Twice a year, an Alaskan Malamute will "blow" their undercoat. It is an event of epic proportions. If you aren't prepared, your house will quickly disappear under a layer of fur. Here is how to survive it.
What is a Coat Blow?
Malamutes have a double coat. In the spring, they shed their dense winter undercoat to prepare for warmer weather. In the fall, they shed their summer coat to make room for a thicker winter one. Unlike normal daily shedding, a coat blow happens rapidly over 2-4 weeks, where the undercoat comes out in massive clumps.
The Essential Arsenal
You cannot manage a coat blow with a normal dog brush. You need specialized tools:
1. Undercoat Rake: The MVP. It has long, widely spaced metal teeth that reach past the guard hairs to pull out the dead undercoat.
2. High-Velocity Dryer: Used by professional groomers, this blasts the loose fur right off the dog (do this outside!).
3. Slicker Brush: For finishing the coat and grabbing the finer hairs.
The Process
During a blow, you must brush daily. Start with the undercoat rake, working systematically from the neck down to the tail. A warm bath can help loosen stubborn fur, but you must dry them completely with the high-velocity dryer, which will ironically cause a massive fur snowstorm in your yard. Finish with the slicker brush.
Embrace the Fur
Accept that during these weeks, you will find fur in your coffee, woven into your clothes, and drifting like tumbleweeds across your floor. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner, be patient, and remember that this incredible coat is what makes your Malamute so majestic the rest of the year.