July 6, 2026
It's a common request in summer: "Can you shave my dog to keep them cool?" We understand the instinct — but for most dogs, shaving does the opposite of what you'd hope, and sometimes causes lasting damage. Here's why we don't do it.
A coat is not a jumper
A dog's coat isn't just insulation against cold — it also regulates heat and shields the skin from sun and insects. Shaving strips that protection away, leaving skin exposed to sunburn, bites and overheating rather than protecting against it.
Double coats often don't grow back the same
Breeds with a double coat — think retrievers, huskies, shepherds and many mixes — have a soft undercoat beneath coarser guard hairs. Once shaved, that undercoat frequently grows back faster and patchier than the guard coat, leaving a texture that never fully recovers and sheds worse than before.
When trimming is fine
There are good reasons to trim — just not to shave the whole body. Hygiene trims around the eyes, paws and sanitary areas keep a dog clean and comfortable, and heavily matted coats sometimes need clearing for welfare reasons. That's targeted care, not a full shave.
What we do instead
- Warm-water baths with gentle, skin-friendly products
- A full blow-dry and de-shedding brush-out (this is what really reduces shedding)
- Nail trims and ear cleaning
- Tidy hygiene trims where they genuinely help
The result is a clean, comfortable dog with a coat that still does its job. Read more about our bath & grooming, or ask us what's right for your dog's coat.
