05/15/2026
It’s De-Shed season. Every year we come to the crossroads “I want my dog shaved” x “we do not recommend shaving your dog”.
~Shaving a double-coated dog (like Huskies, Golden Retrievers, or Pomeranians) destroys their natural, built-in insulation system designed to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. It increases risks of heatstroke, sunburn, skin cancer, and often causes permanent damage to the coat's texture, leading to patchy, uneven regrowth.
~Destroys Temperature Regulation: The double coat consists of a dense undercoat (insulation) and a topcoat (protection).
~Shaving removes this barrier, making the dog hotter in the summer and colder in the winter.Permanent Coat Damage: The undercoat grows faster than the topcoat, often causing the hair to grow back patchy, "cottony," or uneven.
~Increased Skin Risk:
Shaving exposes skin to direct sunlight, causing sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer. It also removes protection against insect bites and scratches.
~Doesn't Reduce Shedding: Shaving doesn't stop the shedding; it only makes the hair shorter, often resulting in more, smaller hairs trapped in the coat, which increases the likelihood of mats.
~What to do instead:Regular Grooming: Use a high-velocity dryer and brush regularly to remove the dead undercoat.
~De-shedding Treatments: Focus on removing the undercoat during shedding season rather than cutting the outer layer.
~Trim Feathering: Only trim the longer hair on the legs, tail, and sanitary areas for a cleaner look.
***Note: Shaving is usually only recommended for severe medical reasons or extreme matting that cannot be brushed