Yes, dematting rakes work very well for removing mats and loose undercoat, especially for long-haired or double-coated breeds, but they must be used carefully with a light touch, often starting at the mat's edge and working inward or gently pulling apart tangles first, to avoid cutting the topcoat or irritating the skin, with some variants better for general de-shedding (undercoat rakes) and others specifically for tougher mats (dematting combs/rakes with blades).
The safety of dematting largely depends on the technique and tools used. Using the wrong tools or techniques can cause skin irritation, cuts, or even lead to more severe skin infections. To ensure safety: Use the Right Tools: Specific dematting tools designed for pet hair should be used to minimize harm.
A: No, it doesn't cut hair. It is basically a rake that grabs the loose hair to remove it. It does not hurt our dog at all. It works really well.
The #1 rule for grooming a dog is to prioritize the dog's safety and comfort, which means being gentle, patient, using appropriate tools, and creating a positive experience to build trust and prevent injuries or fear, as emphasized by professionals like Clipit Grooming, QC Pet Studies, and The Pets Workshop. This involves careful handling of tools like scissors and clippers, taking breaks, and recognizing when a dog has had enough.
We recommend using the FURminator deShedding Tool 1-2 times a week for 10-20 minutes each session. You may need to use the deShedding Tool more frequently during heavy shedding seasons. Before each use, you will want to read the deShedding Tool instructions completely. Also, your dog should be free of mats and tangles.
Too much force or focus on a specific area can lead to irritation called brush burn. Smooth-coated dogs should be brushed once or twice weekly.
First, I start with The Coat Handler Undercoat Control Deshedding Shampoo and really work it into the coat to penetrate the topcoat and get the skin clean. Once I have the dog lathered up and the shampoo is setting in, I take an Aaronco Rake Superior and start removing the undercoat or dead coat.
You should especially NEVER brush or comb a wet dog to detangle or demat the coat. Hair is technically at its weakest tensile state when it's saturated with water. Water breaks the hair's hydrogen bonds, making it more elastic but also more prone to breakage.
I prefer to use the oster rake for long-haired, thick coated dogs because it gets more hair out in one swipe than the furminator. Also, you can use the oster while your dog is damp. With the furminator your dog needs to be completely dry because the furminator could scratch your dogs skin.
The FURminator® Undercoat deShedding Tool should not be used on non-shedding breeds or on pets with particularly sensitive skin. Please consult a veterinarian if you are unsure if your pet has an undercoat.
Without daily care, mats grow larger and tighter, causing constant pulling on the dog's skin. This discomfort and pain often prompts behaviors like licking, itching or biting. These actions can potentially result in hot spots, skin infections and bruising forming on the dog's skin.
For many dogs, grooming can have a calming effect, especially when done in a gentle and soothing manner. Regular brushing, bathing, and handling release feel-good hormones like oxytocin, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Dogs that are more relaxed during the day are more likely to sleep better at night.
Veterinarians recognize chronically matted hair and strangulating hair mats in dogs as a medical finding in animal neglect. The current veterinary medical literature does not describe the bony (osseous) features of strangulating hair mats.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
The "3-3-3 dental rule" usually refers to two different things: a hygiene habit (brush 3x a day, 3 mins each, change brush every 3 months) or a temporary pain relief method for toothaches (3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better cleaning, while the pain rule manages inflammation until a dentist can be seen, but the medication rule requires caution and should be discussed with a doctor.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
The Benefits of a Deshedding Service
Comfort for Your Dog: Removing the excess undercoat helps your dog stay cool and comfortable during the warmer months. It allows air to circulate better through their coat, preventing heat buildup and reducing the risk of heat-related discomfort.
The hardest dogs to groom often have dense, curly, or corded coats that mat easily, like Poodles, Bichon Frises, Pulis, and Komondors, requiring constant brushing and specialized handling to prevent painful tangles and maintain their unique textures, with breeds like the Bergamasco Sheepdog considered exceptionally difficult due to their three-layer coat. Other challenging breeds include long-haired dogs like Afghan Hounds, large double-coated dogs such as Newfoundlands, and those with sensitive skin or temperaments like Shih Tzus and some Doodle mixes.
While the fall and spring months are peak shedding times for double-coated dogs, the exact months you can expect to find more hair around tend to vary depending on your dog's breed, age, sex, living environment, the weather, amount of daylight, nutrition, and health condition.
In dog grooming, FFF stands for "Face, Feet, and Fanny" (or "Fa... [lady bits]"), referring to a quick touch-up service that trims the hair around the dog's eyes (Face), paws (Feet), and sanitary area (Fanny) to keep them clean and tidy between full grooms. It's a popular add-on service to prevent mess and maintain hygiene in these key areas, especially for longer-haired breeds.
The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs refers to two main concepts: a potty training method for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision/reward) and the 80/10/10 guideline for raw feeding (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organ), both offering structure for training or diet. Another interpretation is the 10% rule for treats, limiting them to 10% of daily calories to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring most nutrition comes from complete dog food.
However, even the most well-intentioned dog owners can make grooming mistakes in their routine, such as over-bathing, leading to dry skin, or under-bathing, which can cause buildup of dirt and odors; using human products that can be harmful to a dog's skin; not drying their dog properly after baths, creating a breeding ...