Should You Shave a Double-Coated Dog in a Gold Coast Summer?
Should you shave a double-coated dog? Usually not
For most double-coated dogs, a full shave won't make a Gold Coast summer easier, and it can make a few things harder. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, not by sweating through their skin like we do. Their coat shades that skin from the sun, and in some breeds a close shave can come back patchy or take many months to regrow. What does help is getting the dead undercoat out so air can move through the coat. That's what a deshed is for, and it's what we recommend for most double-coated dogs at our Miami studio before summer arrives.
What a double coat actually is
A double-coated dog grows two kinds of hair. The outer layer is longer, coarser guard hair that sheds water and dirt and takes the brunt of the sun. Underneath sits the undercoat: shorter, softer and denser, like the wool lining of a jacket. The Dogs Australia breed standard for the Golden Retriever describes exactly this, a flat or wavy coat over a dense, water-resisting undercoat. The undercoat is the part that rolls under your couch like tumbleweed.
A quick check at home: part the hair on your dog's back or rump. If there's a layer of fine, fluffy hair close to the skin that feels different from the top layer, that's an undercoat.
Single-coated dogs have one layer only. Poodles are single coated, and so are Cavaliers, despite all that feathering. More on both further down.
Why shaving feels like the answer in a Gold Coast summer
We get it. Bureau of Meteorology records for Coolangatta put the average January top at 28.5 degrees with afternoon humidity close to 70 per cent, and the hot days run well past the average. You're melting in a singlet while your Border Collie lies flat on the tiles in a full fur coat. Shaving them looks like the obvious act of kindness.
The catch is that dogs don't cool the way we do. We sweat over our whole body and the breeze does the rest. Dogs do have sweat glands in their paw pads, but a veterinary review of heatstroke describes pad sweating as doing little to cool them. Their main cooling system is panting, which moves air over the wet surfaces of the mouth, tongue and airways. Taking the coat off doesn't upgrade that system.
What the evidence says
Honest version first. We couldn't find a controlled study comparing shaved and unshaved double-coated dogs in summer heat. Here's what veterinary sources do agree on.
The coat insulates both ways. Dr Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club, describes a dog's coat as an insulator, and the AKC advises against shaving double-coated breeds for summer. The ASPCA gives the same advice and warns that removing the coat can lead to discomfort, overheating and sunburn. Canadian veterinary guidance on close clipping puts it simply: a hair coat keeps the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer.
Bare skin burns. That same Canadian guidance warns that exposing bare skin leads to sunburn and dry skin. RSPCA South Australia notes that dogs with white, thin or no hair can suffer severe sunburn. A freshly shaved dog under a Queensland sky falls straight into that group.
Some coats come back slowly, or differently. Veterinary dermatologists recognise a condition called post-clipping alopecia, where hair clipped close to the skin doesn't regrow on schedule. A veterinary dermatology handbook chapter on post-clipping alopecia by Dr Sheila Torres, a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, notes it can affect any breed but is seen more often in plush-coated breeds. Hair normally regrows within three to four months, and in some affected dogs full regrowth takes 12 to 24 months. The cause isn't known. Most dogs do get their coat back. Some take a long time. The AKC also notes that after a shave the faster-growing undercoat can come through ahead of the guard hairs, leaving the coat patchy or a different texture.
Shaving doesn't stop shedding. A shaved double-coated dog still sheds, just shorter hairs. The AKC's grooming advice puts it plainly: shaving doesn't eliminate shedding, but it does damage the topcoat.
A coat clogged with dead undercoat is a different story. The same heatstroke review lists thick coats and high humidity among the factors that raise a dog's risk of overheating, because a dense coat reduces heat loss and humidity makes panting less effective. That's a Gold Coast summer in one sentence. The ASPCA notes that clean, brushed fur allows better air circulation. So the practical answer is to clear out the dead, loose undercoat and keep the guard hairs that shade the skin.
What we do instead at the studio
For most double-coated dogs coming into our Miami studio in the warmer months, the answer is a deshed treatment. Your dog gets a warm bath with Melanie Newman salon products, then we work the loose undercoat out with undercoat rakes and a high-velocity dryer that pushes dead hair out from deep in the coat where a home brush can't reach.
