Double coated dog breeds have two layers of fur: a coarser top-coat, and a soft and thick undercoat. There are many double coated dog breeds, including Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds, German Shepherds, and Sheepdogs – to name a few.
When summer hits, it can be hard to watch your dog pant in the sun, and even more so if they’re one of these breeds with two layers of thick fur weighing them down! Many people think the best thing to do for their dog is to have them shaved for the summer, but this is definitely not the case.
Although shorter may seem like the obvious better choice in the heat, for your double coated dog, it’s actually the worst thing you could do.
The Wonder of Double-Coats!
Your dog’s double coat provides valuable protection in the winter and in the summer. Their upper coat repels moisture, dirt and provides protection from the sun, while the undercoat supplies an insulating layer that keeps your dog warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.
So, while clipping your double coated dog may seem like the obvious solution when summer rolls around, you would actually be stripping them of natural protection from the sun and heat!
Clipping double-coated dogs can be permanent
The older your dog is, the less likely their top coat will grow back after being clipped. Leaving your dog with a scruffy undercoat not only looks a lot worse, but it will also severely affect their ability to keep warm in the winter.
The best method is to leave your dog’s coat alone and provide other solutions to keep them cool in the summer heat.
Alternative Cooling Methods
Dogs are different to humans in that they do not cool themselves through their skin – which is why double coated dogs are meant to have their coats year round!
Their main method of cooling down is panting, with sweat only leaving the footpads at most. It is more important to make sure your dog is staying cool internally rather than externally.
A few great tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer heat include:
- Provide a blanket in the shade for your dog to lay on outside
- Bathe your dog regularly with a hose to cool them down – they might actually enjoy it!
- Regularly brush your dog to reduce loose fur and shedding
- Never leave your dog in the sun without any shade!
- Feed your dog ice cubes and ensure they have access to water at all times
- Never leave your dog alone in a car!
The Final Answer
Clipping your double coated dog can do far more harm than good. By shaving their upper coat, you’ll remove natural protection against sun rays, the heat, and from bug bites. Instead, keep your double coated dog cool in the summer with regular brushing, bathing, and ensure they always have access to water and shade.
Not only will regular bathing and brushing keep your dog cool, but it will also reduce the amount of hair you have to clean up around the house. A win-win for everybody!
