frequently asked questions

The Coat Tender is a safe, non-aggressive pet carding tool designed to remove loose coat, undercoat and coat that is at the end of its lifecycle within the hair follicle. It can be used on dogs and several other pets.

Carding is a grooming technique used by professional dog groomers and dog show handlers to effectively remove the undercoat from shedding dog breeds. Learn More

Comb or brush the coat to separate the hair stands. Hold skin slightly taught while combing through the body of the pet. Be sure that the blade is engaged within the coat. Always use the Coat Tender following the natural lay of the coat. Feeling resistance is the indication that there is undercoat to be removed. Once the Coat Tender glides through the coat effortlessly, the undercoat has been successfully removed. Following up with the Fine Coat Tender will ensure the undercoat has been removed. Not intended for legs or heads unless it is being used by a professional.

The Coat Tender is a carding tool that can be used on breeds that have undercoat and/or short coated shedding breeds. See our Breed Pairing Guide for recommendations on blade type. Terriers, Spaniels, Setters and similar breeds that carry a shorter jacket and require the undercoat to be removed are the breeds that are carded. Carding is not meant for heavy double-coated breeds that need to be deshedded. The Coat Tender should not be used on pets that do not shed. Examples of non-shedding breeds: Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzu etc.

The Coat Tender should be used when shedding is evident. Most double-coated breeds shed profusely in the Spring. The Coat Tender can be used weekly if the pet requires it. When resistance is felt while using the Coat Tender, undercoat is present and is ready to be removed. Once the undercoat is removed the Coat Tender will glide through the coat effortlessly.

Yes! We are excited to share that Coat Tender has been awarded the Barkleigh Honors "New Product of the Year" for 2024!

This esteemed recognition highlights our dedication to innovation in the pet grooming industry. Coat Tender was crafted to simplify carding for groomers and pet owners while ensuring pets' comfort and well-being. This award is a testament to its effectiveness. We're grateful to everyone who has supported us, and we look forward to continuing to provide top-notch grooming solutions for professionals everywhere!

We are proud to say that the Coat Tender is manufactured and packaged in the USA!

Many professional groomers and dog show handlers use carding techniques before hand-stripping. This is the preliminary work before the hand-stripping process. Carding techniques will pull out the coat that is at the end of its life cycle within the hair follicle. The Coat Tender should be used for this process, followed by hand-stripping.

A brush will remove loose coat but will not remove the coat that is at the end of its life cycle within the hair follicle. The Coat Tender is designed with grooves, which the coat is channeled through, pulling out the coat which is ready to be released. A combination of the proper brush and the Coat Tender will keep your pet’s coat in top condition.

NO! The Coat Tender's inline handle makes it ambidextrous (that's fancy for "it can be used by righty and lefty users!"), and the preset angle ensures proper technique.

Carding knives, used for decades, are available only for either specifically right-handed or left-handed users and must be held and used at the proper angle to effectively remove the coat. The Coat Tender truly is the ultimate carding tool. It features a patented, user-friendly design suitable for all skill levels and both right-handed and left-handed users.

The Coat Tender removes undercoat and loose coat. This will allow the skin to breath and become healthier. The removal of coat within the hair follicle will also help spread the natural oils from the follicle throughout the pet’s skin which, in turn, creates healthier skin and coat.

The Coat Tender has a unique patented pre-set angle. This makes carding techniques extremely easy regardless of skill level. Always use the Coat Tender following the natural lay of the coat.

Carding and deshedding are very similar processes. They both remove undercoat and loose coat. A carding tool consists of teeth with grooves which grabs and removes the coat that has already been released from the follicle. It also removes coat that is at the end of its life cycle which is still within the hair follicle. A deshedding tool, like a rake or brush, will only remove loose coat.

The Coat Tender is made with a high-quality stainless-steel blade, manufactured in the USA.