Where a dog needs more than a deshed, a groom adds a tidy of the feet and paw pads, the sanitary area, and any feathering that's knotting up behind the ears or on the back legs. The coat keeps its shape and its sun protection. It just stops working like a doona.
Book a deshed in late spring, before the undercoat comes out in handfuls, then keep it regular through summer.
When a shave is the kinder option
We're not precious about it. Sometimes a shave is the right call, and when it is, we'll tell you straight.
Severe matting. Mats pull on the skin, trap moisture against it and hide what's going on underneath. When a coat is matted tight to the skin, brushing it out can be painful and take hours. Clipping it off and starting fresh is the humane choice, and it's the exception most groomers agree on.
Medical shaves on vet advice. Surgery, skin infections, hot spots and some skin treatments all need clipped skin. If your vet says shave, shave. Veterinary guidance on clipping recognises that some clipping is needed for therapeutic reasons and says to check with your vet if you're unsure.
Elderly dogs. A full deshed means time standing on the table and time under the dryer. Some senior dogs with sore joints or heart conditions are better off with a shorter, quicker clip. We judge that dog by dog.
When we do clip a double-coated dog short, we leave length where we can rather than going to the skin, and we'll talk you through sun protection and what regrowth might look like.
Summer cooling that actually works on the Gold Coast
- Walk first thing in the morning or once the sun has dropped. RSPCA Australia's hot weather advice recommends early morning or late evening walks on hot days.
- Test the sand and the footpath before you head out. Put the back of your hand on the surface for five seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for paws. Dry beach sand, bitumen and concrete are the ones to watch.
- Shade with airflow outside, or inside with the air conditioning on the worst days.
- Give more water than you think they need. Fresh water in a cool spot, a spare bowl in case one gets tipped over, and a few ice cubes on the hot days.
- Rinse off after the beach. Salt and sand dried into the undercoat are itchy and make the coat harder to brush out. A quick fresh-water hose-down at home fixes it.
- Never leave your dog in the car. RSPCA Australia says it can take just six minutes for an animal to die in a hot car.
Common double-coated breeds we see
These breeds all have an undercoat written into their breed standard, so a deshed rather than a shave is our starting point for them:
Australian Cattle Dogs, Australian Shepherds and German Shepherds are double coated too, and the AKC lists the Siberian Husky among them.
Beagles sit in a grey area
Do Beagles have a double coat? Their breed standards describe a short, dense coat (Dogs Australia says short, dense and weatherproof) and don't mention an undercoat, while the AKC's grooming advice lists Beagles among double-coated breeds. In practice it changes very little. A Beagle's short coat sheds plenty, never needs clipping and does best with a bath and deshed.
Not double coated: Cavaliers and Poodle crosses
Cavaliers often get lumped in with double-coated dogs because of their silky feathering, but they're single coated. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club's judges' education chair describes them as a natural breed with a single coat, and the breed standard mentions no undercoat. A shorter summer trim is a common choice for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We still don't clip to the skin.
Poodles are single coated as well. Cavoodles, Groodles, Labradoodles and Spoodles with a typical curly or wavy Poodle-type coat need regular clipping anyway, so a short summer clip is routine for them. If your Doodle has a flatter, shedding coat that takes after the Lab or Golden side of the family, talk to us before going short.
FAQs
Should I shave my double coated dog for summer?
Usually not. A deshed that clears out the dead undercoat keeps the coat's sun protection and lets air move through it. The exceptions are severe matting, a medical shave on vet advice, and some senior dogs.
Will my dog's coat grow back after shaving?
In most dogs, yes. Hair normally regrows within three to four months, but some dogs, especially plush-coated breeds, can take a year or two, and the coat can come back patchy or a different texture.
Do Cavaliers have a double coat?
No. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a single silky coat with feathering and no dense undercoat.
Do Rottweilers have a double coat?
Yes. The FCI breed standard describes a top coat and an undercoat, with the undercoat not meant to show through. Rotties shed more than their short coat suggests, so a regular bath and deshed beats a clip.
Does shaving stop shedding?
No. A shaved double-coated dog still sheds, just shorter hairs, and the shave can damage the guard hairs along the way.
Book a summer deshed in Miami
Warm bath, blow dry and the loose undercoat out, so your dog heads into summer lighter.
Book a washStraight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
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