Grooming and coat
Should I shave my double coated dog in summer?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most groomers and vets recommend against shaving a double coated dog, since the coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold, and shaving removes the guard hairs that block harmful sun exposure. Regular deshedding brushing to remove excess undercoat achieves the cooling effect owners are usually after without the downsides.
Why the coat helps in heat, not just cold
A double coat's guard hairs create a layer of air that insulates against both extreme cold and extreme heat, and the undercoat, when properly maintained, allows air to circulate close to the skin. Removing this structure with a shave can actually make it harder for the dog to regulate its body temperature effectively, not easier.
What shaving actually risks
Shaved skin loses its natural protection from the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn, and in a small number of cases the coat can grow back unevenly or with a different texture afterward, sometimes described as coat funk or clipper alopecia, where regrowth is patchy or the coat never fully returns to its previous density.
A better approach to summer comfort
Thoroughly removing dead undercoat through daily brushing during shedding season, along with providing shade, fresh water, and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day, does more for a double coated dog's comfort in summer than shaving does, while keeping the coat's natural protective structure intact.
Key takeaways
- A double coat insulates against heat as well as cold, so shaving does not reliably help a dog stay cool.
- Shaved skin is more vulnerable to sunburn and can occasionally regrow unevenly.
- Thorough deshedding brushing achieves the cooling benefit owners want without removing the coat's protection.