Does your dog have a double coat? We often tell owners that the easiest way to answer this question is to assess their breed. Dozens of dog breeds have double coats designed to protect them from the climates in which they were bred.
Why does it matter if you have a double coated dog? A double coat requires special care to ensure that your dog is clean, healthy, and comfortable in both hot and cool temperatures.
Today, we're going to share some grooming tips for all of you double coated dog owners. From bathing to drying (and a few bonus tips, too), we've got you covered.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about keeping that double coat clean no matter the season.
What Is a Double Coat?
Whether you're new to dog ownership in general or double coated dog ownership, specifically, you may not realize that different dogs have different types of coats. Some dogs have smooth coats, some dogs have wiry coats, and some dogs have double coats.
Double coats are characterized by, you guessed it, their dual layers. The tough top coat (or guard coat) is what you see when you look at your dog and feel when you give them a pet. The undercoat is softer and serves to insulate your dog from both hot and cold temperatures.
Most dogs with a double coat were bred to live and work in harsh climates with extremely low temperatures. As a result, it's easy to assume that double coated dogs don't fare well in hot summer weather. However, a well-groomed double coat provides plenty of protection from the heat, just as it does the cold.
Regular Double Coat Maintenance
One important thing to note about your double coated dog is that they're going to shed. That undercoat, in particular, can leave hair all over your clothes and furniture, which may increase respiratory symptoms in those who have a dog allergy. The good news is that with regular double coat maintenance, you can cut down on shedding.
Brushing your double coated dog two to three times a week is a must. To brush a double coated dog, you will want to purchase a raking brush designed for their coat. The raking brush helps to cut through the top coat and remove hairs from the undercoat that have fallen out.
Should you ever shave your double coated dog? According to vets and dog experts, absolutely not.
As long as you brush and bathe your dog the right way, that undercoat will thin out in the summer months. In fact, a sparser undercoat still acts as insulation from the heat, trapping hot hair between the under and outer layers and keeping it away from your dog's body. Plus, when you disrupt the natural growth pattern of a double coat by shaving it, it may not grow back the right way.
Bathing a Dog With a Double Coat
Now, let's talk about bathing your double coated dog. You will want to bathe your dog every eight to twelve weeks or when special circumstances (like rolling in something gross and smelly) apply. Increase the frequency of baths in the warmer months, when your double coated dog is shedding most.
Before starting, make sure to give your dog a thorough brushing. This will remove any stray hairs and lower the risk of tangling.
Next, wet your dog's hair with warm (never hot) water, avoiding the ears to prevent ear infections. Apply dog shampoo (never human shampoo) in a line down your dog's back and work the shampoo into your dog's hair along their back, sides, and belly. Apply more shampoo to each leg and work it down the leg and around the feet, making sure to get any dirt near or between the pads of their paws.
Use a spray nozzle to rinse away shampoo, working your hands into their hair to remove any residual shampoo from their undercoat. Repeat this same process with a dog conditioner to further lower the risk of tangling.
To wash your dog's face, use a damp washcloth. Again, avoid getting water inside of their ears.
Drying a Dog With a Double Coat
Is a towel dry enough for a dog with a double coat? It will do in a pinch, but we recommend using a blow dryer on that thick hair. Blow drying your double coated dog will leave them feeling softer and prevent the growth of mold or bacteria on the skin.
First, use a towel to get the job started. Then, grab a blow dryer and set it to a warm setting (never hot) and opt for the highest airflow, brushing your dog with one hand while drying with the other. You can switch to a cool setting intermittently to keep your dog comfortable and prevent over-heating.
Does Your Double Coated Dog Need Professional Grooming?
We know what you're thinking: this whole grooming situation is a lot of work. What if you don't have the skills, tools, or time to do it yourself?
Bubbly Paws offers full service grooming for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and coat types. From bathing and drying to nail trimming and teeth brushing, we've got you covered.
Looking for a place where you can find all of the essentials to groom your dog, yourself? We also offer a self-service station where you'll access all of the grooming supplies you need to bathe, dry, and brush your double coated dog yourself.
Join Us at Bubbly Paws for Full Grooming Services
Double coated dogs make great companions. The only problem? That special coat needs special care.
Join us at Bubbly Paws for full grooming services, including professional or self-service options. We love our clients, both human and furry, and take great pride in keeping your pup clean and healthy. To find out more about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!