05/08/2024
With summer in coming, I want to put out some information regarding grooming and your double coated dogs. I’ve gotten many requests to shave them or cut them down fairly far and I think it is important to understand why groomers will either deny that request or talk owners out of it.
Double coated breeds include:
Husky, Chow Chow, Pomeranians, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, Corgi, Border Collies, Collies, And German Shepherd, ect.
After being shaved, there is only a 50% chance your dogs double coat will recover over a significant amount of time
Myth: Shaving a double coated dog keeps them cooler
Truth: Shaving them destroys the natural airflow circulation created between the space between the undercoat and the guard coat
Instead: Get a de-shedding treatment! This helps get a lot of the downey undercoat; cooling and flattening the coat. A slight trim to shape up the coat ( mane, tail, feet, feathering) along with a deshed will lighten the coat and help manage the amount of fur while keeping the coat healthy
More reasons to not shave your double coated dog:
1. It can lead to a kind of alopecia (patchy hair loss), which may lead to permanent bald spots or a change in hair texture.
2. They still shed! Only the hairs are tiny now
3. Your dog is now at risk of sunburn.
4. It destroys the coat’s natural ability to regulate dogs body temperature.
5. Your dogs double coat is more likely to mat as it regrows.
The only reason to shave a double coated dog is if the coat is pelted. This is severe matting that is close to the skin that cannot be brushed out (this is painful to the dog) and is restricting airflow to the skin. Pelted fur leads to yeast infections, hematomas, f***l matting, urine burns, fleas, and irritated skin.
- Coral Marian, Author
Attached are some pictures from a Google image search to show what could happen to your pets beautiful coat. Please keep in mind, there are also medical conditions that affect your dogs coat. We will always let the owners know if we may suspect something is going on medically and will recommend a visit with your veterinarian.
