Double Coats on The Golden Coast!

If you're seeing hair tumbleweeds drifting across your floors, you're not alone. One of the most common questions we get at Malory Grooms in Clairemont is:

“Should I shave my dog to help them stay cool?”

When it comes to double-coated breeds—like Australian Shepherds, Picards, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies—the answer is a big, confident:Nope. Please don’t.

Let’s break down why deshedding is the safest and most effective solution, and why shaving can actually do more harm than good.

🧬 What Is a Double Coat?

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur:

• A dense undercoat that helps regulate body temperature

• A coarse topcoat that protects from UV rays, dirt, and moisture

Together, they act as natural insulation—keeping your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When the weather heats up, they shed that undercoat to allow airflow and release excess heat.

💨 Why Deshedding Matters

Deshedding treatments support your dog’s natural coat cycle and provide relief during seasonal shedding. At Malory Grooms, our deshedding sessions include:

• A deep-clean bath with coat-specific shampoo

• Conditioning treatment to loosen dead hair

• High-velocity drying to blow out the undercoat

• Gentle brushing with professional tools

This process helps reduce shedding at home, keeps your dog cool and comfortable, and prevents painful matting or skin irritation.

🚫 Why You Should Never Shave a Double-Coated Breed

We know it’s tempting—especially during a heatwave—but shaving your double-coated dog can lead to:

• Permanent coat damage (regrowth may be uneven, wiry, or not return at all)

• Overheating (removing the insulating layer disrupts temperature control)

• Sunburn and skin sensitivity (the topcoat protects against UV rays)

• Loss of water resistance (important for active, outdoorsy breeds)

While it might seem like you’re helping, shaving often puts your dog at greater risk of discomfort and long-term coat issues.

🐾 So What Should You Do Instead?

If your dog is shedding like crazy or seems uncomfortable in the heat:

✅ Book a seasonal deshedding treatment✅ Stick to a regular grooming schedule (every 4–8 weeks, depending on breed)✅ Use the right brushes at home (ask us for recommendations!)✅ Keep your pup hydrated, shaded, and cool during peak heat hours

🐶 Final Word

Your dog’s coat is beautifully designed to protect them—and when maintained properly, it does an amazing job. With professional grooming and deshedding, your pup will stay cool, clean, and happy without the risks of shaving.

Ready to tackle the summer shed?

📍 Serving Clairemont, San Diego

💻 Book online: MaloryGrooms.com🐕‍🦺

Fear-free. One-on-one. Coat-conscious care.