Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Regular grooming removes loose, dead hair that traps heat and contributes to skin problems including itchiness, redness, bacterial infections, and fungal infections.
- Single-coated and double-coated dogs have very different grooming needs, and the right approach depends on your dog's specific coat type. Always ask your groomer what's appropriate for your dog.
- Shaving a double-coated dog is generally not recommended and can actually interfere with their natural ability to regulate temperature. A professional groomer can help you find the right balance.
If your dog has a lot of fur and you've been putting off a grooming appointment, you're not alone. Grooming can feel like a cosmetic concern, something you do when your dog starts looking a little ragged rather than something that has a meaningful impact on their health. But regular grooming, particularly as the weather warms up, is one of the more important things you can do for your dog's comfort and physical wellbeing.
Our vets get this question a lot as spring turns to summer: will cutting my dog's coat shorter actually make a difference? The short answer is yes, but with some important nuance depending on what kind of coat your dog has. Here's what you need to know.
What happens to your dog's coat in warmer weather
As temperatures rise, dogs with heavier coats go through a process called coat blowing, where they shed their winter undercoat in large quantities to make way for a lighter summer coat. If you have a dog that's been leaving fur on every surface in your home as the weather warms up, that's coat blowing in action.
This process is natural and healthy, but it creates a practical problem if the shed fur isn't removed effectively. Dead, loose hair that stays trapped in the coat doesn't just look untidy. It forms a dense mat of insulation that traps heat close to the skin, restricts airflow, and creates the warm, moist conditions where bacteria and yeast thrive. The result can be a dog that's significantly more uncomfortable than they need to be, with skin that's itchy, red, and prone to infection.
Regular grooming during and after the shedding season removes that loose hair before it becomes a problem, allows air to circulate properly through the coat, and gives the skin the ventilation it needs to stay healthy. Think of it less like a haircut and more like clearing a drain. The coat works the way it's supposed to when it isn't blocked by accumulated dead fur.
Single coat vs. double coat: why it matters
One of the most important things to understand before making any grooming decisions is what kind of coat your dog has, because single-coated and double-coated dogs have fundamentally different grooming needs.
Single-coated dogs
Single-coated dogs have one layer of fur with no dense undercoat beneath it. Breeds in this category include Poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, and many Doodle varieties. Single-coated dogs typically shed less than double-coated breeds, but their coats grow continuously and require regular trimming to prevent matting and maintain a manageable length. For single-coated dogs, cutting the coat shorter in summer is a straightforward way to keep them cooler and more comfortable.
Double-coated dogs
Double-coated dogs have two distinct layers: a longer, coarser outer coat of guard hairs that repels water and debris, and a dense, soft undercoat beneath it that provides insulation. Breeds in this category include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Australian Shepherds, and many others.
The double coat is an engineering marvel in many ways. The undercoat insulates in both directions, keeping the dog warm in cold weather and, perhaps counterintuitively, helping to regulate temperature and protect the skin from direct sun in warm weather. The outer guard hairs provide a physical barrier against UV rays and environmental irritants.
This is why the grooming approach for double-coated dogs requires more thought than simply cutting the coat shorter when it gets warm.
Should you shave your double-coated dog in summer?
This is one of the most common grooming questions our vets hear as summer approaches, and the answer is generally no, with some nuance.
Shaving a double-coated dog removes both the insulating undercoat and the protective guard hairs at the same time, eliminating the natural temperature regulation system the coat provides. Without the guard hairs, the dog is more directly exposed to UV radiation, which can cause sunburn and skin damage. Without the undercoat, the natural insulation that actually helps keep them cool by trapping a layer of air near the skin is gone.
There's also a coat regrowth issue. After shaving, the undercoat and guard hairs don't always grow back in the correct proportions or texture. In some dogs, particularly older ones, the coat grows back with an altered texture or the undercoat grows faster than the guard hairs, disrupting the coat's natural function for months or longer.
The better approach for double-coated dogs is what professional groomers call a deshedding treatment or blowout, which uses specialized tools and techniques to remove the loose, dead undercoat without cutting the guard hairs. This dramatically reduces the insulating mat of dead fur while preserving the coat's natural structure and protective function. The result is a dog that's genuinely cooler and more comfortable without the risks associated with shaving.
When trimming is appropriate for double-coated dogs
There are situations where some trimming of a double-coated dog is appropriate. Trimming around the paws, ears, and sanitary areas is standard grooming practice for many breeds regardless of coat type. Some groomers also offer a light trim of the outer coat to tidy the overall appearance without going short enough to compromise the coat's function. A professional groomer experienced with your dog's specific breed can advise on what's appropriate.
The health consequences of skipping grooming
Beyond comfort and temperature regulation, regular grooming has a direct impact on your dog's skin health. Several common conditions our vets treat are directly connected to inadequate grooming.
