Double-coated dogs need special care when grooming. If you need a quick guide, you’ve got it!
Some dogs are hairless, some have short or flowing coats, and others still have fluffy double coats. A double coat on a dog is a downy underlayer that insulates the body with a coarser upper layer that protects the body from external elements like water and dirt. Common dog breeds with double coats include the Corgi, English Sheepdog, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, German Shepherd, Shiba Inu, and Alaskan Husky. Are you thinking of getting one, or want to groom your pet yourself? Here’s how to groom a double-coated dog with confidence.
Gather Your Tools
The first step is to gather your tools. You’ll need only a few items:
- An undercoat rake
- A slicker brush
- A pin brush
- A deshedding brush
- Shampoo and conditioner for double-coated dogs
- (Preferred): A high-velocity dryer for dogs
- (Optional): A grippy silicone glove for grabbing dead, loose hairs
- (Optional): Dog-safe cologne spray after bathing, brushing, and drying
Steps in Brushing Your Double-Coated Dog
- Use the undercoat rake to get out any tangles, mats, or shed hairs from the dog’s dense and fluffy undercoat. Always brush in the direction of the hair growth.
- Use the slicker brush to detangle the dog’s outer coat.
- Use the pin brush to complete the final touches.
It’s as easy as that–a three-step process to keep your dog’s coat smooth and healthy in daily life. Regular grooming and an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet will help reduce flaky, dry skin.
Shedding Season
Double-coated dogs tend to shed year-round, but they shed a lot more in spring and fall as they don their winter or summer coats. Their natural coats not only keep them warm in winter, but also regulate their body temperature in summer.
It’s best to brush your dog more frequently during shedding season to remove as much shedding hair as possible. Otherwise, your pet will either become very shaggy or your home will have more pet hair around than usual.
Bathing Your Double-Coated Dog
Bathing a double-coated dog begins by soaking your dog down to the skin with warm or lukewarm water. Lather the dog in an appropriate shampoo, rinse, and then do the same with the conditioner. Towel-dry your pet and let it air dry or dry it with a high-velocity dryer for dogs. It’s best to bathe a dog either once or twice a month, depending on its needs.
Extra Tips
Avoid shaving your double-coated dog, as it could mess up its complex coat, and consider using professional grooming for the ultimate grooming experience. If your dog is having skin issues, it’s best to contact your local vet for advice.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!