I still remember the first spring with my double coat dog. Tufts of hair floated through the air like tiny snow. I brushed, then brushed again, then laughed at the pile on the floor. If you live with a Husky, a Shepherd, a Samoyed, or a mix that has that plush look, you know the scene. It is not hard once you get the rhythm. It is a habit. And it feels good to see your dog relax into it.
At Dogtown in Gloucester, MA, we see it every day. A calm brush-out, a proper bath, then that happy shake. When the coat is managed, everything else is easier. Walks, couch time, even the vacuum feels less daunting.
Short strokes. Light pressure.
How a double coat works
A double coat has two layers that do different jobs. The soft undercoat traps air to help your dog stay warm and also cool. The longer guard hairs help shed water, block dirt, and shield skin from sun. Both layers need attention. They work together, so care should respect both.
Most double coated dogs shed year round, then “blow coat” seasonally. That big shed can feel like a storm. With the right routine, it turns into a short, tidy breeze.
Brushing that actually helps
Consistency beats marathon sessions. According to guidance from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, brushing a few times a week for a few minutes keeps loose hair moving out and skin healthy. They suggest 3 to 4 sessions per week, 5 to 10 minutes each, with the right tools for double coats. That small dose adds up fast.
Here is a simple routine that works for most dogs with double coats:
- Pick your tools. A slicker brush for surface tangles, an undercoat rake for dense areas, and a wide-tooth comb for a final pass.
- Map the coat. Start at the neck and move toward the tail, then down the sides, chest, belly, and hindquarters. Work in small sections.
- Go with the grain. Brush in the direction the hair grows. Keep your wrist soft. Do not scrape the skin.
- Focus on trouble spots. Behind ears, armpits, tail base, and trousers tend to mat. Break mats gently with the tip of the brush and your fingers.
- Finish light. A quick comb pass lifts any last loose hair. Praise and treats seal the memory.
If your dog fidgets, split sessions into two minutes here and there. I do one side after breakfast, the other after dinner. It is not perfect. It works.
Bathing without the tangles
Baths help, but not too often. For most double coats, every 4 to 8 weeks is fine. If your dog swims in salt water or gets muddy, you may bathe sooner. The trick is prep and drying. Those parts matter more than the soap.
- Pre-brush first. Remove loose undercoat before water hits the fur. Water tightens mats.
- Use lukewarm water. Wet the coat down to the skin. Part the hair with your fingers as you go.
- Choose a gentle dog shampoo. If it is thick, dilute it in a squeeze bottle to spread it easily. Massage with fingertips, not nails.
- Rinse, then rinse again. Keep rinsing until water runs clear and the hair feels clean but not squeaky dry.
- Towel and air flow. Blot, do not rub. Then use a dryer on cool or warm, not hot, while brushing to keep the coat from tangling as it dries.
Rinse more than you think.
Seasonal care when coats blow
Spring and fall can bring big sheds. Plan a few extra brush-outs during those weeks. Daily 5-minute sessions often beat a single hour on the weekend. Add an undercoat rake pass after a bath to catch what the dryer lifts.
Watch the skin as you go. If you see redness, scabs, or a hot spot starting, ease up and let the area dry and rest. Keep nails trimmed so scratching does not make things worse. A quiet, steady pace helps the most sensitive dogs relax into the process.
What not to do
People ask about shaving. For healthy double coats, shaving is not advised. The undercoat and guard hairs work as insulation and sun protection. Cutting them to the skin can change how the coat regrows. It may come back patchy or soft and fuzzy, which then mats faster. There are rare medical reasons to clip short. That should be guided by a veterinarian.
If heat is the concern, focus on shade, water, and airflow on the skin through regular de-shedding. Clean coat, clear undercoat, cool dog.
When to call in a pro
Some coats need a reset. If the undercoat feels packed, or mats keep reforming, a professional groom can save you time and stress. The full-service grooming team at Dogtown handles double coats every day, with careful brush-outs, deep rinses, and safe blow-dry work that reaches the base of the coat.
Care is not only about fur. Behavior matters too. If your dog worries about brushing or the dryer, kind guidance helps. The training programs at Dogtown teach calm handling skills that make home grooming easier. For busy days, the structured play in the dog daycare program and the spirited day camp burn energy, so your evening groom turns into a quick, happy routine. If you are traveling, safe overnight boarding keeps the rhythm going with your care notes on file.
Dogtown offers pre-enrollment assessments at no cost. That lets staff learn your pet’s size, coat, and comfort level, then tailor services around that. It is simple, and to me, that extra bit of thought shows.
Wrapping it up
Double coat care is a steady path, not a sprint. A few short brush sessions, a sensible bath, and mindful drying keep the coat doing its job. Your dog feels lighter. Your home looks tidier. If you want hands-on help, or just a second pair of eyes, schedule an assessment with Dogtown and see how a plan built for your pet can make every season easier and a little more fun.
Frequently asked questions
What is a double coat on dogs?
A double coat has two layers. The soft undercoat insulates against heat and cold, and the longer guard hairs protect from sun, dirt, and moisture. Both layers shed and need regular brushing to stay clean and comfortable.
How often should I bathe double coat dogs?
Most do well with a bath every 4 to 8 weeks. Pre-brush before water, rinse very well, and dry to the skin with a cool or warm dryer. If your dog swims or gets muddy, an extra bath is fine, as long as you dry the undercoat.
How do I brush a double coat dog?
Brush 3 to 4 times per week for 5 to 10 minutes, as suggested by Texas A&M’s veterinary guidance on reducing shedding. Use a slicker for surface hair, an undercoat rake for dense spots, and a comb to finish. Work in small sections, with light pressure.
Should I shave my double coat dog?
For healthy coats, shaving is not recommended. The coat’s layers help regulate temperature and protect skin. Shaving can change regrowth and raise sunburn risk. Only clip short for medical reasons, and follow your veterinarian’s advice.
When do double coat dogs shed most?
Many shed year round, then have heavier “blowouts” in spring and fall. During these weeks, add brief daily brush-outs and use an undercoat rake after a bath and blow-dry to pull free hair before it lands on your floors.
