Why Shouldn’t I Shave My Double-Coated Dog?

It should come as no surprise that a dog’s coat serves a specific purpose and that different breeds have different coat types. This can make dog grooming a bit more challenging as you need a skilled and experienced groomer to handle all different coat and hair types properly.

One of the most unique coat types belongs to double-coated dogs such as Shiba Inus, Huskies, Miniature Schnauzers, and Havanese, to name a few. These dogs have two coats, a longer outer layer, and a softer undercoat. Before you start dog grooming at home and attempt to shave a double-coated dog to help with shedding or temperature regulation, know that there are so many reasons why your dog needs to keep their double coat just the way it is.

Proper Dog Grooming For a Double-Coated Dog Matters

There are a lot of neat facts to learn about the dual layers some dogs have. When choosing dog grooming professionals in Indiana, make sure they have experience grooming double-coated dogs. If they suggest you shave them, it’s time to find another groomer!

Double coats provide your dog with protection from the outside elements. It acts as insulation keeping your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition, many double-coated dogs have paler skin and are therefore more susceptible to sunburn. Their outer layer guard hairs reflect the sun’s rays, protecting them from sun damage too.

One of the questions that comes up a lot is that if a double-coated dog is shedding a lot, wouldn’t it help shave them down to help the shedding process? Shaving a double-coated dog is not a smart thing to do. Shaving will prevent cool air from getting to their skin and eliminate their sun protection, leading to greater risks of overheating, sunburn, and even skin cancer.

It may seem like dog grooming at home with the tools to shave your pet would be an easier option, but in addition to making their temperature regulation more difficult, you’ll likely still be left with a shedding dog anyway.

You also run the risk of their hair not properly growing back. The older your dog is, the less likely that their topcoat will grow back, and they’ll look patchy for the rest of their life. Shaving them will not only make them look bad, but you’ll be stripping a double-coated dog of their natural ability to protect themselves.

Choosing Dog Grooming Professionals That Support Your Dog’s Health

Your dog’s skin and coat health are directly correlated to their overall health and wellness. When you choose a location for dog grooming in Indiana, make sure you select a groomer who truly understands what is best for your dog and breed type.

At Smoochie Pooch, our team of trained and talented groomers will speak with you and get to know your dog to understand their needs fully. While we recommend regular grooming appointments, regularly brushing them at home in between appointments is also ideal to ensure their coat stays healthy and doesn’t get matted. To book your next appointment, give us a call at (219) 286 3608.

 Source: https://smoochie-pooch.com/why-shouldnt-i-shave-my-double-coated-dog/