Why We Don’t Shave Double-Coated Dogs – The Truth Behind the Glam

At Silverdale Grooming Company, we believe every pet deserves red carpet treatment – but sometimes that means saying “no” to requests that could harm their coat or health. One of the most common questions we get is: “Can you shave my Husky, Golden Retriever, or Australian Shepherd to help them stay cooler?” The short answer is: No, and here’s why.

Double-Coats Are Nature’s Designer Wardrobe

Think of a double-coated dog’s fur as a custom-tailored outfit straight from Mother Nature’s fashion house. They come with two layers:

The Undercoat: A soft, fluffy layer that insulates and keeps them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

The Guard Coat: The longer, protective top layer that blocks sun, repels dirt, and shields skin from damage.


Together, they act like the perfect celebrity stylist – keeping your dog’s body temperature regulated and their skin safe from the spotlight (or in this case, the sun).

Shaving Doesn’t Cool Them Down

Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. Their coat is actually designed to manage heat and cold naturally. When you shave a double coat, you take away that built-in temperature control system. Instead of cooling them down, shaving can make them overheat more quickly and increase the risk of sunburn.

The Risk of Coat Damage

Here’s the part most pet parents don’t realize: once a double coat is shaved, it doesn’t always grow back the same. The undercoat can grow in faster than the guard hairs, leaving your pup with a patchy, frizzy, or dull look – not exactly a Hollywood-ready style! In some cases, the damage is permanent.

Better Alternatives for a Star-Worthy Look

So if shaving isn’t an option, what is the best way to help your double-coated dog stay comfortable and glamorous?

De-shedding Treatments: Regular undercoat removal keeps shedding under control and improves air circulation.

Frequent Brushing: Think of it as brushing out tangles before a photoshoot – it keeps the coat healthy and smooth.

Bath & Blowouts: Our professional blow-dryers lift out dead fur and leave your pup feeling fresh and fabulous.

Runway Feather Trim: On breeds like Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherds, the longest feathering can be tidied up without interrupting the natural coat growth cycle. It’s a safe, stylish way to give your dog that polished, camera-ready finish without risking coat damage.


The Takeaway

At Silverdale Grooming Company, our mission is to make every pet look and feel like a star. Shaving a double coat may seem like a quick fix, but it can damage your dog’s health, comfort, and red-carpet shine. With the right grooming routine, your double-coated dog will stay cool, healthy, and ready for their close-up.

✨ Because every dog deserves a style that lasts a lifetime – not just a season.