Wiggie notes · Bangalore
Should you shave a double-coated dog in Bangalore?
Every warm spell, someone asks whether they should shave their Husky or Golden Retriever to help them cope with the Bangalore heat. It is a caring instinct. For most double-coated dogs, though, a thorough de-shed and some changes at home do more good than clippers.
What the two layers do
A double coat has a soft, dense undercoat and longer outer guard hairs. When the loose undercoat is brushed out, air can move through the coat and the guard hairs help shade the skin. When the dead undercoat stays in, the coat becomes thick and matted and holds heat and moisture against the skin — which is often what people are reacting to when they think about a shave.
Why we prefer a de-shed to a shave
Shaving a double coat down removes both layers at once. Owners and groomers often report that the coat can grow back unevenly, and the skin loses the shade the outer coat gave. That is why Wiggie’s dog grooming page says we will not shave a double coat to save time. We would rather tell you the coat needs a second session than take a shortcut. If your veterinarian advises clipping for a medical reason, follow that advice and tell us about it.
When a trim is reasonable
A tidy-up is different from a shave. Trimming the feathering on legs and the fur between paw pads, keeping the sanitary area tidy, and taking out a mat behind an ear are all normal parts of a groom. If matting has become severe, the kindest option may involve clipping a section; a groomer should explain that to you before doing it.
Keeping a double-coated dog comfortable in Bangalore
- Brush regularly so loose undercoat does not compact. See de-shedding a dog at home.
- Walk early in the morning and later in the evening during hot spells, and avoid mid-day pavements.
- Keep fresh water in more than one room, and a cool floor or a shaded corner available.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car. Our summer pet care guide has more.
- Dry thoroughly after baths and monsoon walks.
Booking a de-shedding visit
A groomer can work through the undercoat at home, after a bath and a proper dry, at a pace your dog accepts. Wiggie visits homes across all localities in Bangalore. Send an enquiry with a photo of your dog’s coat, and we will tell you what we suggest and share a quote.
Related reading: De-shedding a dog at home in Bangalore’s weather, Summer pet care in Bangalore, How often to groom your dog in Bangalore.
Happy pets, happy humans.
Tell us about your dog or cat, your neighbourhood and your dates. We come back on WhatsApp with a plan and a quote.