How to Use an Undercoat Rake Without Irritating Skin

By UPCO Pet Supplies | Small Business Pet Shop in St. Joseph MO | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: How-to Guides

Learn a safe undercoat rake technique to remove loose fur without scraping skin. Follow these steps for double row undercoat rake use and better deshedding results.

Quick answer

Use an undercoat rake with light, short strokes that follow the coat's natural direction, and stop at the first sign of redness or flinching. The goal is to lift loose undercoat, not to scrape the skin.

Why a double row rake needs a lighter touch

A double row undercoat rake has two rows of rotating pins that reach deep into dense coats. That design removes a lot of loose undercoat quickly, but it also means more pin contact per stroke. If you press hard or use long, dragging pulls, the pins can scratch skin even when they are rotating freely.

The trade-off is speed versus control. You can cover a large dog faster with a double row rake, but you need to keep strokes short and check the skin often. For dogs with sensitive skin or thin coats, a single row rake or a softer slicker brush may be a better starting point.

Step-by-step: safe undercoat rake technique

Start with a calm, mat-free coat: Brush out any tangles or mats with a slicker or comb first. Work in a quiet spot and let your dog settle before you bring out the rake. Never rake over a mat; the pins will pull skin and cause pain.
Section the coat and work small areas: Use one hand to part the fur in sections no wider than the rake head. Work one section at a time so you can see the skin underneath. If you cannot see the skin, you are working too fast or too deep.
Use short, light strokes in the direction of hair growth: Lay the rake flat against the coat and pull gently for 2–3 inches at a time. Let the pins rotate; do not press down or dig into the coat. Light pressure is enough; if the rake drags, you are pressing too hard.
Check the skin after every few strokes: Part the fur and look for redness, scratches, or flinching. If you see any, stop and switch to a softer tool or give your dog a break. Redness means stop immediately, even if there is still loose fur.
Limit sessions to 10–15 minutes: Short sessions are easier on skin and patience. For heavy shedding, repeat every few days rather than trying to finish in one sitting. Consistency beats marathon grooming sessions.
Clean the rake and reward your dog: Remove collected fur from the pins after each section. End with praise or a treat so grooming stays positive. A clean rake works more gently and efficiently.

Product facts

Safari Double Row Undercoat Rake: Dual rows of rotating pins penetrate dense coats to remove loose undercoat while remaining gentle on skin. Rotating pins are designed to glide rather than dig, so you can work through thick undercoat with less pressure and fewer passes.
Safari Double Row Undercoat Rake