🐾 Why You Should Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog (HINT: It Doesn't Stop Shedding or Keep Them Cool)

When summer hits and you see your double-coated dog looking extra fluffy, it’s tempting to think, “Poor thing — they must be roasting!” But before you reach for the clippers, hold that thought!Shaving your double-coated dog might seem like a kindness… but it can actually make them hotter, itchier, and less protected than before. Let’s dive into why that fluffy coat is more than just gorgeous — it’s their built-in climate control system!

☀️ The Magic of the Double Coat

A double coat is nature’s air-conditioning (and heating!) system all in one. It has two special layers that work together perfectly:

• Undercoat: The soft, dense fluff underneath that insulates against both heat and cold. It traps air — keeping your dog cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.

• Topcoat (Guard Hairs): The sleek outer layer that shields your pup from sunburn, dirt, and moisture. Think of it like a raincoat and sunscreen combined.

When you shave these layers off, you’re not helping them “cool down” — you’re stripping away their natural protection. Their skin loses its defense against the sun, and their body can no longer regulate temperature as it should.

🚫 Why Shaving Is a Big No-No

Here’s what really happens when you shave a double-coated dog:

• They overheat faster. Without the undercoat’s insulating layer, there’s no buffer from the sun’s heat.

• They can get sunburned. That fluffy top layer keeps UV rays out — and once it’s gone, their skin is exposed and vulnerable.

• Their coat may never grow back the same. Shaving can cause permanent coat damage. Hair may come in patchy, wiry, or not fully regrow at all.

So while it might look like a quick fix, it can leave lasting problems that take seasons (or even years) to repair.

🐶 The Shedding Myth: Why Shaving Doesn’t Help in the House

One of the biggest reasons people consider shaving is to cut down on shedding. But here’s the truth — it doesn’t actually stop the shedding at all.

Dogs with double coats shed from their skin follicles, not from the hair length. So even if the coat is shorter, they’ll still lose the same amount of hair — it just comes out in shorter, sharper pieces that can be even harder to clean up (and more likely to poke into fabrics or skin!).

Instead of shaving, focus on proper deshedding — removing that loose undercoat before it ends up on your couch, clothes, and car seats. Regular brushing and professional deshedding treatments keep your dog comfortable and your home cleaner.

🌿 Better Ways to Keep Your Fluffball Cool

You don’t need clippers to keep your pup comfortable — just a good grooming routine and a little TLC.

✅ Brush, brush, brush!Regular brushing removes loose undercoat, helping air flow through and keeping your dog feeling fresh.

✅ Schedule professional deshedding treatments. A groomer can safely blow out and remove excess undercoat without harming the coat’s structure. At Compassionate Grooming we use Pre bath products, specialized shampoo and wash out conditioner as well as post groom coat conditioners to aid in hair release and prolonged de-shed resutls

✅ Keep them cool and comfy.Provide fresh water, shade, and indoor breaks on hot days. A cool tile floor or fan can work wonders!

🗓️ How Often Should You Deshed?

Most double-coated dogs “blow their coat” twice a year — in the spring and fall — when they shed their seasonal undercoat.That’s the perfect time to book a professional deshedding treatment (and maybe an extra cuddle session).

For lighter year-round shedders, plan for a monthly or bi-monthly brush-out to stay on top of it.

🪮 The Best Brushes for Home Care

Keeping your pup’s coat in good shape between groomer visits is easy with the right tools:

• Undercoat Rake: Great for reaching that dense fluff beneath.

• Slicker Brush: Perfect for detangling and smoothing the topcoat.

• Deshedding Tool : Use gently during heavy shed seasons to lift out loose hair.

  ***Watch out for tools like The Furminator as the wrong comb tooth lengh can break off the hair. Ask for recommendations from a professional.

Brushing schedule:

• During shedding season → 3–4 times a week

• Off-season → 1–2 times a week

Make it a bonding activity — dogs love the attention, and you’ll love the lack of tumbleweeds around the house!

🐕 Just a Few Double-Coated Breeds You Should Never Shave

If your pup is one of these beauties, their coat is sacred:

• Golden Retriever

• Siberian Husky

• Australian Shepherd

• German Shepherd

• Border Collie

• Pomeranian

Each of these breeds relies on their natural layers to stay comfy and protected. Let’s keep those coats healthy, shiny, and happy!

❤️ A Loving Reminder from Your Groomer

Your dog’s coat is a masterpiece of nature — it knows exactly what it’s doing. Shaving may seem like a quick solution, but it can do more harm than good.With regular brushing, seasonal deshedding, and mindful summer care, your double-coated friend will stay cool, comfortable, and absolutely adorable — just as nature intended.

So ditch the clippers and grab that brush — your pup (and their coat) will thank you!

🐾 With Love

Amanda @ Compassionate Grooming