Six undercoat rakes, together with a gift-worthy holiday bundle kit by We Love Doodles that will get your pet ready for the holidays! Reviewers say that these undercoat rakes work on all medium and long-haired dog breeds and deliver the best results cutting down grooming time by half.
Every dog needs regular grooming. If you neglect to groom your dog, he’ll suffer from matting, tangles, offensive skin odors, and excessive shedding. Regular brushing and bathing should become part of your routine with Fido.
Choosing the best grooming tools that are functional, safe, comfortable, and affordable helps mitigate shedding and painlessly remove loose fur without damaging the coat or skin.
Popular Holiday gift items for doggos from this list include:
- A Holiday gift bundle for dogs by We Love Doodles with organic shampoo and a slicker brush that will satisfy all your grooming needs.
- A We Love Doodles stainless steel scissor grooming kit with a comb you can’t go without. Perfect for touch-ups and all-around clipping.
- Red Oneisall dog cordless shaver clippers with low noise to get your pup ready for the holidays. This is a must-have with over 71,900 positive reviews if you love gifting.
- A gentle slicker brush for all Doodle fans for holiday brush-outs.
Best Undercoat Rake for Dogs
Each breed has unique grooming needs, and the best undercoat rake for dogs depends on your dog’s coat. Ask your veterinarian or groomer if you need to know more about your dog’s coat. In this buying guide, we’re going to show you our top picks for undercoat rakes.
You should use an undercoat rake once a week or more during heavy shedding. This rake will go through your dog’s fur to remove more undercoats. The right way to use an undercoat rake is with short strokes and medium pressure so you can get the most use from it.
A pin brush is a good choice for dogs with short coats, and slicker brushes work well for those with medium to long coats. They have fine wire bristles that penetrate the topcoat to remove loose hair and dirt. They also help to untangle mats and tangles.
The easiest way to determine which undercoat rake works best for your dog is to consult a professional groomer or veterinarian. They can help you choose the right tool for your dog’s individual needs and also help you to build up your very own grooming kit for at-home grooming.
Here are the top picks:
![Pet Dematting Comb for Dogs and Cats with Wood Handle, Deshedding Undercoat Rake for Dogs with Stainless Steel Blades, Dog Comb for Detangling Thinning and Shedding, All Hair Types [We Love Doodles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51QXyw3nKhL._SL160_.jpg)
- Pros
- Easily removes shedding hair
- Also can be used to remove tangles, knots, and mats
- Long pins can penetrate the undercoat
- Premium ergonomic wood handle
- Cons
- Only comes in a large size
This undercoat rake and dematting tool will help remove any excessive shedding fur as well as remove tangles from your dog’s coat. It comes with doubled sided with 34 stainless steel pins. Simply brush with one side and when it gets filled with fur, you can switch to the other side.
The dog rake also comes with a blade on the inside so it doesn’t pull or tug on your dog’s skin. It’s designed to easily remove fur from long hair or short hair dogs. Lastly, it comes with an ergonomic wood handle as well as a 100% satisfaction guarantee. It’s also priced very affordably at $15.
Features
- Large size with 34 pins
- Doubled sided design
- Removes shedding hair as well as tangles
- Ergonomic handle
- Pros
- Easy to use
- Safe and gentle on pets
- Deeply penetrates undercoats
- Easy to clean
- Ergonomic
- Suitable for medium-density coats
- Cons
- Not as effective with high-density coats
The Coastal Safari undercoat rake features a single-row rake design suited for dogs with medium and long hair. This grooming tool is crafted with precision tapered pins that delve deep into the undercoat to prevent matting and tangling.
It detangles fur, removes loose hair, and smooths the coat offering a pain-free experience with the rounded pins. Coastal Pet undercoat rake has over 2,000 positive reviews and maintains a healthy, beautiful coat. When paired with the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 hydrating shampoo free of chemicals, your pup will smell like lavender and feel silky soft.
Features
- Two sizes: small and medium
- Crafted with precision tapered pins
- Rounded pins for added comfort
- Over 2,000 positive reviews
- A single row of stainless steel pins
- For medium and long-haired dogs
- Pros
- Functional for dematting and deshedding
- Suitable for medium and large pets
- Easy to use
- Non-scratching nested blade
- Comfortable to use
- Cons
- More sizes needed
This dual-headed rake comes with 9- and 17-teeth sides, making it perfect for any coat type. The teeth are rounded to protect your pet’s skin, and the easy grip handle ensures a comfortable experience for you.
Plus, the rake comes with a paw tag keychain so that you can keep it with you on the go. Durable and long-lasting, this is the perfect tool for anyone with a furry friend at home! This product has over 35,000 positive reviews and is cat friendly.
Features
- Durable
- Two color options
- 2 -in 1 dematting and deshedding rake
- Ergonomic non-slip handle
- Affordable
- Rounded teeth
- Over 35,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Suitable for dematting and deshedding
- It does not hurt or damage skin and coat
- Effective and functional
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy and easy to hold with an ergonomic grip
- Slightly sharpened blades gently pull out dead hair
- Cons
- More sizes needed
The Maxpower Planet undercoat rake has over 37,700 positive reviews and comes in 7 colorways. We like this undercoat rake because it’s another dual-sided product with a 9/17 teeth combo that quickly and easily removes mats, tangles, and loose hair.
The takeaway with Maxpower is that it also has a non-slip rubber handle, making grooming safe and comfortable. The teeth are sharp yet rounded so they won’t cut into your pup’s skin.
Features
- Best value product
- 9/17 dual-sided teeth combo
- Efficiently reduces the amount of shedding at home
- Over 37,700 positive reviews
- Fun 7 color options
- Pros
- Patented wave pattern
- GMP Certified
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Suitable for cats, dogs, and horses
- Works well at getting at the undercoat
- Grabs at tips of hair without snagging
- Easy to use
- Lightweight at 4.50 ounces
- Cons
- Handle part could be more comfortable to hold
If you’re looking for an easy, painless way to remove loose fur, dirt, and dander from your dog’s coat, the SleekEZ Deshedding Grooming Tool does it all. This brush features a patented wave pattern blade specifically designed to gently brush away unwanted hair without snagging, making it a quick and easy process for you and your pup.
All you need to do is run the grooming tool through your dog’s coat and watch as the hair collects along the blade of teeth in tidy rows before falling to the ground. This ergonomic and easy-to-clean de-shedding tool is a must-have grooming tool for any pet parent. This product has over 37,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Three size options plus combo pack
- Over 37,000 positive reviews
- Stainless steel blade material
- Comprised of tiny teeth
- Oval design for optimal grip
- Metal wood design
- Stylish
- Affordable
- Pros
- Teeth don't damage the topcoat
- Delves deep into the undercoat
- Removes loose hair from shedding easily
- Affordable
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Reduces shedding by up to 90%
- Cons
- The ejector button may get stuck
The FURminator deShedding Tool for large dogs is a grooming tool that removes loose hair from your dog’s undercoat. It also reduces shedding by up to 90% when used regularly.
The stainless steel edge reaches through the topcoat to safely and efficiently remove loose hair, while the FURejector button easily releases hair. There are numerous sizes available for all dog breeds and different styles for long and short hair. This is a FURminator pet grooming product with over 35,500 positive reviews.
Features
- Three size options
- Crafted with edge guard
- Stainless steel teeth
- Numerous style options for short and long hair
- Ergonomic handle for easy use
- Curved edge to contour dog’s body
- FURejector button for fast clean
- Over 35,500 positive reviews
- Pros
- High quality
- Functional and safe
- Long-lasting and durable
- Easy to use with a comfortable handle
- Desheds easily
- Does not irritate the skin
- Cons
- Some may prefer another brand
The ShedZilla is an innovative and unique grooming tool that makes removing shedding fur quick, easy, and painless. This revolutionary patented design features stainless steel curved teeth to go deep into the coat. The smooth round edges provide a massaging action, and the non-slip grip handle allows for ease of use.
