If you own a double-coated breed—like a Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, or German Shepherd—you already know the shedding never really stops. These dogs have two layers of fur: a soft insulating undercoat and a protective topcoat. While stunning, this coat requires regular grooming to avoid matting, overheating, or even skin infections.
In this post, we’ll break down the five best grooming tools for double-coated dogs, explain how they work, and offer grooming tips that make coat maintenance easier for both pets and their humans.
Deshedding gloves are gentle, effective, and great for bonding with your double-coated dog during grooming.
What Makes Double-Coated Breeds Unique?
Dogs with double coats have two distinct layers:
- Topcoat (guard hairs): Repels water, dirt, and provides sun protection.
- Undercoat: Thick, soft fur that insulates during cold or hot seasons.
During shedding seasons (spring and fall), the undercoat "blows out," leaving piles of loose fur around your house—and potentially forming mats if not managed properly.
Top 5 Grooming Tools for Double-Coated Dogs
1. Undercoat Rake
An undercoat rake is your first line of defense. It’s designed to reach deep into the undercoat without cutting or damaging the topcoat.
Why it’s essential:
- Removes dead undercoat fur quickly
- Prevents matting and hotspots
- Helps reduce shedding by 60–80%
Pro Tip: Look for rakes with long, rounded pins to avoid irritating your dog’s skin.
2. Pumpkin Deep Cleaning Pet Brush
Pumpkin Deep Cleaning Pet Brush is perfect for finishing after the undercoat rake. It removes surface tangles and gives the coat a polished look.
Best for:
- Detangling topcoat
- Smoothing outer fur after deshedding
- Getting rid of smaller loose hairs
Caution: Use light strokes—especially around sensitive areas like the neck and belly—to avoid brush burn.
The Pumpkin Brush glides through thick undercoats, making it perfect for deshedding double-coated dogs.
3. Dematting Tool
If your dog develops thick mats—especially around the ears, collar area, or hindquarters—a dematting comb is your best friend.
Why it works:
- Blades cut through mats without pulling
- Saves time and stress compared to scissors
- Prevents skin infections caused by trapped moisture
Read more:
How to Prevent Matting Under Dog Collars
4. Grooming Gloves
Grooming gloves like GauGauPet’s Upgrade Pet Grooming Gloves are a gentle way to remove loose fur while giving your dog a massage.
Ideal for:
- Nervous or elderly dogs
- Quick daily grooming
- Cleaning up after a heavy brushing session
Why we recommend them:
- Washable and reusable
- Can be used wet or dry
- Great for bonding while grooming
Read more:
What Are the Best Grooming Tools for Short-Haired Dogs?
Grooming gloves easily collect loose undercoat fur while providing a gentle massage your dog will love.
5. Pup Jet – High-Pressure Bathing & Deshedding Tool
The Pup Jet isn’t just a dog shower tool—it’s a powerful pre-grooming solution for double-coated breeds. By delivering water deep into the undercoat, it loosens trapped fur, dirt, and dander, making brushing far more effective afterward.
Best for:
-
Breeds like Huskies, Akitas, and Golden Retrievers
-
Heavy shedding during spring and fall transitions
-
Prepping thick coats before using a deshedding brush
Why it’s better:
Unlike bladed tools that risk damaging the coat if overused, the Pup Jet gently lifts undercoat hair without pulling, while massaging the skin and ensuring a deep clean.
Use the Pup Jet to loosen undercoat hair and deep-clean thick fur before brushing.
Bonus Tips for Grooming Double-Coated Dogs
Grooming Frequency
- Brushing: 2–3 times/week
- Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks (use deshedding shampoo)
- Professional grooming: Every 3–4 months
Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog
Shaving can cause permanent coat damage, reduce natural insulation, and increase risk of sunburn. Stick to regular brushing instead.
Set a Routine Early
Start grooming early in your dog’s life to build positive associations. Keep sessions short and reward with treats.
Rotate Tools Based on Coat Condition
Use different tools depending on your dog’s coat length, shedding stage, and comfort level.
Example Routine:
1. Undercoat rake →
2. Dematting tool (if needed) →
3. Slicker brush →
4. Grooming glove for finishing
FAQs
Can I use a human brush on my double-coated dog?
No—human brushes don’t reach the undercoat and can cause pain or break the fur.
Is shedding worse during specific seasons?
Yes—spring and fall are major shedding periods, also known as "coat blowing."
Can I bathe my dog without brushing first?
It’s best to brush before bathing to remove loose fur and prevent mats when the coat dries.
Conclusion
Grooming a double-coated dog doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right tools—from undercoat rakes to grooming gloves—you can keep your pet’s coat healthy, your home cleaner, and your bond stronger.
Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or a first-time owner of a floofy breed, investing in high-quality grooming tools for double-coated dogs is the key to year-round comfort.
Ready to tackle shedding season? Explore GauGauPet’s grooming collection and upgrade your toolkit today.
Read more: