Should you shave a dog with an undercoat? The Ultimate Guide

What problems can double-coated dogs face?

Coat blow is the shedding process of double-coated dogs. The soft, thick undercoat that keeps these dogs so warm in cold months has to change to keep them cool in the summer. It differs slightly from the way other dogs shed.

Single-coated dogs shed their fur in small poufs as they scratch or after a good brushing. When a double-coated dog blows its coat, giant clumps of fur come off for several days. Pup parents with large dogs can fill garbage bags with blown fur. Coat blow takes regular shedding to a whole new level, and it can be very daunting for humans.

Matting is another problem that many double-coated dogs can face, especially if they aren’t properly cared for. It happens when the undercoat tangles so badly that thick mats of fur develop close to the skin. When the condition becomes so bad that proper airflow is restricted, the coat is pelted and can become a danger. Double-coated dogs that do a lot of swimming or are often in the wilderness can also develop a problem with mats.

Let’s start with the issue of relief from the heat. Pet owners tend to liken their dogs to themselves so, naturally, as we would dress in light clothes or take off layers to cool down, they think our dogs need the same type of relief. Their heart is in the right place but they don’t quite get it. Because dogs do not sweat, they have a different system for regulating body temperature.

I always advise using every method and product you can to safely remove the matting and leave the coat in its natural state; however, in these extreme cases, shaving may become necessary to relieve the situation. After shaving this type of coat, frequent bathing and brushing will assist the proper re–growth of the coat and you can safely return the coat to its original condition.

Surgical procedures and treating skin conditions can also be a reason a vet may choose to shave a double–coated breed. When a veterinarian performs a surgical procedure on your pet, they shave the area of the incision and the area where the IV is inserted. This is done to ensure a clean, hair–free area to be disinfected to avoid infection during and after the surgery.

When we shave this coat, the undercoat grows back rapidly but the guard hairs do not, leaving the undercoat to take over as the main coat. This wooly and dense coat will trap heat and will not reflect the sunlight, thus making your pet warmer and raising their body temperature in the heat.

I always advise to follow the vet’s advice when it comes to surgery and aftercare. Hair left around an incision site can harbor bacteria and dirt, and the hair itself can become incased in the scabbing at the incision site, causing complications during the healing and slowing the progress.

Can you shave a double-coated dog?

Some pup parents consider shaving their double-coated dog to alleviate problems with coat blow or matting, but that’s rarely a viable solution. There are many ways shaving can cause more problems. Here’s what to know:

  • Double coats provide a layer of protection against the external environment for the dog.
  • Shaving it away removes that protective layer, resulting in insufficient protection from temperature, parasites, sun damage, and wind.
  • Shaving also damages the coat because it doesn’t regrow in the same fashion.
  • To protect the skin, the undercoat grows back quickly but the guard hairs don’t. It takes time for them to reach full growth.
  • The undercoat gets too thick and coarse while it’s waiting for the guard hairs to catch up, and it gathers debris and oils along the way.
  • If you have allergies, shaving your double-coated dog can exacerbate that response, contrary to popular belief. Three out of every 10 people have an allergy to dog dander. Shaving the fur makes it much easier for dander to release into the atmosphere.

    The only good reason for shaving a double-coated dog is if the coat is pelted. Mats can form so close to the skin that the fur cannot be brushed through and airflow to the skin is restricted. Pelted fur leads to yeast infections, hematomas, fecal matting, urine burns, fleas, and irritated skin.

    Dog double coated shave no damage to coat PROOF!

    Many dog owners believe shaving is good for their pet, especially to cool off in summer, but even one shave could do irreparable damage to a dogs coat and make it more uncomfortable.

    Some dogs can easily be shaved without causing problems – many short-haired breeds are fine to shave, but there are still risks with the procedure and it isnt necessary for the dogs health or comfort. Long-haired breeds with double coats, however, should never be shaved because of the problems that can result from damaging their intricately balanced coats. Dogs such as golden retrievers, German shepherds, Siberian huskies and any dog that seasonally sheds huge clumps of fur (part of its undercoat) should never be shaved.

    It is a misconception that shaving will help keep a dog cool on hot days. A dogs coat is a natural insulator, and removing that hair only allows the heat and sunlight easier access to the skin, causing overheating and discomfort, as well as additional problems such as…

    Some dog owners believe that shaving is also useful for other reasons, which have also been proven false.

    Instead of shaving your dog, there are other options that can help keep your pet cool and comfortable, and can prevent other problems with its coat.

    Shaving your dog is never necessary, and can do far more harm than good for your pet. Understanding the risks of shaving and what alternatives are best can help every dog owner provide the best care for their canine companion.

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