Matting and skin irritation
In single-coated dogs that aren't groomed regularly, the coat can mat, meaning the fur tangles and compresses into dense clumps that pull on the skin. Matting is painful, restricts movement in affected areas, and traps moisture against the skin. Severe mats can completely cut off airflow to the skin underneath and cause significant skin breakdown. By the time matting is visible on the surface, the skin underneath is often already irritated.
Bacterial and fungal infections
The warm, moist, airless environment that builds up under a neglected coat is ideal for bacterial and fungal organisms. Hot spots, which are areas of acute moist dermatitis, are particularly common in dogs with heavy or long coats that aren't regularly groomed. These can develop quickly, within hours in some cases, and cause significant discomfort. Fungal infections including yeast overgrowth on the skin are also more common in dogs with dense, ungroomed coats.
Ear infections
Ear health is directly connected to grooming in many breeds. Dogs with hair growing in and around the ear canal, or with heavy ear flaps that reduce airflow, are more prone to ear infections when grooming is neglected. Keeping the hair around the ears trimmed and clean is a standard part of grooming for many breeds and contributes meaningfully to ear health.
Itchiness and skin redness
A dog that's been scratching more than usual, rubbing against furniture, or showing pink or red skin isn't always dealing with allergies. Sometimes the underlying issue is a coat that hasn't been properly maintained, trapping heat and irritants against the skin. A thorough grooming session can provide significant relief in these cases, and your vet can help distinguish between a grooming-related skin issue and an allergic condition that requires treatment.
How to work with your groomer effectively
Finding a good groomer and communicating clearly with them makes a significant difference in the outcome for your dog. Here are a few things worth knowing before your next appointment.
Tell your groomer what kind of coat your dog has and ask what they recommend. A good groomer will assess the coat, ask about your dog's lifestyle and how often you're able to maintain the coat at home between appointments, and make a recommendation based on that information rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
If you're not sure whether your dog has a single or double coat, ask your vet at your next wellness visit. It's a quick question with a clear answer that will help you make better grooming decisions going forward.
For dogs with skin conditions, redness, or unusual coat texture, let your groomer know before the appointment. Some conditions are better addressed at the vet before grooming, and a good groomer will flag anything they notice during the appointment that looks like it warrants veterinary attention.
Grooming isn't just about how your dog looks. It's about how they feel, how their skin functions, and how comfortable they are through the warmer months of the year. A good grooming routine, tailored to your dog's specific coat type and maintained consistently, is one of the more straightforward investments you can make in your dog's day-to-day quality of life.
If you're noticing skin issues, excessive scratching, or ear problems that might be connected to your dog's coat, come see us at a Modern Animal clinic. We're happy to take a look and help you figure out whether what you're seeing is grooming-related or something that needs a different kind of attention. Book a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
For single-coated dogs, yes. Shorter fur means less insulation and better airflow, which translates directly to a cooler, more comfortable dog in warm weather. For double-coated dogs, the answer is more nuanced. The double coat provides natural temperature regulation, and shaving it can actually remove the protective function it serves. For these dogs, a professional deshedding treatment that removes the dead undercoat without cutting the guard hairs is a better approach than a short trim.
Coat blowing is the process by which dogs shed their winter undercoat as temperatures rise in spring and early summer. During this period, double-coated breeds shed large quantities of dense undercoat fur, which can appear dramatic to owners who haven't seen it before. Regular brushing and professional grooming during this period helps remove the shed fur efficiently and prevents it from matting against the skin.
It depends on the coat type, length, and your dog's lifestyle. Single-coated dogs that are kept in a longer style typically need professional grooming every four to six weeks. Double-coated dogs may need professional deshedding treatments two to three times per year, with regular at-home brushing in between. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, in water, or in environments where they pick up debris may need more frequent attention. Your groomer can recommend a schedule based on your specific dog.
Generally no. Shaving a double-coated dog removes both the insulating undercoat and the protective guard hairs, eliminating the natural temperature regulation the coat provides and exposing the skin to UV radiation. It can also affect how the coat grows back. A professional deshedding treatment is a better option for most double-coated dogs in warm weather. Consult your groomer for guidance specific to your dog's breed and coat condition.
Yes. A coat that isn't regularly maintained can trap heat and moisture against the skin, creating conditions where bacteria and yeast thrive. Hot spots, fungal overgrowth, and general skin irritation are all more common in dogs whose coats haven't been properly maintained. If your dog is showing signs of skin irritation, redness, or unusual scratching, a combination of grooming and a vet visit to assess the skin is often the right approach. All Access and Essential members can reach the Modern Animal care team virtually at any hour to discuss what they're seeing before deciding whether an in-person visit is needed.
Start by asking what they recommend for your dog's specific coat type. A good groomer will assess the coat and make a recommendation based on the breed, coat condition, and your maintenance routine at home. Ask about deshedding treatments if your dog has a double coat and is going through a heavy shed. Let them know about any skin issues, sensitivity, or areas where your dog is uncomfortable being handled. And ask how often they recommend bringing your dog back based on what they observe during the appointment. Book a visit.