How and why you good coat maintenance is important for your double coated dog

Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur: a rough topcoat and a soft undercoat. These two coats grow at different rates to one another and to different lengths. The soft undercoat is shorter and grows much faster than the topcoat. The undercoat sheds and is usually released twice a year. The topcoat is longer, but grows slower than the undercoat. It is not recommended to shave any breeds that have a double coat.

Double Coated dogs include breeds such as:

• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• German Shepherd
• Rough Collie
• Pomeranian

Brushing a double coated dog

A double coated dog has a lot of hair, so will need brushing at least two or three times every week to keep their coats free from tangles and clumps. However, due to the different types of hair on a pet’s body, you will need a number of different brushes in your kit.

• An undercoat specific grooming rake, will help remove any loose hairs from your pets inner coat.
• A wide-tooth comb, should be used to work through any mats or tangles on the outer coat.
• Finally, use a slicker brush, over the whole coat to help de-shed your pet while improving shine and giving a sleek finish.

Washing a double coated dog

Generally, it is recommended to bath a double coated dog every 4-8 weeks, although more so when they are shedding. As many different breeds fall into the double coated category, it is important to find the right shampoo to suit your specific dog. Deep cleaning, de-shedding and 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioners are all excellent options for most double coat breeds.

Drying a double coated dog

When drying a dog with a double coat, use a dryer such as Blaster in the direction that the hair flows. This is to prevent tangling. Lots of the undercoat can get stuck and clump together so the dryer is a great tool for loosening dead hair.