Double-Coated Dog Grooming Tips
- Breeds with shorter, smooth topcoats, such as German Shepherd, husky, Akita, and Labrador, benefit from weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb, like a Zoom Groom, or an undercoat rake and a greyhound comb to reduce loose hair.
- For longer or feathery topcoats, like on golden retrievers and Australian shepherds, daily brushing with a greyhound comb, slicker brush, and a de-matting tool help prevent matting.
- Double-coated dogs with coarse topcoats such as Cairn terriers benefit from regular brushing but require a professional groomer to handstrip and control texture.
- “The best practice is to have a groomer perform routine monthly de-shedding treatments to prevent the undercoat from getting impacted,” “Add a light trimming to breeds that have coats with feathering to prevent minor tangles from turning into extensive mats.”
Can you shave Double-Coated Dogs?
No, as these dogs rarely need shaving to keep them comfortable. Klein says unnecessary shaving compromises a double coat’s integrity and function. If you’re concerned about potential heatstroke, talk to your vet about other ways to keep your thick-furred dog cool in hot weather.
However, there are some situations when professional shaving might be required. Some breeds, like shih tzus, require extensive brushing to keep their long locks untangled. Unless the pet is also a show dog, it’s common to cut this coat to a more manageable length.
Another reason is to provide a health makeover for rescue dogs with mats or dirty coats, or pooches who have been rescued after being left outside for long periods. “If a mat has formed, do not scissor mats out of the coat,” “It’s safer to shave mats out, and best to consult a groomer to perform any minor spot shaving or removal of matting that’s tight to the skin.” As always, check with a professional to find out what’s best for your dog’s condition.