Double Coated dogs, what are they, and why can't I have a shave down?
Double coated dogs like Huskies, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, and more, should never be shaved, in an ideal world.
When shaving a double coated dog, it removes it's insulation layer from it's fur, and causes it to over heat faster than it would have with it's coat on. Think of your thermal water bottle, the insulated layer adds an extra layer of protection from heat or cold, and a dog's coat that is double coated acts in similar fashion.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-it-ok-to-shave-your-dog/
"Temperatures are soaring, your dog is panting, and there’s dog hair all over the house. You might be thinking that a good, close shave could help cool your dog off while eliminating some of that furry mess.
Well, think again. Many dogs should not be shaved at all, depending on their coat type. Shaving can actually have the opposite effect of what you intend and make your dog even hotter. Here are some insights on shaving your dog, and some steps you can take instead to keep your dog healthy in hot weather.
Double-Coated Dogs
Double-coated dogs have a soft, inner coat of hair close to their skin that serves as an insulating layer, helping keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. In summer, a dog will shed a good bit of this under- layer, but what remains will help capture air between the two coat layers, allowing the dog to keep the heat at bay and regulate their body temperature. The outer coat (or guard hair) consists of longer hair that gives a dog their color. Dogs do not shed the outer coat as much.
Examples of double-coated dogs are Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and English Springer Spaniels. As they shed their undercoats in warm weather, the outer coat remains to protect them from sunburn and insect bites.
“Your dog’s coat actually acts as an insulator,” explains Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. “Shaving that coat to reduce shedding or supposedly to keep the dog cool also eliminates that insulating layer of fur, makes the dog susceptible to heat stroke, and can result in improper hair growth and the possibility of follicle damage. A dog’s fur coat protects him from sunburn and decreases his risk of developing skin cancer.”
Shaving a double coat can also do long-term damage. When it’s shaved down to the skin, the undercoat hair will grow back faster, and sometimes will crowd out the slower-growing guard hairs. This can change the texture and color of a dog’s coat and make it appear patchy and unattractive."
Please make sure to always take into consideration your dogs health before making any choices for vanity!
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