As the temperature rises pet parents of double-coated breeds often look at their extra-fluffy companions and think one thing: “You must be baking in there.”
It’s a natural instinct to want to give your heavy-coated dog a cool summer buzzcut. Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds, and Pomeranians look like they’re wearing wool coats in July. However, before you grab the clippers or book that "summer shave" at the groomer, let’s hit the pause button.
Shaving a double-coated dog can actually do far more harm than good. Here is everything you need to know about how your dog’s coat actually works, why the clippers should stay in the drawer, and how to properly prep your pup for summer.
Understanding the Double Coat: Nature’s Built-In AC
To understand how to care for your dog's coat in the summer, you first need to understand how it functions. A double coat consists of two distinct layers:
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The Undercoat: This is the soft, dense, downy fur closest to the skin. In the winter, it traps warm air to keep your dog insulated. In the spring, they "blow" this coat to make room for a lighter summer version.
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The Topcoat (Guard Hairs): These are the longer, tougher hairs that give your dog their distinct color. The topcoat protects your dog’s skin from physical injury, dirt, moisture, and—most importantly in the summer—sun exposure.
Think of a double coat less like a heavy winter parka and more like high-tech insulation in a house. It keeps heat out during the summer just as well as it keeps heat in during the winter.
Why You Should Never Shave a Double-Coated Dog
It seems counterintuitive, but shaving your double-coated dog can actually make them hotter and put their health at risk. Here is why:
1. You Strip Away Their Air Conditioning
When you shave a double coat down to the skin, you remove the protective topcoat. Without it, the sun beats down directly on their skin. The cool air that normally circulates through the guard hairs is gone, making it much harder for your dog to regulate their body temperature.
2. Risk of Sunburn and Skin Cancer
A dog’s skin is remarkably thin and sensitive. The topcoat acts as a natural sunblock. Shaving them exposes their vulnerable skin to harsh UV rays, drastically increasing the risk of painful sunburns and long-term skin cancers.
3. The Coat May Never Grow Back the Same
When a double coat is shaved, the undercoat grows back much faster than the topcoat. This often results in a patchy, Velcro-like texture that easily tangles, mats, and traps heat even worse than before. In older dogs, the guard hairs may not grow back at all, leaving them permanently unprotected.
The Golden Rule: Unless recommended by a veterinarian for medical reasons (like severe matting or skin infections), never shave a double-coated dog.
The Correct Way to Prep Your Double-Coated Dog for Summer
If shaving is off the table, how do you help your dog beat the heat? The secret is proper, consistent grooming that removes the dead undercoat so the skin can breathe.
Step 1: The Ultimate De-Shedding Bath
Before you can brush out the dead undercoat, you need to loosen it. A warm bath is the perfect way to kickstart the process.
To make the job easier, use earthbath® Shed Control Shampoo. Formulated with shea butter, green tea extract, and potent antioxidants, it helps release the trapped undercoat while nourishing the skin. Follow it up with earthbath® Shed Control Conditioner to deeply moisturize the coat, making it incredibly slick and easy to brush through.
Step 2: Line Brushing and Combing
Once your dog is completely dry, it's time to get to work. Standard brushing only skims the topcoat. To really prep them for summer, you need to practice line brushing:
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Part the fur down to the skin.
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Use an undercoat rake or a slicker brush to gently brush from the skin outward.
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Work in small sections across the entire body.
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Finish with a metal greyhound comb to catch any remaining loose tufts.
Removing this dead hair allows air to circulate freely through the topcoat, instantly cooling your dog down.
Step 3: Keep Up with Between-Bath Refreshes
Summer means mud, pond water, and outdoor adventures. However, bathing your dog too frequently can strip their skin of essential oils.
For those days when your pup smells a little too much like "outside" but doesn't need a full bath, use earthbath® Grooming Wipes. They are perfect for wiping down dirty paws, bellies, and faces after a hot summer hike, keeping them fresh without disrupting their skin's natural balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do double-coated dogs stay cool in the summer?
Double-coated dogs stay cool through a process called thermoregulation. Their long guard hairs trap a layer of cool air close to the skin, acting as insulation against external heat. They also release heat by panting and through the sweat glands in their paw pads.
Can you shave a double-coated dog?
Shaving a double-coated dog removes their natural insulation, making them more susceptible to overheating and heatstroke. It also exposes their sensitive skin to UV rays (causing sunburn) and can permanently damage the texture and growth cycle of their fur.
How often should you brush a double-coated dog in the summer?
During the peak shedding season (spring and early summer), you should brush your double-coated dog 3 to 4 times a week, or even daily. Regular brushing removes dead undercoat hair, which prevents matting and allows the coat to insulate properly against the heat.
