With summer just around the corner you might have been thinking about having your furry friend shaved to keep them cooler. Or, maybe you think it would help reducing the amount of hair left around your house.
But, did you know that shaving a dog with a double-coat (one that sheds out) is bad for them?
***Examples of double coated dogs: Chows, Pomeranians, Collies, Golden Retrievers, Labs, Beagles, Huskies, German Shepherds, Spitz breeds.
Here are the 3 reasons not to shave a double coat:
1. Coat damage
While in some cases the shaved double coat might grow back just fine after the first time, it will eventually lose its healthy shine and even grow back patchy (bold spots), or not at all!
2. Not a fix for shedding
They will still shed, but shorter hairs, which are much harder to clean up. They basically become tiny splinters that will get stuck in your furniture and even in your skin!
3. Overheating your pooch
Dogs can’t sweat (except for the paw pads), so their topcoat is there for a reason. These long guard hairs serve as a perfect insulation from both the cold and the heat. Once they're shaved, your dog's skin will be fully exposed to the sun, resulting in dangerous overheating and even heat stroke or skin cancer.
***A good groomer should ALWAYS inform you about potential risks before shaving your dog!
So, what's the alternative?
The best solution to keep your dog cool and (almost) shed-free is to keep the topcoat intact while removing the undercoat - either by regular brushing out or professional deshedding treatments. Your dog's belly may also be shaved for added cooling effect, without risking a sunburn nor damaging the rest of the coat.
***Ask our groomer about our signature Coat Release Technology Deshedding Treatment!
• A revolutionary deshedding treatment using a state-of-the-art silicone technology and proteins, and producing advanced conditioning that will: • Replace the sebum and rehydrate the coat, protecting it from brush damage. • Close (smooth) cuticle scales along the hair shaft, keeping them closed longer, while reducing static. • Enable the HV dryer to virtually replace brushing, reducing coat damage, and safely and effectively releasing tangles, mats, and shedding. • Soothe and soften skin, lessen the likelihood of irritation from detergents and other ingredients.