What is a Double Coated Dog? Should They Be Clipped Short in Summer?

Do you have a double-coated dog? If so, you may be wondering if you should clip their fur short in the summer. In this post, we’ll discuss what makes a double-coated dog and what you can do to keep them cool in the summer heat.

Stay tuned for tips on how to keep your furry friend comfortable all summer long!

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There are a lot of dog breeds out there, and each one is slightly different from the others. These disparities manifest themselves in a variety of ways (size, shape, personality, color, and on and on).

The coat of a dog is one of the most obvious ways in which it differs from another. You’ll understand what we’re talking about if you’ve ever run your hand over a variety of dogs.

Those fuzzy exteriors are rarely the same from one to the next. Single coats and double coats are the two primary categories of dog coats.

You undoubtedly know what a single coat is, but what about the double coat? Isn’t it a puzzle? That’s exactly why this Pet Guide exists. We’re here to clear up all of these pet-related riddles.

So, if you’ve ever been puzzled by the weird concept of the double coat, you’ve arrived at the perfect location!

There are some variations within each of these two primary kinds of dog coats. However, these are the two most important areas to understand before grooming your dog.

Let’s go through the fundamentals of double-coated dogs, such as which breeds have them and how to properly care for them.

If you have a dog with a thick double coat, this is useful information.

What is a double coat?

A double coat, simply put, is a sort of clothing that has two layers. The undercoat of double-coated dogs is dense and full of short hairs.

These short hairs are usually wooly in texture. Guard hairs, on the other hand, are the top layer of longer hairs.

The denser the undercoat, the fluffier the coat will appear, and the dog will require more care. These dogs need extra effort.

The undercoat primarily protects the dog from harsh temperatures, both hot and cold, while the topcoat repels moisture and dirt. Each has a specific function, therefore there’s a reason why these dogs’ fur is so diverse.

What dogs have double coats?

• Pomeranian
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Siberian Husky
• Chow Chow
• Akita
• German Shepherd
• Old English Sheepdog
• Newfoundland

What is blowing coat in a dog?

There are more distinctions than just appearances if you own a dog with a double coat. These coats also behave in a unique way.

To explain, coat blow is a condition that occurs in double-coated dog breeds.

It’s crucial to understand exactly what coat blow is because it’s something more to be wary of if you’re thinking about bringing one of these dogs into your home.

Coat blow is distinct from the normal shedding that occurs throughout the year in dogs. When a dog blows his coat, he is essentially changing from his winter coat to his summer coat.

The procedure is comparable to shedding yet distinct enough to warrant further investigation. A soft undercoat lies beneath the coarse guard hairs of a double-coated breed’s topcoat, which is visibly longer.

Your dog will keep pleasant and warm even in the coldest winter months thanks to its velvety undercoat.

But, as you might expect, as the temperature warms up, something has to alter so that he can stay comfortable underneath all of this fur.

This is where the blowing coat comes in.

It’s a method of releasing the undercoat in large clumps. If you thought shedding was horrible, you’ll think again after seeing what coat blow looks like!

Some dog owners use whole garbage bags to collect all of their dog’s fur. It’s not a pleasant thing to behold.

Is it necessary to run to the groomer when your double-coated dog’s coat is blowing? No. Surprisingly, the answer is no. Eventually, all of the undesirable hair will fall out on its own.

Now, the severity and frequency of your dog’s coat blow will be determined totally by the breed (as well as the gender of your pet).

Coat blow is complicated by a number of unanticipated elements.

Shaving double coated dogs

In short, do not shave your double-coated dog. Dogs have hair for a reason, so completely removing it endangers their health and comfort.

Dogs have numerous layers of fur to shield them from the elements, especially the scorching sun in the summer. Body hair protects your dog from dangerous UV rays, keeping its skin cooler on the surface.

Can you imagine how you’d feel if someone shaved your entire body, stole your clothes, and forced you to go on a walk in the scorching sun?

Probably not very good.

The same is true for dogs, who are more prone to overheating, sunburns, and skin cancer if they don’t have their coats on during the summer.

6 Reasons you should NOT shave double coated dogs

1. It can lead to skin problems. Due to excessive licking and scratching after their grooming, your dog may receive razor burns, hot patches, and/or irritated skin.
2. It has no effect on how much a dog sheds. The undercoat of double-coated dogs sheds twice a year, while the rest of the shedding is regular hair turnover, which occurs in all animals with hair, including humans. Shaving may appear to reduce shedding, but it is only a temporary solution; the dog will continue to shed, but the hair will be shorter.
3. It harms the topcoat’s state and the hair cycle, making shedding times unpredictable and, in some cases, never-ending. It can take up to two years for the topcoat to entirely regrow. Alopecia is a condition in which the topcoat does not grow back to normal length or does not come back at all in some areas, resulting in patches. This may require that you shave your dog for the remainder of its life.
4. It has an effect on their metabolism. In the winter, the undercoat keeps them warm, and in the summer, it keeps them cool. If your dog’s hair is well-groomed and there is no dead or loose undercoat, it will keep your dog warm in the winter by providing insulation and keeping his skin dry. It acts as a form of air cooling system in the heat. Removing the loose undercoat allows air to reach the skin, making it much cooler, while leaving the topcoat on keeps the heat/sun out.
5. You can shave a strip off your dog’s tummy if they reside outside. This permits them to rest on cool surfaces and absorb as much chill as possible.
6. Your dog is more likely to become sunburned and get skin cancer. Shaved skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, and excessive sun exposure can be dangerous. To protect their skin, precautions like clothes and/or sunscreen must be taken.

How to keep your dog cool in the heat

If your dog has rock-n-roll hair, it’s time to call an experienced groomer who can help you tame that lovely mane before it gets too hot.

Otherwise, all dogs should go through the following checklist:

• Throughout the day, make sure they have enough fresh, chilled water.
• When going for a walk, bring some water with you.
• On a hot day, never leave them in the car.
• In the heat, avoid prolonged, intense exercise.
• Allow your dog to seek shade or take a swim if they require it.
• Find some shade and get your dog some water if you notice your dog panting hard.