first. She said no way! Shaving can cause sunburn and ruin the coat.

Mistake #2: Brushing Too Much

I used to brush my dog every day. I thought it would stop the shedding. But I was wrong. My dog started pulling away. That’s when I noticed red spots on his belly.

Brushing should be gentle. And not too often. Rakes and metal tools can scratch the skin if you’re not careful.

Rule of thumb: A few times a week is plenty—unless it’s shedding season.

Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Tools

Not all brushes go deep enough. Some only grab the top coat. That means the undercoat stays packed in. I learned this the hard way with my German Shepherd. The shedding never stopped—until I got a rake.

Mistake #4: Skipping Seasonal Grooming

In spring and fall, undercoat dogs “blow” their coat. It comes out in clumps. If you miss those weeks, fur builds up fast. Mats form. Skin can’t breathe. Your dog gets hot—and itchy.

I learned to mark my calendar. Now I brush more often when the seasons shift. It helps a lot.

Simple fix: Groom more during shedding. Less clean-up later.

More Article

Personal Tips and Tricks for Easier Grooming

Grooming a dog with an undercoat can feel like a lot. But with the right tips, it gets easier—and even fun.

Make a simple routine

Dogs love habits. So do we. I brush my husky mix every Sunday after breakfast. Same time. Same spot. At first, he ran away. Now he rolls over like it’s a spa day.

Quick tip: Pick one calm day a week. Stick to it. It helps both of you relax.

Got a dog that hates grooming? Start small

My friend’s Aussie would hide at the sight of a brush. So we made it a game. Day one: touch the brush, give a treat. Day two: one brush stroke, treat again. By week two, no more fear.

One time, I made it snow (sort of)

Once, I brushed my husky outside on a windy day. Big mistake! Fur flew everywhere. A neighbor laughed and said, “Is it snowing?” We both cracked up. Now I always check the weather first.

Don’t stress—just do your best

Some days will go smooth. Others won’t. That’s okay. Your dog feels your mood. Stay calm. Be gentle. Stop if needed. What matters is that you keep trying.

FAQs

What happens if you don’t groom a dog’s undercoat?

Mats form fast. They trap dirt and heat. This can hurt your dog’s skin and make it itch.

Can you shave a dog with an undercoat?

No. Shaving ruins the coat. It won’t grow back right and won’t protect from sun or cold.

How often should I groom my undercoat dog?

Brush once a week. If it sheds a lot, brush each day to stop tangles and keep fur neat.

What’s the best brush for undercoat removal?

Use a slicker brush or rake. Both pull out loose fur and stop mats before they start.

Do all dogs have an undercoat?

No. Dogs like huskies do. Dogs like poodles don’t. Check your breed to be sure.

Last Thought

Grooming a dog with an undercoat isn’t always easy—but it’s worth it.

When I first started, I had no clue what I was doing. My husky mix looked like a walking puffball. Now? Grooming feels more like a bonding moment. It keeps him cool, clean, and way more comfy. And my floors? Way less hairy. If you’ve got a dog with an undercoat, try the steps we covered. Take your time. Be patient. You’ll both get the hang of it.

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present. Trust me, your dog can tell the difference.

Got a fluffy buddy at home? Share your grooming story in the comments! I’d love to hear how it’s going—or help if you get stuck.

How to Groom a Dog With an Undercoat