Shaving a dog’s coat can be a real disservice to the animal!

Don’t do it!

This is to refute the claims by veterinarians and groomers who recommend shaving a dog – that it will not have any negative consequences. They are wrong.

Certain dog breeds should never be shaved. It’s fine for the poodles and some other breeds, but not for Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, collies, huskies, and the like. Even some terriers will have their coats ruined if they are shaved.

On many breeds, the longer, thicker guard hairs of a dog’s coat lie flat over a layer of a protective undercoat, insulating the dog from the elements. This combination of layers shields the dog from extremes of cold as well as heat. Shaving a coat down close to the skin will ruin the protective nature of the pelage. The hair will never grow back the same – ever! The more they are shaved, the worse it can become - nearly impenetrable in some cases.

Shaved coats tend to grow back with a thicker wool-like undercoat with the protective quality of the guard hairs destroyed. This abnormally thicker coat can suffocate the skin, preventing it from breathing. Dermatitis can worsen or develop as moisture and bacteria are held close to the animals skin. The coat becomes matted quickly and is much harder to maintain. Not good.

What are your options?

Have your dog bathed and groomed regularly to clean the skin and remove the undercoat with blow drying and thorough brushing. To help cool the dog in summer months, have some areas like the belly, chest, and groin trimmed slightly. To help keep sporty dogs cleaner and free of foxtails, have their feathers scissor-trimmed and maintain a regular grooming schedule.

For the reasons stated above I will not shave a dog if I believe it will cause damage to its coat. I gladly take on clients who wish to have their dogs groomed regularly to help achieve and maintain a healthy skin and coat.

- Rebecca Dmytryk