Don’t Shave Double Coats

When summer hits and temperatures rise, it's natural to think that shaving your dog will help them stay cool. For many breeds, this is true! But for most double-coated breeds, that's actually not the best solution.

Dogs like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, and many other breeds have a coat designed to help regulate their body temperature in both hot and cold weather.

A double coat has two layers: a soft, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Together, these layers help shield your dog from the sun, slow heat transfer, and protect their skin from sunburn and injury.

Shaving away that coat removes the natural protection it’s providing, and can sometimes make it harder for your dog to regulate their body temperature. It may also change the way the coat grows back, leaving it patchy or affecting its texture.

Instead of shaving, proper coat maintenance is the key to helping your double-coated dog stay comfortable. So what does proper maintenance look like? Keep reading on!

Regular brushing helps remove loose undercoat, prevents mats, improves airflow through the coat, and allows the skin to breathe. I highly recommend investing in a Slicker Brush (https://amzn.to/4tNFDXH) and Undercoat Rake (https://amzn.to/4yQMByY)

On top of that, routine baths with a thorough high powered blowout can also help remove excess undercoat, leaving your dog's coat lighter and allow them to better self regulate.

Of course, there are situations where shaving is necessary, such as severe matting, certain medical conditions, or veterinary procedures. If you're ever unsure what's best for your dog's coat, ask your groomer or veterinarian. In most cases, keeping a double coat clean, healthy, and well-maintained is the best way to help your dog stay comfortable all year long!

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