Golden Retriever grooming: de-shedding, trims, never a shave
A Golden Retriever has a double coat that sheds all year, and heavily twice a year. A professional groom ideally every 15 days, with de-shedding about every 25 days, keeps it under control. At home, brush two or three times a week. We never shave a Golden's coat.
- Coat
- Double: dense undercoat, water-resistant outer coat
- Sheds
- All year, heavily twice a year
- Professional groom
- Ideally every 15 days
Why a Golden Retriever sheds so much
The undercoat grows and drops in cycles. Loose undercoat trapped in the coat holds heat and damp against the skin. In Mumbai's humidity, that can lead to itching and sore patches.
What to do between grooms
A few minutes, two or three times a week, keeps the shedding under control.
- Brush with a slicker, then an undercoat rake, down to the skin
- Brush daily during the two heavy sheds
- Dry the coat fully after a swim or the rain
- Check behind the ears and the feathering on the legs for tangles
What a Golden Retriever groom involves
We work at your dog's pace, with breaks. You can watch the whole groom on the screen in our waiting area.
- A bath that loosens the dead undercoat
- A high-velocity dryer that pushes the loose undercoat out
- Raking and brushing until a comb passes cleanly to the skin
- A tidy of the feathering, paws and ears
- Nails and hygiene areas
Why we will not shave a Golden Retriever
The double coat protects the skin from sun and infection. Once shaved, it may not grow back the same. We rake the undercoat out properly instead.
Asked about the Golden Retriever.
Should I shave my Golden Retriever for the summer?
No. The double coat protects against heat as well as cold, and it does not always grow back the same. A de-shedding groom takes out the loose undercoat instead.
How often does a Golden Retriever need de-shedding?
About every 25 days. That stops loose undercoat from building up in the coat and around your home.
Can I de-shed my Golden Retriever at home?
Yes, with an undercoat rake and a few minutes twice a week. Bring your rake on your next visit and we will show you how to use it.
Send us a photo of your Golden Retriever's coat
Tell us when your dog was last groomed. We will reply on WhatsApp with what we would do.