Why You Should Never Shave Double-Coated Dogs

Every summer it happens again: photos appear of dogs turned into “little teddy bears,” and many owners think it helps them feel cooler. But what seems like an innocent haircut can seriously harm their health.

At Mimi Dog Grooming in Dénia, we love making dogs look beautiful — but our main goal is not fashion, it’s the health and well-being of your pet.

The secret of the double coat

Some dog breeds, like Pomeranian, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Husky, or Mastiff, have a double coat:

• An outer coat that’s harder and shinier — it works like a raincoat protecting from sun, rain, and dirt.
• An inner coat that’s soft and woolly, helping to regulate body temperature.

These two layers function together as a natural protection system.
When shaved too short, this balance is broken: the dog loses protection against sunlight, cold, and insects, and the hair may stop growing properly.

What happens if you shave a double-coated dog

Shaving a double-coated dog does not cool it down — quite the opposite.
The skin becomes exposed, overheats in the sun, and common problems appear, such as:

• Post-clipping alopecia — bald patches that never grow back.
• Dermatitis and itching caused by skin irritation.
• Loss of shine and natural coat texture.
• Thermal imbalance: dogs feel colder in winter and hotter in summer.

In Pomeranians, this mistake can have irreversible consequences: the coat may stop growing and bald areas remain permanently.

What you should do instead

If your dog has a double coat and doesn’t shed well, don’t shave it — help it remove the dead undercoat.
In our grooming salon, we use special deshedding techniques and tools that clean the coat without harming the follicles.
We also recommend regular brushing, proper bathing products, and complete drying.

This keeps the coat clean, light, and healthy without risking the dog’s skin or overall health.

In summary

Technically, we could do that haircut if a client insists — but we won’t, because we know the damage it causes.
Our goal isn’t to turn your dog into a toy, but to preserve its natural beauty and real comfort.
A well-maintained coat without tangles is the best air conditioner your dog can have.

It allows the skin to breathe, regulates body temperature, and keeps your pet protected.
At Mimi Dénia, style never comes before health.