05/26/2026
It’s that time of year again!!!!
Please read the following if you have been considering shaving your double coated dogs this summer.
- What is Double Coated?-
Double coated dogs have a unique hair composition which gives them an advantage not only for colder temps but for warmer ones as well! The hair grows in two different ways: an insulated layer and what we call “top coat”. The under coat/ insulated layer helps keep the dense wool like hair closer to the body to keep the dog warm in the cold, and then sheds out in the springtime to allow airflow to get closer to the skin keeping the dog cool in the summer. The top layer is an outer “shell” that deters water and has a silky like look and feel to it.
- Should I shave My double coated pet?-
The short answer is No. Not unless for medical reasons (when in doubt ask a vet!) or severe matting is present. Once a double coat is shaved, there can be lasting damage to the insulated layer and the top coat can become dull/ coarse/ or even brittle and uncomfortable.
By cutting the layers of protective hair, this can cause the under coat to be more prominent and not “release” properly during shedding seasons (yes more than one shedding period in a year)
-How do I know if my dog is double coated?-
Long and fluffy to even very short and thin coated dogs can be double coated. A few examples would be:
- Australian Shepherd
- German Shepherds (long and short coated)
- Pomeranians
- Shelties
- Newfoundlands
- Labrador Retrievers
- Great Pyrenees
- Huskies
-what can be done to help these breeds beat the heat if shaving isn’t an option?-
Dogs are very good at regulating temperature with panting. Regular visits to a groomer for managing the undercoat with a deshedding regimen is a great way to keep unnecessary insulated undercoat out of the way and under control! Make sure if your furry friends are outside for extended hours to have plenty of shaded areas they can go to, and water that is available and not in direct sunlight. Concrete holds in some cooler temperatures when in the shade making it a perfect place for pups to lay down and feel comfortable. Be careful! Asphalt gets extremely hot when in the sun for hours and can cause damage to your pups paws!
-What do I do if my double coated dog has been shaved before?-
At this point there are measures that can be done to attempt restoration of the coat both under and top coat, however the damage done can be permanent. Our friend here in the photo is a long haired shepherd who has been repeatedly shaved in the past by a previous groomer. In doing so, full restoration is not easy to achieve. Therefore the owner has decided to keep following the process that has been done every summer to keep this boy as comfortable as we can at this time.
Shaving has its damages, but some cases, there is not much more that can be done. At the end of the day, all I can do as a professional is offer my advice and knowledge as a dog groomer. After that, the decision is up to the pet owner and for the benefit of the pet.
Always do your homework and when in doubt (say it with me now)
Ask Your Vet Or Groomer!
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