Every summer, as temperatures climb across Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, we hear the same request from well-meaning dog owners: “Can you just shave him down for the heat?” It usually comes from owners of Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, and other double-coated breeds who assume a shorter coat means a cooler, more comfortable dog. It is one of the most common — and most damaging — misconceptions in dog grooming.

After more than 35 years grooming dogs in Dunwoody, our team wants every pet owner in the community to understand what a double coat actually does, why shaving it can backfire, and what really helps a double-coated dog stay comfortable through a Georgia summer.

What Is a Double Coat, Exactly?

Double-coated breeds have two distinct layers of fur working together as a system:

• The undercoat — a soft, dense layer close to the skin that regulates temperature and provides insulation
• The guard coat (topcoat) — longer, coarser hairs that repel water, block UV rays, and protect the skin from sunburn and insect bites

Common double-coated breeds in our Dunwoody and Sandy Springs client base include Siberian Huskies, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Chow Chows, Pomeranians, Corgis, and Australian Shepherds. If your dog has a thick, plush coat with a noticeably softer layer underneath, they are very likely double-coated.

Why Shaving a Double Coat Doesn’t Cool Your Dog Down

It feels intuitive: less fur should mean less heat. But a double coat functions more like insulation in a well-built house — it keeps heat out in summer just as effectively as it keeps warmth in during winter. The layered structure traps a cushion of air against the skin that actually regulates the dog’s body temperature in both directions.

When you shave a double coat down to the skin, you remove that natural insulation and expose the dog to several real risks:

• Sunburn and skin cancer risk — a dog’s skin is not designed for direct sun exposure the way fur-protected skin is
• Overheating — without the insulating air layer, dogs can actually struggle more to regulate body temperature
• Permanent coat damage — shaved double coats can grow back patchy, coarse, or unevenly, a condition groomers call “coat blow” or post-clipping alopecia, which in some cases never fully corrects itself
• Loss of protection — the coat also guards against insect bites, debris, and minor scrapes during outdoor time

What Actually Helps Double-Coated Dogs Stay Cool

The good news is there is a safe, effective alternative that professional groomers use specifically for double-coated breeds during shedding season and summer heat:

1. Professional Deshedding Treatment

A deshedding service removes the loose, dead undercoat without cutting the protective guard hairs. This is the single most effective thing you can do for a double-coated dog in summer — it reduces the volume of trapped, insulating dead fur while keeping the coat’s natural protective structure intact.

2. Regular Brushing at Home

Between professional visits, a slicker brush or undercoat rake used two to three times a week prevents dead fur from building up and matting against the skin, which can trap heat and moisture against the body.

3. A Proper Bath and Blow-Out

A thorough bath followed by a high-velocity dryer blow-out physically forces loose undercoat out during the drying process — often removing more dead fur in one session than weeks of home brushing.

4. Cooling Support, Not Coat Removal

Access to shade, fresh water, cooling mats, and avoiding peak-heat walks (late morning through mid-afternoon in Georgia summers) do far more for a double-coated dog’s comfort than removing their coat ever could.

Are There Any Exceptions?

There are a small number of medical situations — severe matting that cannot be safely brushed out, certain skin conditions, or a veterinarian’s direct recommendation — where a shave-down may be medically necessary. In those cases, it is a decision made between your vet and an experienced groomer, not a routine summer haircut. If your dog is severely matted, ask your groomer for an honest assessment rather than requesting a shave-down as a first option.

What We Tell Every Client at Robin’s Groomingdales

When a Dunwoody or Sandy Springs client asks us to shave their Husky, Golden, or Shepherd for the summer, we always walk through this explanation first — not to turn away business, but because we genuinely care about the long-term health of every dog that comes through our doors. Most owners are relieved to learn there’s a better option that keeps their dog both cooler and protected.

If your double-coated dog is struggling with shedding or heat this summer, book a deshedding treatment instead of a shave-down. Your dog stays protected, and you’ll see a real reduction in the fur taking over your home.

Robin’s Groomingdales has served Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, and the greater Atlanta area since 1987, with a 4.9-star rating and 9-time Best Pet Groomer recognition. Book a deshedding consultation at robinsgroomingdales.us/bookings or call (770) 396-8902. Open Monday–Saturday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM.