Grooming Huskey mix

Question
I have a huskey/shepard mix named Nya.  She is about 7 years old and her shedding is awful this time of year.  Hair all over evert where.  She also has a hot spot she develops on her back end just above her tail every spring and into summer.  I cannot afford professional grooming and do want her to be comfortable.  I need advice on how to best get her undercoat cleaned out.  I have tried the lamb dogfoods and this doesn't seem to help.  What is meant by adding fatty acids to the diet?  Also, are there any good products that can be bought in the stores for fleas and ticks this time of year?  Hope I haven't asked to much.. your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Well you picked one of the most shedding breeds there is. You will need to purchase what is called a rake.  It has long teeth on it that gets down to the skin. You will have to rake that undercoat out...which will be an endless process. If you catch the hotspot at the very beginning, you may be able to treat it yourself with some antibiotic ointment. If it gets out of control you will need to see a vet. Talk to your vet about the reoccuring hotspot and maybe he will give you something for it without you having to take the dog in everytime she gets one. Some vets are good about that, others want to see the dog everytime meaning more $$$ for you. Diet isn't going to make allot of difference in the shedding. Feed a good quality food...Meat or meat by products should be the first ingredient listed...not corn. This should provide enough fat.  If skin and coat still seem dry, you could add a capful of peanut oil to her dog food. Any diet changes you have to feed for almost 8 weeks before you would see any changes.  As far as flea and tick control- Frontline Plus. This has been the only one that has worked really good for me. It is the oil that you put on their back once a month. It will seem expensive, but nothing compared to sprays, dips, shampoos...that you will end up with if they get fleas. You can get from your vet--or order through the internet for cheaper.  No RX is needed.
Good luck and just becareful when brushing Nya that you don't over brush in one area and give her brush burn on her skin.