06/03/2026
As the summer approaches, a lot of us worry about our dogs and try to think of ways they can stay cool. Especially our big, fluffy, double coated fur babies!
We know that our first instinct when WE are hot is to do something with our hair, whether that is putting it up or getting a haircut.
Sadly, our furry friends do not have the same luxury! Although it may seem to make the most sense to get your double coated dog shaved in the summer, there are lifetime side effects that can actually leave them worse off for not only the warmer months, but the colder months too!
When we shave a double coated breed, there are many complications that arise, such as:
💜 Overheating/Skin Complications
Though it may not make sense upon first glance, a dog's undercoat is vital to help them regulate their body temperature when the weather gets warmer. When you shave a double coated dog, it can make them more susceptible to heatstroke, skin cancer, and sunburn. Furthermore, when winter approaches they will not have the protection they once did against the bitter cold.
🤍 Permanent Coat Damage
The damage caused by shaving undercoat is irreversible. Although the hair may grow back, it will not be the same as it once was. It can grow back patchy, wirey, and sometimes the hair may not grow back at all. If the hair does grow back, it may result in the coat becoming matted much easier. This is because undercoat does grow faster due to shedding, meaning that the undercoat will tangle with the finer topcoat much easier; the result of this is more upkeep for you, and more discomfort for your furry friend.
🖤 Shedding Problems
When we shave a double coated breed, it does not stop the shedding altogether. The dog will still shed, but the hair will come out in much smaller pieces. Shaving is not a solution to shedding, your dog needs to shed in order to regulate their body temperature! But we have ways to help you, which we will touch on later.
💜 Dangerous Parasites and Insects
Your dog's coat helps to protect themselves from harmful insects/parasites such as ticks, flies, and mosquitoes. Without that helpful layer of fur, especially if you and your dog like to go on adventures outside together, then your dog is much more susceptible to being bit, or developing a disease such as lymes disease, from these pests.
We know this is a lot to take in all at once, but it is very important to know the do's and don'ts when having double coated breeds. A better solution, as opposed to shaving, is to brush your dog everyday to help them get that undercoat out to make them more comfortable, and asking for packages we offer to help. Our deshed package is a phenomenal option to help loosen that undercoat so we can brush it all out. Other options such as sanitary trims, shaving out paw pads, and a shape up to shorten some of their problem areas (butt, belly, chest, and feet) can help tremendously!
We want what's best for you and your fur babies, and there's no need to be embarrassed if you did not know some of these complications! There was a time when all groomers, veterinarians, and other animal professionals themselves weren't aware of these dangers as well. We all learn and grow as we move through life, so why not do it together!
We have attached pictures of these beautiful, lovely girls (Sunka and Baby) for reference. They both got desheds and shape-ups and felt like brand new pups after!٩( ᐛ )و
Thank you friends for sticking around to read this lengthy post, and we hope see you and your fuzzy friends soon to help get their undercoat out so they can feel like the best version of themselves!(๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)