The ShedZilla™ does not cut or damage the topcoat or skin; it will not irritate your pet’s skin like other brushes or combs. This is a professional grooming tool that’s a favorite among groomers. There are numerous size options, and it’s an Oster pet grooming product.
Features
- Smooth round edges for safe grooming
- Ergonomic handle
- Suitable for all coat types
- Numerous size options
- Affordable
- An Oster pet grooming product
Is your dog’s excessive shedding a sign of illness?
Hair protects the skin, regulates body temperature with dogs, and insulates internal organs from heat and cold. Shedding is natural in pets, but excessive shedding can signify illness.
The amount of shedding that is “normal” will depend on many variables like your dog’s breed, physiology, genetics, and anatomy. Some breeds, like the Labrador Retriever, are heavy shedders. Akitas and German Shepherds also shed a lot.
PetMD explains that it’s essential to understand your pet’s baseline shedding and to brush your pet every day. This will improve circulation, remove excess hair and strengthen your bond with your dog. They also explain that the notion that long-haired breeds shed the most is a fallacy and add that “Shorthaired animals have denser coats and generally shed more, but the length of their hair makes it less noticeable.”
Causes of excessive shedding
There are many reasons for excessive shedding. PetMD says, “The number one reason for excessive shedding is a poor diet. Even though the food meets the minimum quality requirements, it may not have enough protein or nutrients for your pet.”
Suppose your dog is not suffering from allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities, and you’re feeding a high-quality diet. In that case, you should consider your grooming routine and the type of pet shampoo you’re using. Rinsing well is also key to a healthy coat. Other causes of excessive shedding include:
- Parasites like fleas, ticks, and mange mites
- Hormonal imbalances
- Tumors
- Other underlying diseases
- Stress at home
FAQ’s Best Undercoat Rake for Dogs
Can you brush a dog’s undercoat too much?
No, you cannot brush a dog’s undercoat too much. In fact, brushing is one of the best ways to reduce shedding and keep your dog’s coat healthy. Brushing distributes natural oils throughout the fur, which helps to keep the coat soft and shiny. It also helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in the fur.
VCA Animal Hospital adds that healthy skin should be supple and clear, not greasy, flaky, or bumpy. Good health and nutrition affect your dog’s coat, but regular grooming is just as important for skin and coat health. They add that dogs with double coats benefit from bathing when they are undergoing their seasonal shedding.
The takeaway with grooming is using the best brushes and products to keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Use pin brushes, slicker brushes, and undercoat rakes on double-coated dogs, and watch videos on how to groom properly to use the right brushes and not hurt your pet.
Differences between rakes and undercoat rakes
Both of these will remove undercoats, but they have different removal methods. The undercoat rake features small, sharp, curved blades set close together to remove the undercoat.
The undercoat rake can be used on wet and dry coats, and they remove fuzzy undercoats very quickly. Rakes are t-shaped with rounded pins that also pull out the undercoat, but you cannot sink the teeth too far into the undercoat, or you will hurt your pup.
The length and shape of rake teeth will differ as well. For example, on most rakes, you’ll find that the handle comes directly from the crossbar head with all the teeth.
Undercoat rakes and rakes must be used carefully without too much pressure. If you tug too firmly while grooming, you could hurt your dog.
How to use Oster Large Dog Undercoat Rake?
Video credit: Oster
Final thoughts
Undercoat rakes for dogs are essential for keeping your pup’s coat healthy and mat-free. The right undercoat rake will make grooming easier for you and your dog and can help reduce shedding.
When choosing an undercoat rake, consider the size of your dog, the length and thickness of their coat, and whether they have sensitive skin. Finding a rake that’s comfortable for you to use and that your dog enjoys. Grooming should feel good to your dog and allows you to examine the skin for bumps, irritations, and wounds.
Undercoat rakes can make a big difference in the health and appearance of your dog’s coat. With the right rake, you can help reduce shedding, keep your dog’s coat healthy, and make grooming easier for both of you.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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