Tip of the Month: To Shave or Not To Shave...Your Double Coated Dog
As the heat of summer arrives the question of shaving your double coated dog is a typical and sometimes contraversial subject. I'll attempt to give some perspective. Some double coated breeds are: Bernese, Chow, Labs, Retrievers, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Maremma, Leonberger, Landseer, Aussie Shepherd, Akita, Samoyed, Husky, Great Pyrenees, Elkhound, Pomeranian, Malamute, Eskimo, German Shepherd, Komondor, English Sheepdog.
First, what is a double coat? Most double coated dogs have a dense soft undercoat with a slicker, smooth topcoat. This type of coat is genetically intended to act as insulation, against both cold AND heat. (Think house insulation keeping you both warm in winter and cool in summer).
A dog’s cooling systems works very differently from ours.There are muscles in the dog’s skin that help raise the 'guard' hairs (the outer smooth coat) and allow for the heat to dissipate off the dog’s skin. Shaving removes the protective outer topcoat layer, changing the way air flows, leaving skin unprotected, exposed to the affects of direct sun and hot temperatures ... actually making them hotter!
While it may seem to you that your double coated dog suffers in the heat of summer, it is a misconception that shaving your dog will be a healthier (unless there is a medical condition of course) or cooler choice.
Removing a dog’s “undercoat” can cause both short and long term damage. By shaving: the undercoat will grow back faster crowding out the thinner 'guard hairs', which often changes the texture and color of a dog's coat; interrupts the sync of natural shedding/regrowth cycle causing more extreme shedding; cause skin problems and worse, puts them at far greater risk for sunburn and heat stroke.
Short version is, tampering with your dogs double coat by shaving it all off will leave your dog feeling hotter than when he had his insulating protective coat. So...if you would still like to give your dog some added relief, what are some additional things you can do to help you help your double coated dog cope with the heat of summer?
1) Note that often dogs that overheat are overweight. This is an easy adjustment – feed less! (and include treats when you calculate amount you are feeding).
2) A big contributor to a dog becoming too hot is not brushing out dead and or shedding coat, allowing it to become packed, dense and matted, blocking airflow to the dog’s skin.Groom often throughout the year to keep undercoats from packing. Brushing a few times a week, or even daily during shedding, will be necessary to remove loose fur and prevent mats from forming. Hint: when you notice your dog starting to shed it’s time to get grooming, de-shed and brush out...often.
One effective grooming tip for double coats is to go over your pooch's entire body with a grooming undercoat rake or shedding blade (or both). First, use short (6") strokes against the direction of growth, working head to tail. Then again, brush short strokes in the direction of growth.. Clean out the brush often and keep grooming untilthe brush comes out clean. You may indeed be amazed at how much you can thin out! And lastly, be sure your dog has plenty of fresh cold water and shade to help them self regulate to stay both well hydrated and comfortable lounging with their self protecting double coat!
For more dog health and training tips, visit Ask The Trainer. Ask me about dog-owner training today as well!
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