When summer heat rolls in and temperatures soar, many pet owners worry about how to keep their furry companions cool—especially those with thick, fluffy coats. You may see your dog panting more, drinking water nonstop, or leaving trails of loose hair on your furniture. If your pup is one of the many dog breeds with a double coat, like a Husky or Golden Retriever, you might wonder: Would shaving help them feel cooler?
It’s a common concern, especially in warm states like Florida. On the surface, shaving seems logical—less hair, less heat, right? But for dogs with double coats, that’s not exactly how it works.
The truth is, shaving your double-coated dog may do more harm than good. These coats aren’t just there for looks—they play an essential role in protecting your dog’s skin, regulating body temperature in hot and cold weather, and even repelling dirt and moisture. The good news is that there are better ways to help your pet stay cool and comfortable in summer, without compromising their coat.
What Is a Double Coat?
A double-coated dog has two distinct layers of hair that serve different but equally important purposes:
Topcoat (Primary or Guard Hairs): This outer layer is made of long, coarse hairs designed to repel dirt, debris, and water. It’s the part of the coat that gives many dogs their sleek or fluffy appearance.
Undercoat (Secondary or Wool Hairs): Beneath the topcoat lies a dense, soft undercoat—woolly in texture—that provides insulation. This layer keeps your dog warm during winter and, surprisingly, helps keep them cool in the summer by trapping cooler air close to the dog’s skin.
Many beloved breeds fall into the double-coated breeds category, including:
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Siberian Huskies
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Golden Retrievers
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Labrador Retrievers
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Australian Shepherds
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German Shepherds
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Pomeranians
These dogs have evolved to rely on their coats to adapt to changing seasons. Understanding the difference between the topcoat and undercoat helps clarify why shaving isn’t always the solution to keep your pet cool.
How Double Coats Help Dogs Stay Cool
Double coats work much like natural climate control systems. When temperatures rise, the undercoat begins to shed, a process known as coat blowing, which helps remove dead hair and creates space for improved airflow.
Meanwhile, the remaining topcoat protects the dog's skin from UV rays while allowing air to circulate through the loose hair. This system of insulation and airflow helps regulate body temperature, keeping your dog cool without the need for shaving.
So, while it might seem like their thick coat is making them overheat, it’s actually helping them cope with hot and cold weather.
Why Pet Owners Consider Shaving Double-Coated Dogs
Despite good intentions, many pet owners opt to shave their dogs for a variety of reasons, including:
Misunderstanding the role of the coat: It’s easy to think that less hair means less heat. Some owners shave their dogs to help them stay cool in hot weather, especially during the summer.
Shedding concerns: Some believe shaving reduces loose fur around the house.
Aesthetic or grooming preferences: A trimmed look might seem cleaner or more manageable.
But here’s the problem—shaving doesn’t support your dog’s natural cooling process.
What Happens When You Shave a Double-Coated Dog?
Dogs don’t cool down the way humans do. Instead of sweating through their skin, they regulate temperature through panting and sweating only through their paw pads. Shaving the double coat doesn’t improve this—it can actually interfere with it. Here’s what you risk by shaving a double-coated dog:
Disruption of natural temperature regulation: You remove the dense undercoat’s insulation and the topcoat’s UV protection.
Increased risk of sunburn and skin damage: Without the top layer, a dog’s skin is exposed and vulnerable.
Hair may not grow back correctly: Many dogs experience patchy regrowth or coarse texture that doesn't return to its original state.
Long-term coat damage: In some cases, the coat never fully recovers, especially in older dogs.
In short, while your intentions might be good, the result may be a less effective natural cooling system and a damaged coat that can take months—or years—to recover.
When (If Ever) It’s Okay to Shave a Double-Coated Dog
There are a few situations where shaving is acceptable, but they’re the exception, not the rule.
Your vet or groomer may recommend shaving if:
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The coat is severely matted beyond brushing
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Your dog needs surgery or has a medical condition affecting the coat
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Elderly or disabled dogs can’t tolerate regular grooming anymore
Even in these cases, professional guidance is essential to minimize harm to the natural oils, coat structure, and the dog’s hair.
How to Keep Double-Coated Dogs Cool in Summer
You don’t have to shave your dog to help them stay cool in the heat. There are smarter, safer strategies to keep double-coated dogs cool:
1. Regular Grooming and Brushing
Frequent brushing helps remove dead hair, reduces matting, and improves airflow to the dog’s skin, promoting overall health and well-being. Use de-shedding tools or undercoat rakes, especially during seasonal changes. Aim to brush your dog at least twice a week during moderate weather, and increase to daily grooming during heavy shedding seasons like spring and fall.
2. Keep Dogs in Cool, Shaded Areas
Limit outdoor time during peak heat by walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Whenever possible, avoid midday outings altogether, as the pavement and air can become dangerously hot. Provide access to shaded areas or indoor cooling, and consider reducing outdoor bathroom trips by training your pet to use indoor grass potty pads for dogs, like Gotta Go Grass—an especially helpful solution during extreme heat.
3. Use Cooling Mats or Vests
Products designed to lower body temperature, like gel cooling mats or wearable cooling vests, can offer relief during hot days. These tools are especially helpful after outdoor play or walks, helping your dog cool down more quickly.
4. Hydration and Exercise Tips
Make fresh water constantly available. On hot days, shorten walks and avoid strenuous activity. Instead of heading outdoors, try mentally stimulating games or gentle indoor exercises. For more ideas, check out our article How to Exercise Your Dog in an Apartment for practical ways to keep your dog active without overheating.
5. Seasonal Grooming Matters Too
Seasonal coat care is essential for managing your dog’s comfort. In spring and summer, focus on brushing out the excess soft undercoat to improve airflow and help your dog stay cool. In the fall and winter, allow your dog's coat to grow back naturally to maintain the insulation it needs for colder temperatures. For optimal results, work with a professional groomer who understands the specialized process of double-coat grooming and can help you maintain a healthy coat throughout the year.
FAQs About Shaving Double-Coated Dog Breeds
Will shaving help my double-coated dog stop shedding?
No—shaving doesn’t stop shedding. It may reduce visible hair around the house, but the dog will still shed from the roots.
Can shaving my dog help with allergies?
Not significantly. Allergens like dander are tied to the dog’s skin, not just the hair. Regular grooming is more effective.
My groomer recommends shaving—should I do it?
Always ask why. If it’s due to matted hair or health reasons, it may be justified. Otherwise, seek a second opinion from a vet or experienced groomer.
Can I trim the coat instead of fully shaving?
Yes. Light trimming of the top coat can be done for hygiene or aesthetics, but avoid cutting too close to the skin or removing the undercoat entirely.
Final Thoughts
While shaving your dog's double coat may seem like a good way to help them cool off, it often causes more problems than it solves. Their double coat is a finely tuned system that protects them from the weather, insulates the dog’s skin, and even regulates moisture and dirt through natural oils.
The best way to help your dog in warm weather? Focus on a proper grooming routine, cooling tools, and smart summertime habits. And if you're looking for a clean, convenient bathroom solution for your dog when it’s too hot to walk, Gotta Go Grass pads are a great option.
For more pet tips and products that help you care for your furry friend year-round, visit Gotta Go Grass.
