Double Coats + Rain = Matting and Hot Spots

Fall in the Pacific Northwest means one thing for dog owners: rain. While we love our double-coated pups—like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Newfoundlands—those beautiful coats can turn into a real problem when wet weather hits.

Why Double Coats Struggle in the Rain
Double-coated dogs have two layers of fur:

• A soft undercoat that traps heat in the winter and sheds heavily in spring and fall.
• A protective outer coat that repels water and dirt.

When rain soaks through, the undercoat holds moisture. That dampness, combined with friction from collars, harnesses, or just normal movement, creates the perfect environment for matting and hot spots (painful, inflamed patches of skin).

The Trouble with Matting
Mats aren’t just unsightly—they pull on skin, hide debris, and trap bacteria. Left alone, mats tighten as they dry, causing discomfort and sometimes infections.

Hot Spots: A Bigger Concern
Hot spots often develop where the coat stays damp, especially around the neck, belly, and hindquarters. Dogs lick or chew at the irritation, making it worse. They can appear suddenly and spread quickly if not caught early.

Grooming Solutions
This is where regular grooming makes all the difference:

• Blow Outs: High-velocity dryers push water out of the coat, helping it dry completely.
• Brush Outs: Regular brushing removes loose undercoat before it tangles.
• Trim & Tidy: Strategic trimming around trouble spots (like behind the ears or under the belly) reduces matting risks.
• Moisture Checks: After walks in the rain, towel-dry and check your dog’s “friction zones.”

At The Blue Hound, we specialize in maintaining thick coats during wet months—keeping dogs comfortable, healthy, and mat-free.

Home Care Tips for Owners

• Keep a towel by the door for quick dry-offs after walks.
• Use a slicker brush or undercoat rake between grooms.
• Schedule regular grooming to keep the coat under control, especially as fall rains set in.
  

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