Answers to questions for all occasions

What dog breeds should not be shaved?

Which breeds of dogs should never be shaved? According to Dogs Naturally, there is a “no shave” rule for double coated dogs. This includes the northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes as well as herding breeds like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Aussie Shepherds, Shelties, Newfoundlands, and Bernese Mountains.

Should you trim double coated dogs?

Shaving a double–coated breed can really ruin the coat. If you do shave your double coated dog, the new hair will grow back but the undercoat will grow first. The texture of the soft undercoat will absorb the sun’s rays, making your dog hotter in summer. Shaving a double coated dog does not reduce shedding.

How do you groom a double coated dog?

Grooming Tips

Always start by using a wire brush or a pin brush to remove loose hairs from the outer coat and any debris trapped in the coat. Then, use a grooming rake, which is a specialized tool to get through the double coat and gently remove any dead hair or tangles from the inner coat.

How short can you cut a double coated dog?

You can still trim a lot of the coat off but not shave so close as to shave undercoat. Leave it at least ½ inch longer than the natural length of the undercoat. Think of it as a roof over the insulation in your attic.

Is shaving double coated dogs bad?

But in fact, shaving a double–coated dog is the worst thing to do. Shaving prevents cool air from getting to the skin because the undercoat is still present. And a shaved coat doesn’t protect against the sun either, which exposes your dog to greater risks of overheating, sunburn and even skin cancer.

Should you bathe your dog before or after grooming?

Wash the dog. Give your dog a bath and let him dry thoroughly before you clip him. Avoid clipping a dirty dog if at all possible. The dirt will clog the clippers and make your job difficult.

How often should you bathe a double coated dog?

In general, you should bathe a double coated dog every one to 12 weeks, depending on your dog’s tolerance for grooming and skin condition as well as the season.

What happens if you don’t groom your dog?

If you don’t groom your dog, dead skin and dirt are going to pile up on their coat. When you brush your dog, you’re not only helping keep their coat healthy and glossy, you’re also helping remove dead skin and dirt as well as dead fur and dandruff.

Do double coated dogs get cold?

As beautiful as a dog’s coat may be, fur isn’t a perfect insulator, especially when it’s very cold. Regardless of breed, even thick- and double–coated dogs are vulnerable to cold-weather health threats such as frostbite and hypothermia. (Normal temperature for dogs is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.)

What does a double coated dog look like?

A type of coat that consists of two layers, double coated dogs have a dense undercoat of short hairs (woolly in texture) under a top coat of longer hairs called guard hairs. When a dog appears to be fluffier, it means he has a denser undercoat. This means you’ll be up in for the long haul when it comes to grooming.

What do groomers use to dry dogs?

Generally, a groomer will use a small or portable air dryer on the dog. Air dryers are especially beneficial when it comes to dogs with thick fur or an undercoat.

Do double coat dogs shed more?

Double coated dogs shed twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, and that is the undercoat. The rest of the year, the shedding is normal hair turn over and that is seen in all animals with hair Shaving them does not prevent this from happening, it just makes the pieces smaller.

What is the best brush for a double coated dog?

Slicker brush

This is also a great brush for double coated dogs. Slicker brushes are suitable for most coats except short haired dogs. Be sure to use a slicker brush gently as they can be a little harsh. Don’t apply too much pressure when using it as you may hurt your dog.

Are Furminators bad for dogs?

If you use the furminator too often, then you run the risk of damaging your dog’s coat. Dog owners agree that it’s a great tool when the dog is full grown has both its coats in. But it it not a good idea to use it on a young dog or puppy, because it could break the coat.

How often should you brush a double coat?

How Often Should You Brush Your Dog? Tips Based on Your Pet’s Coat