Home Grooming Guide for Your Alaskan Malamute’s Double Coat

It’s that time of year again – the snow is melting, the air is getting milder, and your Alaskan Malamute is shedding like crazy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re wading through a sea of fur, you’re not alone. At Paws & Coats we get it, and we’ve put together a simple, step‑by‑step guide that you can do right at home. No fancy salon needed, just a few tools and a little patience.

Why Grooming Matters for a Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat that keeps them warm, and a longer, water‑repellent topcoat that protects them from the elements. When the undercoat comes out in the spring and fall, it can tangle, trap dirt, and even hide skin problems. Regular grooming helps:

• Keep the coat clean and shiny
• Reduce shedding around the house
• Spot ticks, hot spots, or skin irritation early

Think of grooming as a health check that you can do while you’re already holding your dog. At Paws & Coats we always say a quick brush is like a quick peek at the doctor’s notes.

For a broader look at seasonal shedding strategies, see our seasonal grooming checklist for Labrador Retrievers.

What You Need – The Simple Toolkit

You don’t need a whole garage full of equipment. Here’s the basic kit that works for most Malamutes:

All of these can be found at a local pet store or online. If you’re on a budget, the slicker brush and a good shampoo are enough to start.

Step 1 – Brush Before the Bath

Why brush first?

Brushing before you get your Malamute wet removes a lot of loose hair. If you bathe first, the hair gets wet, sticks together, and becomes harder to brush later.

How to do it

1. Sit on the floor with your dog on a non‑slip mat. Keep treats handy – a happy pup is a cooperative pup.
2. Start with the slicker brush on the outer coat. Work in the direction of hair growth, using short strokes. If you feel a snag, don’t yank. Hold the base of the hair near the skin and gently work it out.
3. Switch to the undercoat rake. This tool looks like a wide comb with teeth that are spaced a bit farther apart. Run it through the back, sides, and belly. You’ll see a lot of fur come off – that’s the undercoat shedding.
4. Give the tail and ears a quick once‑over. These areas can hide mats, especially if your dog loves to roll in the grass.

A quick brush should take about 10‑15 minutes. You’ll notice a lot less fur on the floor later, and your dog will feel lighter.

Step 2 – Bath Time (When Needed)

Malamutes don’t need a bath every week. Once a month or when they get especially dirty is enough.

Preparing the bath

• Fill a tub or large basin with lukewarm water – not hot, not cold.
• Have the shampoo, a cup for rinsing, and a towel within arm’s reach.

The bath routine

1. Wet the coat slowly, starting at the neck and moving toward the tail. Avoid the ears and eyes.
2. Apply a small amount of shampoo and work it into a lather. Massage gently – this is a good time to check for bumps or hot spots.
3. Rinse thoroughly. Any leftover soap can cause itching. Use a cup or a handheld sprayer on a low setting.
4. Pat dry with a towel. Don’t rub hard; just press to soak up water.

If your Malamute loves to shake, you might get a splash of water everywhere – that’s just part of the fun!

Step 3 – Dry and De‑Static

A wet double coat can take a long time to dry, and if it stays damp, it can develop a musty smell.

Quick drying tips

• Low‑heat dryer: Set it on the coolest setting and keep it moving. Hold it about 6 inches from the coat.
• Fan: If you don’t have a dryer, a standing fan works fine. Point it at the dog while you continue brushing.

While the coat is still a bit damp, run the slicker brush again. This helps separate the hairs and reduces static. You’ll also see any remaining tangles that need a gentle pull.

Step 4 – Trim the Feet and Face

Malamutes have a lot of fur around their paws and eyes that can collect debris.

Feet

• Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair between the paw pads. This prevents ice or mud from building up.
• Check the pads for cuts or stones after each walk.

Face

• A small amount of hair can grow over the eyes, especially in summer. Use blunt scissors to carefully trim away anything that blocks vision.

A quick trim takes only a few minutes and makes a big difference in comfort.

Step 5 – Check for Problems

After grooming, take a moment to look over your dog’s body.

• Skin: Look for redness, bumps, or dry patches.
• Ears: Pull them gently down and check for wax or a bad smell.
• Nails: If they click on the floor, they’re too long. Trim a little at a time.

If you see anything odd, give it a quick clean and keep an eye on it. At Paws & Coats we always recommend a call to your vet if a problem seems to linger.

A Little Story from Paws & Coats

Last winter, my own Malamute, Koda, decided the backyard snow was a perfect place to roll. He came in looking like a walking snowball, and I thought “time for a full groom.” I followed the steps above, and halfway through brushing I found a tiny tick stuck near his tail. A quick removal and a little vet check later, Koda was fine. That day reminded me why regular grooming is more than just looking good – it’s a way to keep our dogs safe.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Grooming doesn’t have to be a chore. Think of it as a bonding time with your dog. Play some music, keep treats handy, and remember that a little effort each week saves you from a huge fur battle later. At Paws & Coats we’ve seen many Malamutes go from a tangled mess to a sleek, happy pup with just a few minutes of care.

So grab your brush, set up a comfy spot, and give your Alaskan Malamute the coat care they deserve. Your home will be a little less fuzzy, and your dog will feel great.